While there is *some* truth to this warning (it affects only a small number
of business customers and even then, only those with improperly configured
PBX systems), this "warning" has been floating around the net since 1995
and should basicaly be ignored.

Common sense, folks. If someone says "spread this to everyone you know"
then in just about every circumstance you can ignore this. If you really
feel you must spread the gospel to save the world, always attempt to verify
this at the Urban Legends archive at http://www.urbanlegends.com/




At 08:28 AM 09-18-01 -0500, you wrote:
>This came to me from a verified source.  This is not some joke.  Please pass
>on to others across the country that you know.  Thanks.
>
>
>                                          To:     COB-9998-Corporate Office
>
>                     Mike Richter         cc:
>
>                                          Subject:     [Fwd: ]
>
>                     09/17/01
>
>                     09:41 AM
>
>
>
>----- Forwarded by Mike Richter/coborns on 09/17/01 09:40 AM -----
>
>I received a telephone call last evening from an individual identifying
>himself as an AT&T Service technician who was conducting a test on telephone
>lines. He stated that to complete the test I should touch nine(9), zero (0),
>the pound sign (#), and then hang up.  Luckily, I was suspicious and
>refused. Upon contacting the telephone company, I was informed that by
>pushing 90#, you give the requesting individual full access to your
>telephone line, which enables him/her to place long distance calls billed to
>your home phone number.  I was further informed that this scam has been
>originating from many local jails/prisons.  I have also verified this
>information with UCB Telecom, Pacific Bell, MCI, Bell Atlantic and GTE.
>Please beware. DO NOT press 9, 0,
>
># for ANYONE. The GTE Security Department requested that I share this
>information with EVERYONE I KNOW.  If you have mailing lists and/or
>newsletters from organizations you are connected with, I encourage you to
>pass on this information to them, too. After checking with Verizon they said
>it was true, so do not dial (9), zero (0), the pound sign # and hang up, for
>anyone. PLEASE pass this on to everyone YOU know AND CARE ABOUT
>
>Dick Hofmeister