"Virus Hoaxes"
Virus Hoax Warnings: Page 1 of 81
90# Warning January 1998 This warning is basically true for some but not all phone systems. Some PBX systems transfer a call to an outside, long distance operator when you type 90# giving the caller an outside line on your dime. It works if your phone system requires you to dial 9 to get an outside line, 0 to get an operator and # to transfer the incoming call to the line you have just dialed. Few home phones require you to dial 9 to get an outside line so dialing 90# will only get you a busy signal. As this is one of thousands of potential scams, sending out a message to everyone you know probably does more damage than the scam being warned about. On Saturday, 24 January 1998, Naval Air Station, Joint Reserve Base, New Orleans' Quarterdeck received a telephone call from an individual identifying himself as an AT&T Service Technician that was running a test on our telephone lines. He stated that to complete the test the QMOW should touch nine (9), zero (0), pound sign (#) and hang up. Luckily, the QMOW was suspicious and refused. Upon contacting the telephone company we were informed that by using 90# you end up giving the individual that called you access to your telephone line and allows them to place a long distance telephone call, with the charge appearing on your telephone [bill]. We were further informed that this scam has been originating from many of the local jails/prisons. Please 'pass the word.'
Copyright 2004 by Jay Jennings
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