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News => Internet Scams & Hoaxes => Hoaxes => Topic started by: Bob Gould on April 13, 2005, 01:44:28 AM

Title: The 90 # Hoax
Post by: Bob Gould on April 13, 2005, 01:44:28 AM
This is a hoax that has some true in it but only applies to a particular type of PABX phone system requires users to dial "9" to get an outside line then it is theoretically possible for a scammer to take control of the line. If you get it delete it don't pass it on it just uses up bandwidth and in the long run helps to slow down the internet.

DO NOT push 90# on your home phone.

Got a call last night from an individual identifying himself as an AT&T Service technician who was conducting a test on our telephone lines.

He stated that to complete the test I should touch nine (9), zero (0), hash (#) 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 allows them to place long distancencourage you to pass this on.

The GTE Security Department requested that I share this information with EVERYONE I KNOW. PLEASE pass this on to everyone YOU 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.

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 ON TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW

Here are links to sites that tell why it is a scam.

=> http://hoaxbusters.ciac.org/HBInconsequential.shtml

=> http://antivirus.about.com/od/emailhoaxes/p/90hoax.htm

=> http://www.sophos.com/virusinfo/hoaxes/donotpush.html

=> http://www.hoax-slayer.com/nine-zero-hash-hoax.html