73765.1026@compuserve.com (John Stanley) (10/04/90)
Vote for 900 sleaze of the year: There is, apparently a recent horror movie that features a demonic doll named Georgie (I think). The ad goes something like: "Hi, I'm Georgie. Call me at 1-900-xxx-1DOLL and talk to me. And then, I'll CALL YOU BACK. (voice over: yes that's right, call now and after you hang up, Georgie will call you back. Only x dollars per minute, ask your parents if you are under 18, etc...)" What a wonderful use for ANI. And what a marvelous tool for torture. Older brother calls Georgie, hangs up. Georgie calls back, older brother lets five5 year old little brother answer phone. Or, goof gains access to other line in apartment complex, calls Georgie. Georgie calls back to unsuspecting single woman. Wow, semi-automated, anonymous harassment calls. Actually, now you no longer need to harass the operator to call you back to test the ringer. Hmmm, I wonder if this could be used somehow to find out the number of the line you are calling on? (p.s. In Syracuse are, 993 reaches an automated voice that speaks the calling number. It does not work on certain exchanges when you have a hunt group - it gives the main number.)