Robert Kaplan <kaplanr@chaos.cs.brandeis.edu> (08/28/90)
Just recently, operator-assisted calls through Telesphere from Brandeis have become partially automated. Dialing 9+0+NPA+ number+ Brandeis access code now yields a recorded "please enter your card number now or dial 0 for an operator." So far, so good, but upon entering the card number, a staticky voice asks you to "please wait." After nearly a 20-second wait, the call either goes through or gets a "this is not a valid card number" recording. This sounds to me very much like the traditional AOS scam of trying the card number by placing a call through ATT, then approving the call only if the ATT-placed call goes through. And _that_ practice is clearly unethical and (I think) illegal. So, how do I prove that that's what International Telesphere is doing, and, once proven, how do I shut the scumbags down? BTW, I've _never_ been stupid enough to actually allow an operator-assisted or card call to go through on Telesphere; the Telesphere operators can (grudgingly) connect you to ATT, thank God. Scott Fybush / kaplanr@chaos.cs.brandeis.edu [Moderator's Note: It is illegal, and AT&T has sued before because of this. There's a few AT&T security guys who read the Digest, and perhaps they will be motivated to check things out at the Telesphere point of presence wherever they are at picking up Brandeis traffic. PAT]