The “9 0 #” scam
I dialed ‘0’ and asked the operator to confirm if this was correct, so please pass it on. I received a telephone call last evening from an individual identifying himself as a Telephone Serviceman who was conducting a test on the telephone lines. He stated that to complete the test I should press nine (9) and then zero (0), followed by the pound sign (#), and then to hang up.
Luckily, I was suspicious, and I refused.
Upon contacting the telephone company, I was informed that by pushing “9 0 #”, you are giving the requesting individual full access to your telephone line which enables them to place long distance calls billed to your home phone number.
I was further informed that this scam has been circulating in B.C., Alta., ON and NB from local jails and prisons.
DO NOT press “9 0 #” for ANYONE !
After checking with Telus, they said it was true. So do not dial “90#” for anyone!
I did follow up this scam on my own. TELUS knows nothing about it. However, be that as it may, the lesson here is to be skeptical about anyone asking you to do something with any device which you own. My usual strategy if I want to get involved with the caller is to ask for their phone number, so I can phone them back. But nowadays, frauds are becoming more and more sophisticated. I would advise you to thank the caller and hang up. RICHARD
