Path: utzoo!telecom-request Date: Sun, 28 Apr 91 22:18 PDT From: John Higdon Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom Subject: Has Anyone Heard of This? Reply-To: John Higdon Message-ID: Organization: Green Hills and Cows Sender: Telecom@eecs.nwu.edu Approved: Telecom@eecs.nwu.edu X-Submissions-To: telecom@eecs.nwu.edu X-Administrivia-To: telecom-request@eecs.nwu.edu X-Telecom-Digest: Volume 11, Issue 322, Message 3 of 10 Lines: 48 For the fourth time in about as many weeks, I have received a pre-recorded marketing spiel on my 800 line (probably directed at the POTS number). It is the same thing every time, but the fact that it comes in on this particular line indicates that the calling entity has no idea who or what it is calling. There is no way that the outside world can associate me with this line. The female voice indicates that she has tried to reach me five times and this is the last time (on every one of the calls). To claim my prize it will be necessary to call a number and give my validation number, "C5" (which is spoken in a voice that sounds like a Hollywood alien on drugs -- supposed to be a computer voice?). I must do this within 24 hours to claim my prize, which will otherwise be given to someone else. The number, 312 292-9000, (Patrick -- I realize Chicago is a big place, but have you by chance heard of this scam?) is always busy. I suspect that if one gets through, he will be directed to a 900 number. If anyone wants to use my "validation number", be my guest. You need not impersonate me, since there is no possible way the operation has any ability to connect me with the number it called to reach me. But be sure you let us know what it is all about! John Higdon | P. O. Box 7648 | +1 408 723 1395 john@zygot.ati.com | San Jose, CA 95150 | M o o ! [Moderator's Note: I found out only a few things. All the numbers between 312-292-9000 and 312-292-9049 *always* are busy. The first couple dozen immediatly cut to a busy signal when dialed; the numbers in the upper range (9040 through 9049) click, appear to get forwarded somewhere, then also return a busy signal. The first thirty or so of the numbers are listed two ways: 'Combined Credit Service, Inc' and 'American Consumer Services', both of 2320 North Damen Avenue in Chicago. The remainder of the numbers (from about 9035 up to 9049) give a CNA report of 'no record on file' (as opposed to non-pub). The numbers from 9050 up to at least 9099 are not in service. I tried several of the numbers just now (midnight) and got a busy on everything I tried; my assumption is the numbers are out of order or perhaps not in service but incorrectly programmed in the switch, etc. If I think of it, I will check out 2320 North Damen in the criss cross at my office tomorrow. There seem to be very few working numbers in the 312-292 exchange. I tested at random and mostly got 'not in service' or 'has been disconnected' messages. PAT]