Path: utzoo!telecom-request Date: Wed, 1 May 91 15:50:40 GMT From: Bill Gripp Newsgroups: comp.dcom.telecom Subject: Re: Has Anyone Heard of This? Reply-To: Bill Gripp Message-ID: Organization: Bank of New York 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 325, Message 1 of 8 Lines: 64 In article John Higdon writes: X-Telecom-Digest: Volume 11, Issue 322, Message 3 of 10 > 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. > [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. Well I called from here in New York City at 11:30 eastern time and got through. They asked for my name, phone number, if I had a checking account, and validation number. They then told me that I had been called because I had been selected to receive one of four special prizes! (which are part of an "advertizing campaign"): 32" Sony TV with remote control $2000 cashiers check Round trip vacation to Jamaica (Queens, NY? =8^) ) $1000 savings bond And after they had verified my name and validation number against their list of winners (remember, they never really called me) they told me that I also won a special bonus of a seven day trip to Orlando, FL (consisting of two round trip airline vouchers). After some sales speil about saving money and trying to convince me to join their "buying club" they asked me for the number of my checking account. Well I don't carry it with me (heh heh heh) so I could honestly say "I don't know". They deduct the $199.98 membership fee directly from your checking. They gave me some more speil and said they would call me back when I have my check book available. Gee, and I just used up my last check last Sunday and won't get any from the printers for another three weeks =8^). Sorry, just another phone scam.