Fraud Away From Home
Calling Card Theft
Most problems when using phones away from home occur when someone steals your calling-card-number — often eavesdropping or using binoculars to watch which buttons you push when making a call at a public pay phone. Pay phones located in areas with many windows are particularly susceptible to fraud as thieves can watch from a distant location through the use of a zoom lens.
In one scenario, a thief at a remote location, using a laptop computer and other technology, makes a call to a public pay phone at a busy airport. The bell on the pay phone has been disabled, so no one hears it ringing. A consumer picks up the handset to place a call. The thief sends a simulated dial tone to the pay phone, fooling the caller into thinking he has a real dial tone. As the unsuspecting caller enters his calling-card-number into the keypad, the thief records the tones and uses another device to convert them into a valid card number.
Stolen calling-card-numbers are sold to others and hundreds of dollars are often charged in a matter of minutes.
Defense:
- When using a public telephone, look around before giving your calling-card-number to the operator. Speak directly into the mouthpiece in a quiet voice. Be aware of nearby windows where a thief could be watching from a distance. Remember, a calling card thief doesn't have to be in close proximity to steal your number. Block the view of the keypad when dialing your calling-card-number. Whenever possible, place your calls in enclosed, safe areas or use phones that allow you to "swipe" your card, eliminating the need to speak or punch in numbers.
- To ensure your call isn't being monitored electronically from a remote location, do this: pick up the handset and hang up, wait 15 seconds and then place your call. This will disconnect any calling card thief on the line.
- AT&T customers should always use 1-800-CALL-ATT® to connect to the AT&T network for calling card calls. If company or rate information is not posted on the phone or you are blocked from accessing your carrier, report the phone to your state public utility commission.
PrePaid Cards
PrePaid Cards give consumers the convenience of anytime, anywhere calling that is paid for in advance. They are especially useful to people who are on the go and prefer to pay for their calls up front.
Many callers prefer the convenience and safety of prepaid cards when travelling. However, some customers have discovered that cards with extremely low rates sometimes don't work at all or are limited to certain areas. Others have discovered that some cards did not have the full number of minutes they purchased.
Defense:
- Be cautious when purchasing prepaid cards. Purchase your prepaid cards only from reputable establishments and telephone companies.
AT&T prepaid cards can be found at many retail locations or by calling 1-800-437-0973 ext. 46236 or visiting the PrePaid Card Store.
