FW: FYI - Telephone Scam

[steve at cyberianhamster.com (Steve)]

>>I received a telephone call last evening form an individual identifying
>>himself as an AT&T service technician who was conducting a test on
>>telephone lines.  He stated that to complete the test I should touch
>>nine (9), zero (0), and pound sign (#), and then hang up.  Luckily, I
>>was suspicious and refused.  Upon contacting the telephone company, I
>>was informed that by pushing 90#, you give the requesting individual
>>full access to your telephone line, which enables them to place long
>>distance calls billed to your home phone number.

Abnormally long explanation (just read it all aloud. You barely have 
time to take a breath). Check.

A supposedly very serious, affecting everybody, etc. problem that 
receives no media coverage outside of the email. Check.

>>I was further informed that this scam has been originated from many
>>local jails/prisons.  I have also verified this information with UCB
>>Telecom, Pacific Bell, MCI, Bell Atlantic, and GTE.

 >>After checking with Verizon they said it was true, so do not dial (9),
 >>zero (0), the pound sign (#), and hang up for anybody!

Unverified appeal to authority. "I contacted them so you don't have to. 
Just believe what I say." Check.

>>Please beware.  DO
>>NOT PRESS 90# for anyone.  

Warning in all caps. Check.

Words that encompass as many people as possible (e.g., everybody, 
anybody, etc.) as either targets or attackers. Check.

>>The GTE security department requested I share
>>this information with everyone I know.  Please pass this on to everyone
>>you know.  

 >>If you have mailing lists and/or newsletters form
 >>organizations you are connected with, I encourage you to pass on this
 >>information to them.

Chain letter request. Check.

Does anybody know if someody has written a logic filter for email 
hoaxes? Would be interesting as they all seem to sound the same to me.

Steve