FEATURE/ AT&T Warns Consumers About Fraud When They're Away From Home.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE FEATURES)--Oct. 27, 1998--AT&T is warning consumers about the communications scams most likely to fool people when they're away from their homes.

This is the third in a series of five features AT&T is publishing as part of its educational campaign.

Knowledge of these common scams and useful tips will help consumers protect themselves from becoming a victim of telephone fraud.

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 binoculars or a zoom lens camera.

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 electronically monitored 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 has sophisticated systems in place that will provide an early warning that fraud may be occurring. For example, a high incidence of international calls on a customer's calling card that previously showed no international calls will trigger an alert to AT&T for investigation. AT&T will, in fact, inform its customers if it appears that their calling card number is being used fraudulently.

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 on the AT&T home page at www.att.com/prepaidcard/cardstore/index.html.

For more information on communications fraud and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of telephone fraud, visit the AT&T fraud education web site at http://www.att.com/fraud. To order the new AT&T fraud brochure call 1 800 851-0439.