Attorney General's News Release

April 10, 2001

Nixon cautions businesses about PBX phone scams

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon today warned Missouri businesses that use a private business exchange (PBX) phone system to not fall victim to a scam in which they are charged for unauthorized long-distance calls. PBX systems enable employees to call into the office and make long-distance calls without hanging up, but also can be used by con artists to make long-distance calls at the business's expense.

Nixon said his office recently has received several complaints from businesses that have been victimized by such scams.

"It's important that businesses with PBX systems alert their employees to this scam so they don't end up paying for thousands of dollars of unauthorized calls," Nixon said. "The person at the business who is responsible for paying the phone bill also should check the bills carefully for unauthorized calls and notify the long-distance carrier of any charges suspected of being part of a PBX scam."

Nixon said one variation of the scam involves businesses receiving a call from someone who firsts asks to speak to someone who is not there, then asks the receptionist to be connected to an outside line. If the outside-line connection is made without hanging up, the scam artist then can make long-distance phone calls at the business's expense.

Another variation is for the caller to pretend to be with the phone company and ask the receptionist to dial 90# to test for problems in the phone line; the 90# may be included in a longer series of numbers. Dialing 90# on a PBX system also allows the scam artist to make long-distance calls, Nixon said.

Nixon said the PBX scam only affects that type of business phone system and does not affect residential phones.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818