#90 or 09# Scam for SIM cards - True or False?

**JFB** · 01-23-2002, 3:47 PM

I recently rec'd and email about a potential scam related to GSM / SIM card phones. I usually don't pass on this type of email because greater than 99% of them are bogus. I have not forwarded it to anyone, but I thought it would be a good topic to discuss whether or not it could be true.

Here is the text of the email:

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WARNING - MOBILE PHONE FRAUD ALERT
Everyone please be warned:
If you get a phone call on your mobile from any mobile phone 'company engineer' telling you that they are doing a check on your phone and that you must press #90 or 09# . END THE CALL IMMEDIATELY without pressing the numbers.
There is a fraud company on the go who have devised a device that once you pressed #90 or 09#, they can access your SIM CARD and make calls from it at your expense. Tell as many people as you can so we can stop this.
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(end text)

Is this even technically possible? I tend to doubt it highly, but I am no expert in GSM/SIM card technology.

JFB

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**KevinJames** · 01-23-2002, 4:25 PM

Regarding <u>landlines</u> I am aware of a dial-sequence that was being used by imprisoned criminals who would call an unsuspecting residence, claiming to be a tech testing the line, and ask for a dial-sequence. The dial-sequence would then allow the criminal to call anywhere using their prey's phone number and have it billed to the prey's phone bill. Obviously, I am not going to post what that sequence is.

I do not know of the same being true with wireless phones containing SIM cards (GSM phones).

**disconut** · 07-25-2008, 12:16 AM

Hi - this is a worldwide hoax. The hoax confirmation can be found on the following web site links - copy and paste any of them to in your address line to access the site:

http://www.trendmicro.com/Vinfo/hoax...2390%2F09+Cell +Phone+Warning+Hoax&Page=1

Don't Press #90 on Your Cellular Phone - BreakTheChain.org

I always google key words when I get a message like this before sending it on and 90% of the time they are hoaxes. Hope this helps.