Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Can you warn readers about this telephone scam? We received a call from an individual identifying himself as an AT&T service technician who was conducting a test on our telephone lines. He said to complete the test, we should press nine, zero, the pound (#) sign, then hang up. We were suspicious and refused. GTE Hawaiian Tel told us that by pushing 90#, you allow someone to place long distance telephone calls billed to your home phone number. We were further informed that this scam has been originating from many local jails. Beware of callers who
say they are testing phonesThis is "a recurring scam story being distributed mostly through e-mail," said Hawaiian Tel spokesman Keith Kamisugi.
The calls have not been verified, he said. "Our main message is, 'Do not press any codes into the phone by someone identifying themselves as engineers or technicians.' GTE does not test phones this way."
AT&T spokesman George Irion also warned that AT&T would never ask customers to do something like that.
He hadn't heard of problems with any scams recently, although they "raise their ugly heads periodically."
Several things should trigger suspicions, Irion said. One is that, under normal circumstances, a technician should never have to be transferred to another extension. And, they wouldn't use a customer to do so, he said.
Also, beware of someone saying he is doing a security check and asking for secured information, such as a calling card number.
"They sound very professional and customers willingly give (information) to them," Irion said. "Again, AT&T would know what a customer's number is, so don't volunteer secured information."
Another possibility is that a person says, "We're doing a test or a sting of some kind, so if you get a call from an operator, accept the charges," Irion said.
If you have any doubts or questions, call AT&T at 531-0101.
To the man who recently drove a white Plymouth Neon on the wrong side of a two-way street, on Halekauwila, between Punchbowl and South streets. He was going Koko Head on the wrong side of a double yellow line and made a left turn on South. Good thing no one was going the other way! -- No name Auwe
On Father's Day, after having dinner at Kincaid's, I found myself feeling light-headed and faint (not because of the food). The concern expressed by the staff, a firefighter and a male nurse who were having dinner with their families was appreciated. Also, the TLC rendered by the four city paramedics who transported me to Straub emergency. I'm sorry my family failed to get names. -- V.P. Mahalo
To inconsiderate bicycle riders who ride so close to walkers and joggers at top speed on the bike path between Pearl Harbor and Lehua Avenue. Considerate bikers slow down whenever walkers and joggers are in their view. But auwe also to walkers who inconvenience others when they walk three and four abreast. -- No name Auwe
To Craig Kagawa, a fireman at the Airport Fire Deparment. We were towing our boat from Kaneohe to town over Likelike Highway late in the afternoon July 5. As we approached the Wilson Tunnel, one of the trailer wheels came off and went rolling down the road. We managed to pull over safely. Soon after, Mr. Kagawa pulled over to help, even though it was a treacherous stretch of highway. He lent us his jack and other tools and helped reattach the wheel. We greatly appreciate his kindness. -- Steven and Pam Nishi Mahalo
Need help with problems? Call Kokua Line at 525-8686,
fax 525-6711, or write to P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu 96802.
Email to kokualine@starbulletin.com
