NCJ Number
149378
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 63 Issue: 7 Dated: (July 1994) Pages: 1-4
Date Published
1994
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The fraudulent use of commercial voice mail systems is increasing; criminals usually commit voice mail fraud against businesses equipped with a toll-free customer service number.
Abstract
Voice mail fraud occurs when a caller leaves a personal, non-business-related message for another individual within a company's voice mail system, usually using the toll-free number, and another individual retrieves the message, again using the toll-free number. The loss is reflected in long-distance calls, many times from overseas numbers, that are charged to the particular office's toll- free service. Voice mail fraud has several variations. One type occurs when the toll-free service makes remote access dialing available. In addition, the illegal selling of long distance service is most commonly associated with stolen calling card numbers. Individuals likely to commit voice mail fraud include young offenders who often use voice mail illegally to send chain messages and computer hackers. Procedures to aid the investigation and prosecution of voice mail fraud are described, along with specific measures to prevent such fraud.