Voicemail Fraud: How Default Passwords Lead To Heavy Charges

Apr 17, 2003 •

Anthony Pell

1 min read

Topics Covered

consumer protection telecom security security alert voicemail system password exploit

Voicemail passwords are being transformed into all-access backstage passes that allow malicious hackers to exploit voicemail systems, racking up huge charges on their unlucky victims' phone bills.. . . Voicemail passwords are being transformed into all-access backstage passes that allow malicious hackers to exploit voicemail systems, racking up huge charges on their unlucky victims' phone bills.

Hackers are exploiting a combination of automated operator services from AT&T, voicemail services from SBC Communications and consumers who haven't changed their default voicemail passwords.

Victims say that AT&T and SBC know about the scam and are taking no concrete action to protect consumers from it.

But AT&T spokesman Gordon Diamond said that AT&T has been instrumental in stopping the scam.

The link for this article located at Wired is no longer available.