recently started spending time with an old aquaintance who i always recall being a very bright guy. at one point we got into talking about various biz ventures and which time he mentions this rather strange opportunity: he has stumbled on to a 1800 # which if called from our city, allows for free long-distance in north america. Basically he plans to sell information kits for a small amount of money that list the phone #
is this legal?
What’s that I smell? Fish?
Are the “information kits for a small amount of money” for a limited period of calling, unlimited calling, restricted in any fashion?
Telecos make money by selling time, for limited times and/or calling patterns. A toll-free number with no restrictions really sounds like a stolen number.
How did the acquaintance “stumble” upon the number?
Sure sounds like something that’s not legal.
Using anything that doesn’t belong to you, unless it’s offered, is illegal. Judge Wapner say’s so, and so does common sense.
Peace,
mangeorge
Is he asking you to invest some capital in his scheme?
Of course it’s illegal. Someone or some corporation owns that 800 number. They pay all charges made against it, and anyone using it without their express permission is essentially stealing from them.
There’s a telephone directory that lists all 800 numbers in the USA, or there used to be. I have an old one, which is about 15 years old. An 800 number is like any other telephone number. If it is listed, anyone can use it, with or without your permission.
Not all 800 numbers are listed.
Anyone can use the 800 number. What you can do after that connection is made is what this question is about, I think. There are many restrictions on what one can do after dialing any number.
lets assume its listed, and simply asks you to dial the number you wish to call as soon as you call it.
Well, then it has to route your call over existing circuits, which somebody has to pay for. Or steal. Same for wireless.
Same for cable,
Same for music,
Same for satellite.
Unless it’s offered by the owner. Very unusual, that would be.
You could be routed through Africa, or where ever that scam takes you, for a few hundred bucks. But that would be wrong, wouldn’t it?
Mangeorge, suddenly virtuous:D
The only way I can see this working is if it is an incoming 800 number that gets you into a system that lets you dial back out. Years ago our company had an employee only 800 number that got you into the company phone system. Subsequently, you could transfer to an outside number, thereby making a long distance call. Abuse required us to get rid of the system.
Some 800 numbers automatically redirect. A good example is a pizza chain. When you call, it reads your phone # and directs your call to the proper store.
Amazing, huh? Next time you call it even displays your order history.
Thats why (partly) you can’t block caller id to 800 #'s