AT&T Charged US Taxpayers $16 Million For Nigerian Fraud Calls 155
McGruber writes "Bloomberg News is reporting that AT&T got more than $16 million from the U.S. government to run Telecommunications Relay Services, intended to help the hearing- and speech-impaired. However, as many as '95 percent of the calls in AT&T's hearing- impaired program were made by people outside the U.S. attempting to defraud merchants through the use of stolen credit cards, counterfeit checks and money orders.' According to the DoJ, 'AT&T in 2004, after getting complaints from merchants, determined the Internet Protocol addresses of 10 of the top 12 users of the service were abroad, primarily in Lagos, Nigeria.' The DOJ intervened in the whistle-blower lawsuit Lyttle v. AT&T Communications of Pennsylvania, 10-01376, U.S. District Court, Western District of Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh). The DOJ is seeking triple damages from AT&T."
Re:hucksters. (Score:5, Funny)
As a huckster, I don't appreciate you slandering my name like that.
Re:friendly heads up RE "hearing impaired" (Score:5, Funny)
"Hearing impaired" is not the preferred phrase
Yeah, it should be HEARING IMPAIRED!!!!!
Cost to merchants high as well (Score:5, Funny)
No it hasn't... (Score:4, Funny)
"Some voices got treble, some voices got bass
We've got the kind of voices that are in your face!"
-- Beastie Boys
See? Not out of use at all... Oh, wait, we're talking about treble/triple though aren't we?
Re:friendly heads up RE "hearing impaired" (Score:4, Funny)
Re:hucksters. (Score:4, Funny)
The Prince of Nigeria has just passed away and as heir to his throne and lawyers you will be able to sue this evil monster out of existence. All it takes is your name, SSN, address, and a good will payment of $10,000 USD forwarded to the address below using Western Union.
Mr. Johns Cammer
101 Prince Rd
JOS 930283
No-Scam State
Nigeria
Fake. The spelling is too good.