Re: Can't block caller ID in Massachusetts?

[Adam Shostack <adam@homeport.org>]

They lie.  ("why would anyone need another?")

You can avoid ANI by placing an operator assisted toll free call.
Dial 0, and say, "Hi, I'm getting funny beeps when I try to dial
800-905-1514.  Could you help me place the call?"

(Thats the OKBOMB FBI tip number.  Oddly, the FBI is still offering a
$2m reward for information.  And I thought they had their scapegoat.)

Incidentally, Use of the NAME, INITIALS, or SEAL of the FBI is
restricted by law and may be used only with written permission of the
FBI.  (www.fbi.giv)

Adam

David Mazieres wrote:
| 
| 
| My last phone bill said that Nynex is now giving out people's names in
| addidtion to their phone numbers over caller-id.  I therefore called
| Nynex and told them to block caller-id on my phone line.
| 
| They said no problem, but...  They said nothing I can do will block it
| when I call 800 numbers.  "The people with 800 numbers have special
| software, and there is nothing you can do to block your identity when
| calling them.  Not even *67."
| 
| Wow.  Maybe I'm not paranoid enough, but I never expected this.  I can
| never again call an 800 number anonymously to get information about
| something unless I go out to a pay phone.  What an incredible
| inconvenience, and how truly depressing.
| 
| I know 800 number owners probably used to be able to get lists of
| calling phone numbers on their phone bills, but this is less
| disturbing as it would take significant effort to match up the lists
| after the fact.  I just want to be able to call up companies and say,
| for instance, "If I buy your product, can it do X?" as opposed to, for
| instance, "I'm stuck with your product, can it do X?".  People are
| often more helpful in the former case.  Now, though, they'll know
| exactly who I am before they even say hello.
| 
| David
| 


-- 
"It is seldom that liberty of any kind is lost all at once."
					               -Hume