Source
Automatically imported from: http://commons.somewhere.com:80/rre/1995/Telecom.records.non-priv.html
Content
This web service brought to you by Somewhere.Com, LLC.
Telecom records non-privacy at Ameritech
``` [Send this to your friends in Ameritech's service area (midwest US).]
Date: Wed, 7 Jun 95 17:53:53 PDT
From: RISKS Forum
RISKS-LIST: Risks-Forum Digest Weds 7 June 1995 Volume 17 : Issue 17
---
Date: Tue, 6 Jun 95 21:38 PDT From: lauren@vortex.com (Lauren Weinstein) Subject: Telecom records non-privacy at Ameritech
In a recent issue of the TELECOM digest, it was reported that Ameritech now allows anyone to obtain bill payment information for any Ameritech line (unless blocked by specific subscriber request)--a true bonanza for snoops in general and for folks trolling for big bill customers to target for marketing.
Obviously, this is a terrible policy. It is unfortunately not a unique situation. Ameritech's explanation (as reported in TELECOM) has been spouted by numerous other utilities, banks, and other entities. If a subscriber complains, they are frequently told that "hardly anyone else has complained about the system". If 1000 people complain, they may each individually be told that they're essentially the "lone wolf".
The "solution" is obvious. Ameritech should return to a "random" passcode system, and allow customers who have a problem remembering the code to either choose something simple ("0000") or opt for no code at all. But such a choice of no security should be made by the individual customer--to make it the default condition for all customers is very bad policy.
Experience has shown that the only effective way to deal with these types of situations is to complain loudly to the highest level you can reach. In the case of Ameritech, complaints (and suggestions for "fixing" the problem, as mentioned above) should be made to the billing supervisor level at least--better yet, speak to the managers. And while it means taking the time to put it down in written form, letters to state PUCs are extremely important with such matters.
I'm sure there are just a few Ameritech subscribers reading this now. If each of you expressed your opinion (one way or another) to the PUC and Ameritech regarding their system, I suspect you could have considerable impact.
--Lauren--
---
End of RISKS-FORUM Digest 17.17
--- ```
This web service brought to you by Somewhere.Com, LLC.