A few months ago it came to my attention that my cell phone had been cloned. I had been getting 'wrong number' calls from another state (AR). A few people told me that I was on their caller ID, yet I didn't know anyone nor make a call to them. The last call I got, I called Cingular and they verified that I didn't make the call. They suggested that maybe the 'caller id in that state was broken'. After I hung up, the person called back and informed me that the caller called back and bragged about how he 'burnt' my phone and was making calls for free. Luckily this person felt bad enough for me to let me know!
I called Cingular back. They assured me that it was impossible to clone a phone with the new digital technology but to make me feel better, they would change my number, which they did. I also made a fraud report with the company, but they again assured me that it was impossible to clone a phone with the technology today.
A few months later, I got a bill for $2200.00 (yes that is correct and not a typo). It was for roaming charges for the 800 calls that were made in that other state. I spent a week, everyday, a few times a day, on the phone with them. I was told that managers thought that I was lying and that I had made the calls. I was told that the fraud investigation was completed and they found that I made the calls because it came from my number. Finally, I told them explain to me how I can be making phone calls from a state on the west coast and within moments be making a call from Arkansas. They agreed that it was impossible and removed my charges. They mentioned that it was possible that my calls were sent to the wrong tower. This would be fine IF I had made calls to Arkansas, but I hadn't. I was just relieved that they removed the charges from my account. I was also very insulted to be called a liar.
Normally, I would say this was over and done with, BUT, fraud is fraud. Someone was/is doing something illegal, a federal offense. I called the Secret Service as they investigate Telecommunications Fraud only to be told that they only investigate if the Company requests it. This also makes me angry. Cingular is hiding behind the supposed secure technology. I am sure they don't want the public to know that this can happen and have their customers concerned. They want to look good. When I was told about their 'superior technology' I informed the man that Microsoft never thought they would be hacked, but they put out security patches daily for their software because someone finds a hole. I feel violated by the criminal and by Cingular.
If you do a google search for 'cell phone cloning' you can actually find sites where people share information on 'how-to'. I think the underground has figured out how to clone phones and we should all be aware! I think the companies should be responsible enough to make sure this doesn't happen again. So far, I don't think Cingular is. I think Cingular should take this seriously. When my contract is up and I start shopping around for another carrier (and I will), the company that can assure me will get my business.in the meantime, Cingular really needs to open their eyes before the criminals of this world rob us all blind (who do you think will eventually start eating the losses?)!
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