For further information please contact: Capt. J. Tim Hull
573-526-6115
Q9088
September 18, 2008

EMPHASIS: Telephone Scam


The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to make the public aware of a telephone scam involving long distance telephone service theft. The victims of the scam receive a telephone call indicating a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident. The victims are then directed to dial “star (*) 72” followed by a telephone number to obtain further information. Star (*) 72 is a telephone company service that allows call forwarding. Dialing the number supplied by the caller allows the caller to have their call billed to the victim’s telephone number. This is not the procedure law enforcement agencies use to notify family members that a loved one has been injured or killed. Anyone who has been victim to this type of call should contact their telephone service provider to request credit for any fraudulently placed calls.