WorldNet Warns Users of Scam
By Matt Mills, ZDNN - July 20, 1999 11:38 AM PT
Credit card scammers target the big ISP, which strikes back with a mass e-mail
of its own. AT&T WorldNet has warned its users of an e-mail credit card scam
that aims to glean credit card information.
WorldNet sent an e-mail Monday to its 1.6 million users, warning them about an
e-mail being sent by someone who claimed to be a WorldNet employee fixing a billing
problem and asking for credit card information. WorldNet Marketing Vice President Michael
Chaplo told users in his note that this was a swindle, and that users should never
"provide credit card or password information through e-mail." He also said
WorldNet would never ask for such information via e-mail.
AT&T WorldNet spokesperson Ritch Blasi told ZDNN that the company does not
know who the perpetrators were, but is working with outside agencies to determine this
problem.
"I'm not aware of anyone actually falling for this scam," Blasi added.
He said that WorldNet had received more than 2,000 complaints about the e-mail scam.
WorldNet also posted a warning note on its homepage.
Old game, new place
"This is a rehash of an old fraud scheme done over the telephone,"
said Rob Enderle, an analyst at Giga Information Group. He said that the Internet allows
thieves to automate this type of routine, thereby obtaining more information in a much
smaller amount of time.
"People need to be more aware of what they provide over the Internet,"
Enderle said.
