on 2/11/02 10:52 PM, Ed Kummel at tech_ed_at_yahoo.com wrote:
>
> Well, like all "cell phones" the Visor Phone has an
> Electronic Serial Number (also known as an ESN). This
> ESN is coupled with your MIN (mobile identification
> number) along with other newer "fingerprinting"
> technology to allow your cellular device to make and
> maintain calls. While "tumbling" is more difficult to
> do today (reprogramming ESN/MIN pairs) it is still a
> very common method of cellular fraud. It is not
> unlikely for someone to have the ability to
> field-program a cellular device to switch the esn/min
> pairs at a moment's notice.
> Being quite paranoid myself (those in the know, know
> those who know) I would look upon this serial number
> request with a questioning eye as to what he's going
> to do with it. You might also do well to research and
> discover if there is actually a valid need to
> determine serial numbers for compatibility.
> If you need more help with your paranoia, visit:
> http://www.clede.com/Articles/Police/cellphn.htm
> and
> http://www.textfiles.com/phreak/CELLULAR/
> (the second link is sketchy. It may not be up)
> Ed
> web/gadget guru
> come and see my Newt on the web (well, mostly) at:
> http://65.84.243.167
>
> --- David Golden <ikondave_at_charter.net> wrote:
>>
>> Hello All -
>>
>> Sorry to be so OT here, but I know that I will get
>> knowledgeable and helpful
>> responses from folks on this list. I am selling my
>> Visor and VisorPhone on
>> ebay because I want one of Handspring's new Treos
>> and I've decided to put my
>> MP2100 back to work. A potential buyer wrote to ask
>> me for my phone's serial
>> number to determine if it will work with his current
>> Visor. Perhaps I'm
>> getting suspicious in my old age, but I'm not
>> comfortable with that
>> question, and I've responded by asking him to
>> clarify his motivation. Am I
>> just a paranoid old crank, or could there be some
>> sort of nefarious intent?
>> TIA.
Thanks Ed! Now if I could only get my family to understand the importance of
lining the inside of one's hat with aluminum foil....
Dave
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