An IT company has been saddled with more than $52,359.59 in phone charges after a hacker used the firm's technology to make calls to Bulgaria.

Alan Davison of HUB Computer Solutions contacted Manitoba Telecom Services (MTS) when he noticed that there was an unusual code that appeared on his office phone display.

An MTS representative told him that there were a high volume of calls attributed to his company's account and advised him to call the company's fraud division. He was shocked to discover that a flurry of calls to Bulgaria were made between 21 November and 9 December.

While the calls have been stopped, MTS is insisting that HUB pay up for the calls that the Bulgarian made before he was discovered.

Davidson said that while he could not hold MTS 100 per cent responsible for the thieves breaking into the telephone system, the company should have the business/public community aware of this ongoing criminal activity and the threat it poses to their livelihoods."

The hacker dialled into the phone systems, hit voice mail, and worked out a way to get to the mailbox.  Once inside he could call anyone, anywhere. In order to make these types of long-distance calls a hacker would need a line coming in, and another going out at the same time. X

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