EXPLODING THE PHONE

Abstract

Judgment finding Draper guilty of one count of 18 USC 1343, giving him a suspended sentence, $1000 fine, and five years probation. "Defendant shall refrain from illegal use of the telephone or other such electronic devices for fraudulent means."

Keywords

John Thomas Draper; John T. Draper; John Draper; Captain Crunch

Abstract

Overview of phone phreaking and John Draper's involvement in it. Discusses Denny and Jim and provides some good background info. Includes great photo of a clean-shaven Draper.

Keywords

Captain Crunch; John T. Draper; Lompoc, CA; Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company (PTT); phone phreaks; Joseph Doherty; American Telephone and Telegraph Co. (ATT); Denny (friend of Draper); Jim (friend of Draper); whistle; blue box; San Francisco, CA; Cheshire Cat (phone phreak); Peter Perpendicular Pimple (phone phreak); FBI; CIA; black box;

Abstract

Where-are-they-now type article describing John Draper's life post phone phreaking. Discusses Jobs and Wozniak, EasyWriter, and Draper's time in Goa, India.

Keywords

John Thomas Draper; John T. Draper; John Draper; Captain Crunch; EasyWriter

Abstract

John Draper wiretapping investigation

Keywords

John Thomas Draper; John Draper

Notes / See Also

Sections 3 and 4 of 139-SF-188, reprocessed on appeal, released 12/20/2010. See also db899

Source

FBI via FOIA

Abstract

Letter from AT&T's law firm that provided assistance to the prosecution in Draper's third bust summarizing their role in the prosecution.

Keywords

John Draper; Draper Third Bust

Source

Anonymous

Abstract

Telephone company security summary of Draper's 1877-1978 Pennsylvania bust.

Keywords

John Draper; Draper Third Bust

Source

Anonymous

Abstract

"A 33-year-old Menlo Park electronics wizard, who was fined $1,000 in 1972 for using a toy whistle to make a free phone call to Australia, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in San Francisco for placing free calls to Pennsylvania." Draper now free on $5,000 bail

Keywords

John Thomas Draper; John T. Draper; John Draper

Abstract

"A federal judge has ordered John Thomas Draper to put away his whistle and pay for long distance phone calls."

Keywords

John Thomas Draper; John T. Draper; John Draper

Notes / See Also

Very short blurb

Abstract

Transcript of radio interview with John Draper on KGO radio. Draper warns that the phone company has deployed CAMA-C which allows it to quickly detect blue box usage.

Keywords

John Draper; KGO; Blue Box; CAMA-C

Source

Anonymous

Abstract

Description of John Draper's life since his 1976 bust, focusing on the 2000s.

Keywords

John Thomas Draper; John Draper; John T. Draper; Captain Crunch; Cap'n Crunch

Abstract

John Draper charged in Oakland with conspiracy to defraud BART. Charges also to be filed against William Squire and Perry Forcier.

Keywords

John Thomas Draper; John T. Draper; John Draper; Captain Crunch; William Squire; Perry Forcier; BART

Abstract

Evidence examination report for Draper's 1977 arrest.

Keywords

John Thomas Draper; John T. Draper; John Draper; Captain Crunch; Charley board

Source

Anonymous

Abstract

Additional materials released 2/25/2009 from FOIA appeal of FBI file 87-HQ-121189 on John Thomas Draper's first arrest in 1972. Includes GTE security memorandum with details on the Vancouver 4A switching machine. Corresponding field office file 87-SF-33313

Keywords

John Thomas Draper; Captain Crunch; 4A switching machine; FBI; 87-HQ-121189

Notes / See Also

See also: db365, db883

Source

FBI via FOIA

Abstract

Second preliminary hearing in Commonwealth v. Wright, Draper.

Keywords

John Draper; Wortley Wright; Andrew Wright

Source

An anonymous phone phreak

Abstract

Untitled telephone company profile of John Draper, including his background and arrests.

Keywords

John Draper; REMOB

Source

Anonymous

Abstract

A short memo to a long list of internal employees. It starts "To All Newspersons", and notifies them that John Draper will be in court in San Francisco on December 15th to answer charges of probation violation in relation to his arrest in PA the previous year. Recipients are instructed to contact Rezak or Jim Monroe if there are any media questions.

Keywords

John Thomas Draper; Captain Crunch; phone phreaks; blue box; R.R. Rezak

Abstract

FBI file 139-SF-188 on John Draper for eavesdropping. Corresponds to HQ file 139-HQ-4991.

Keywords

John Thomas Draper; Captain Crunch

Notes / See Also

Originally released as two interim releases, now combined

Source

FBI via FOIA

Abstract

Bibliographic list of articles and news clips re: John Draper, 1971 - 1978. Compiled March, 1978.

Keywords

John Draper; Captain Crunch

Source

An anonymous phone phreak

Abstract

FBI file 87-HQ-121189 on John Thomas Draper's first arrest in 1972. Includes GTE security memorandum with details on the Vancouver 4A switching machine. Corresponding field office file 87-SF-33313

Keywords

John Thomas Draper; Captain Crunch; 4A switching machine; FBI; 87-HQ-121189

Notes / See Also

See also db365

Source

FBI via FOIA

Abstract

John Draper says that AT&T has a system in Iowa that can monitor any phone call in the country. AT&T and the FCC both deny its existence.

Keywords

AT&T; John Draper; Captain Crunch; John Trovoto (AT&T spokesman); FCC; whistle; phone phreaks

Notes / See Also

Article title unknown.

Source

ProQuest

Abstract

Indictment or complaint in County of Alameda, State of California against John Thomas Draper, Parry Thomas Forcier, and William Mallot Squire for devising a scheme to duplicate BART cards.

Keywords

BART card duplication; Alameda County; John Thomas Draper; Parry Thomas Forcier; William Mallot Squire

Source

An anonymous phone phreak

Abstract

Collected legal papers (motions, orders, etc.) regarding Draper's 1977 bust in Pennsylvania.

Keywords

John Draper; Wortley Wright; Andrew Wright; Captain Crunch; Pennsylvania

Abstract

Draper's comments on the technical accuracy of the Esquire article.

Keywords

John Draper; Cap'n Crunch; blue boxes; Esquire

Notes / See Also

Claimed to have been published on the Well in 1998; this is unconfirmed. Now hosted on several sites.

Source

Web

Abstract

Draper indictment and tape "call detail and transcript"

Keywords

John Thomas Draper; Captain Crunch

Source

National Archives (Court Records)

Abstract

Motions and orders resulting from Draper's third arrest in Pennsylvania and resulting violation of probation in California. Includes psychiatric evaluations and character reference letters.

Keywords

John Thomas Draper; Captain Crunch

Source

National Archives (Court Records)

Abstract

"Have they captured Captain Crunch, legendary hero of 'phone phreaks' and the man whose dialing of 'Ma Bell' the telephone company has become an inspiration to us all? The FBI believes so."

Keywords

John Thomas Draper; John T. Draper; John Draper; Captain Crunch

Abstract

"FBI has arrested a 29-year-old man for the alleged use of sophisticated electronic equipment that allowed him to make long distance calls without charge."

Keywords

John Thomas Draper; John T. Draper; John Draper

Abstract

Telephone company security memo detailing initial steps of investigation leading up to Draper's third bust.

Keywords

John Draper; Michael J. Hanna; Edward W. McFarland

Notes / See Also

Date estimated based on content of memo.

Source

Anonymous

Abstract

John Thomas Draper, aka Captain Crunch, fined $1000 and placed on five years probation.

Keywords

John Thomas Draper; Captain Crunch

Notes / See Also

Includes good quality photo of Draper.

Source

Alan Rubinstein

Abstract

John Draper indicted by federal grand jury for blue box fraud.

Keywords

whistle; John T. Draper; Captain Crunch; Menlo Park, CA; Bethlehem, PA; Blue Box

Notes / See Also

Article title unknown.

Abstract

FBI file 139-HQ-4991 on John Draper for eavesdropping. Corresponding field office files are 139-SF-188, 139-LA-414, and 139-NY-397.

Keywords

John Thomas Draper; Captain Crunch

Source

FBI via FOIA

Abstract

Dismissal of Draper New Jersey red box charges due to lack of criminal intent.

Keywords

John Draper

Abstract

Memo from Ken Hopper regarding John Draper's use of the auto verify system. This is the initial Bell laboratories memo on the topic, and is followed up by several additional memos and letters.

Keywords

Ken Hopper; John Draper; Jack Wilgus; Jay Cochran; Ray Brewer; Bob Jacobs; George Alex; Leo Rafferty; Roland Zehr; Pete Rella; James Amalong; Ray Ryan; verification; autoverify

Source

Anonymous

Abstract

John Draper accuses AT&T of having a system installed in Iowa which can tap anyone's telephone line without detection. AT&T denies this, and FCC says they don't know anything about it.

Keywords

American Telephone & Telegraph Co. (AT&T); John Draper; John Trovato (AT&T spokesman); Randolph Young (chief, FCC telephone tarriff div.); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Captain Crunch; phone phreaks; Iowa; REMOBS

Notes / See Also

This is a duplicate of db298, which has the actual article. See also: db298

Source

ProQuest

Abstract

History of John Draper and phone phreaking.

Keywords

John Draper; Captain Crunch

Notes / See Also

Lots of good background material on Draper's youth, but also many inaccuracies. Article is part of db367 and db899, i.e., we obtained it as part of an FBI file.

Abstract

Scan of John Draper's business card from Hugle International

Keywords

John Draper; business card

Notes / See Also

Date is from Belton's recollection.

Source

Fred Belton

Abstract

Transcript of first preliminary hearing in Commonwealth v. Wright, Draper.

Keywords

John Draper; Wortley Wright; Andrew Wright

Source

An anonymous phone phreak

Abstract

AP coverage of the Draper press conference on REMOBS

Keywords

REMOB; John Draper

Abstract

Article describing Cap'n Software and Draper driving a Mercedes and being successful.

Keywords

John Draper; Captain Crunch; Cap'n Software

Abstract

Interview with Draper.

Keywords

John Draper; Captain Crunch

Notes / See Also

Some good quotes. Part of db367 and db899, i.e., we obtained as part of an FBI file.

Abstract

John Thomas Draper arrested, suspected of being notorious phone phreak Captain Crunch.

Keywords

Captain Crunch; phone phreaks; Los Gatos, CA; FBI; John Thomas Draper; San Jose City College; California Microwave, Sunnyvale, CA; tandem; 2600; whistle

Source

Author Research

Abstract

Overview of the 1979 phone phreak convention in New York. Mentions John Draper, Abbie Hoffman, Cheshire Catalyst, Aubrey Phillips.

Keywords

whistle; John T. Draper; Captain Crunch; phone phreaks; Technological American Party (TAP); black box; blue box; Bernard Cornfeld; Captain Cheeseburger; Wizard; American Telephone and Telegraph Co. (AT&T); Abbie Hoffman; Cheshire Catalyst; Aubrey Phillips; Convention

Notes / See Also

Byline is Carol Oppenheim, Chicago Tribune

Abstract

Overview article on phone phreaking based on interview with John Draper.

Keywords

Blue Box; John Draper

Notes / See Also

AP newswire story.

Source

Newspaper Archive

Abstract

John Draper sentenced after a plea bargain that allowed him to get his computer back.

Keywords

Stroudsburg, PA; John Draper; Captain Crunch; Bell Telephone; FBI; Larry Weiss (Receiving Studios); Berkeley, CA; Lenwood Stephens (UBC Grain Co.); Philadelphia, PA

Source

ProQuest

Abstract

Draper is sentenced to one year on work furlough for parole violation resulting from his third bust.

Keywords

John Draper; Robert F. Peckham

Notes / See Also

Date estimated from other records on same subject.

Source

Anonymous

Abstract

Draper claims AT&T has created a remote wiretapping system called "REMOB".

Keywords

John Draper; REMOB; Paul McCloskey

Source

Anonymous

Abstract

Memo from J.F. Doherty to telephone company security agents requesting that they promptly provide assistance in following up on leads generated by Draper's third bust.

Keywords

Notes / See Also

Date estimated based on contents of memo.

Source

Anonymous

Abstract

Interview with John Draper, aka Captain Crunch, covering history of phone phreaking and his arrests.

Keywords

John Draper

Source

Anonymous

Abstract

TWX of SF Chronicle article. Phreaks' curiosity about how Captain Crunch made his calls was "short-circuited yesterday when Draper entered a plea of nolo contendere."

Keywords

Captain Crunch; John Draper; blue box

Abstract

FBI File 139-WF-262 regarding Draper's claims that it was possible to intercept white house communications. Based on a May 11, 1977 Jack Anderson column that "Rep. McCloskey was advised by a constituent that he had developed a blue box enabling him to tap into secure WH telephone lines." Includes copy of news summary as well as a GAO memo regarding telecom vulnerabilities.

Keywords

White House; John Draper; McCloskey; McClosky; Jack Anderson; 139-WF-262; 139-HQ-4991; blue box; wiretapping

Source

FBI via FOIA

Abstract

Copy of several pages of 139-WF-262 (also in 139-HQ-4991) regarding Draper/McCloskey allegations of interception of White House communications.

Keywords

White House; John Draper; 139-HQ-4991; 139-WF-262; 139-HQ-0-2098

Source

FBI via FOIA

Abstract

Interview with John Draper right after he was released from Lompoc prison. Discusses history of phone phreaking, his arrests, and his motivations.

Keywords

R. R. Rezak; Captain Crunch; John Draper; whistle; Lompoc, CA; AUTOVON; ARPANET; FBI; NCIC; 2600; tandems; blue box; Bethlehem, PA

Notes / See Also

Originally published in the Chicago Tribune, per note at top of article. Originally in the index as db091. "Gorner" is actually "Garner". See also: db091

Abstract

Supplemental memorandum to db516. "Information developed by West Coast contacts indicate the service code 127 at the Oakland, California for tea machine may be involved in the unauthorized interception of 552 central office traffic. Tests conducted at Holmdel and Santa Monica California revealed apparent verification trunk access by the sequence KP 127 NNX XXXX ST."

Keywords

John Draper; Ken Hopper; autoverify; verification

Source

Anonymous

Abstract

John Draper plead no contest to blue box fraud charges and was sentenced to five years probation and fined $1000.

Keywords

John Thomas Draper; Captain Crunch; blue box

Abstract

Overview of computer hackers and computer hacker culture. Mentions John Draper and phone freaking., as well as Don Ingraham, District Attorney for Alameda County.

Keywords

John Draper; MIT; computer hackers; computer hacking; Jef Poskanser

Abstract

Overview of phreaking and blue box operation told through "Jasper", a 21-year-old phreak.

Keywords

Captain Crunch; John Draper; Nick Clainos (attorney)

Notes / See Also

Date estimated based on Draper's trial being mentioned as "next month." Very small portion of the article missing. Includes nice photo of blue box with circular buttons.

Source

Alan Rubinstein

Abstract

Complaint, affidavits, indictment, pretrial minutes, judgment, orders and motions.

Keywords

John Thomas Draper; Captain Crunch

Source

National Archives (Court Records)

Abstract

John Draper sentenced to four months in prison. Also describes various phone phreaking techniques.

Keywords

San Jose, CA; John Draper; Captain Crunch; phone phreak; Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company (PTT); blue box; whistle; Al Gilbertson (phone phreak); FBI; Denny Teresi; NCIC; auto-verify; autovon; Youth International Party Line (YIPL); Technological American Party (TAP)

Source

An anonymous phone phreak

Abstract

Article describes the arrest of John Draper in the Poconos in Pennsylvania, and the current state of phone phreaking, all from a highly paranoid point of view.

Keywords

John Draper; Captain Crunch; phone phreaks; Poconos, PA; laser switch; cheesebox; cheese box; blue box; red box; silver box; Remote Observation (REMOB); Electronic Switching System (ESS); FBI; NSA; DEA; yippies; AT&T

Notes / See Also

Printed author name is A. Craig Phonephreak. This has been annotated by hand to "(Dana Beal)".

Source

An anonymous phone phreak

Abstract

John Draper gives the Village Voice an update on his life since he did his previous interview. He was arrested in October (1977) in Pennsylvania and December (1977) in New Jersey. Charges were dropped in NJ. He also appeared before a secret grand jury in Iowa about the remote-observation wire tapping center in Davenport, IA.

Keywords

John Draper; Captain Crunch; phone phreaks; red box; remote-observation wire tapping center; Davenport, IA; Des Moines, IA

Source

An anonymous phone phreak

Abstract

"June Mail" memo regarding Draper FBI monitoring.

Keywords

John Draper; FBI; Captain Crunch;

Notes / See Also

Attached to db367

Source

FBI via FOIA

Abstract

The First International Phone Phreak Convention is held in New York. Article describes the proceedings and attendees. The book "Basic Telephone Switching Systems" by David Talley was recommended at the convention. The Phreak Philm, showing three ways to make free phone calls, was shown.

Keywords

phone phreaks; New York; Diplomat Hotel (New York, NY); blue box; black box; toll free loops; Agnew; red box (the Milhous); Answeroo; First International Phone Phreak Convention (FIPPC); Youth International Party Line (YIPL); Yippies; Al Bell (phone phreak); Basic Telephone Switching Systems (book by David Talley); David Talley (author); Signetics (company with info on tone oscillators); Abbie Hoffman; John Draper; Captain Crunch; Phreak Philm

Source

An anonymous phone phreak

Abstract

Housewarming party invitation: "You are invited to our housewarming party, being held on 22nd of October in the beautiful Pocono Mts. in PA. People will be arriving at 1PM on Saturday till almost any time in the evening. There will be plenty of music, fun, and information exchanges going on all day and most of the evening. And plenty of opportunity to meet people from New York, Boston, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Chicago, LA, Seattle, and other prime places. Along with substances in solid, liquid, and perhaps gaseous states for the head. "Charley", the first phone freak computer will be on hand to play with along with a SOL-20 computer. So! Head for the hills, the beautiful Pocono's for the first east coast Capt. Crunch party. - Directions are attached, if further info is desired, call 415-965-1557. And, oh yes! Bring your friends and plenty of booz (and other stuff, of coarse)

Keywords

John Draper

Notes / See Also

Undated but probably Oct. 1977

Source

Anonymous

Abstract

"The US Embassy in Moscow was patched into a toll free 'phone freak conference,' a blind self styled 'phone freak' has testified in U.S. District Court. [...]" Discusses trial of David C. Henny, Whidbey Island, and the Whidby Island conference call and May Day celebrations. Describes conference call lasting 60 hours, Cap'n Crunch being part of it

Keywords

Joe Engressia; David Henny; Whidbey Island; John Draper

Abstract

Phone phreaks gather at Technological American Party meeting; Captain Crunch resigns from the group. Article discusses phone phreaking methods and history.

Keywords

phone phreaks; John T. Draper; Captain Crunch; Technological American Party (TAP); yippies; Abbie Hoffman; Cheshire Catalyst; blue box; Bernard Cornfeld; Captain Cheeseburger; Wizard; red box; black box; American Telephone and Telegraph Co. (AT&T); Dick Gray (AT&T spokesman); Aubrey Phillips; Consultative Committee for Telephony and Telegraphy (CCTT)

Source

ProQuest

Abstract

Captain Crunch's activities and the investigation that led to his 1972 arrest.

Keywords

phone phreak; Captain Crunch; John Thomas Draper; multi-frequency signaling; British Colombia Telephone Company; General Telephone Company of California; 16382 Robie Lane, Los Gatos, CA; tandem; FBI

Source

ProQuest

Abstract

Captain Crunch arrested by the FBI after an informer sets him up. He is convicted, and forced to tell the FBI all about his methods.

Keywords

FBI; Captain Crunch; John Draper; phone phreak; blue box; AUTOVERIFY; AUTOVON; whistle; National Criminal Information Center (NCIS)

Source

An anonymous phone phreak

Abstract

Warrant issued for Captain Crunch, who is believed to be in Florida.

Keywords

Captain Crunch; phone phreaks; John Thomas Draper; Phone Phreak Convention; Miami Beach, FL; Los Gatos, CA; FBI; Captain Crunch Defense Fund

Source

Author Research

Abstract

A date is set for Captain Crunch's trial.

Keywords

Captain Crunch; John Thomas Draper; Los Gatos, CA; phone phreaks; whistle

Source

Author Research

Abstract

Pretrial review of Captain Crunch's story, his methods, and the case against him.

Keywords

John Thomas Draper; phone phreaks; Captain Crunch; Los Gatos, CA; 2600; blue box; whistle

Source

Author Research

Abstract

Captain Crunch appeared in court represented by a public defender; his trial date was set.

Keywords

Captain Crunch Defense Fund; John Thomas Draper; Captain Crunch; FBI; phone phreaks; whistle

Source

Author Research

Abstract

Flyers and promotional material from the 1973 phone phreak convention held September 8, 1973 at the Hotel Diplomat, New York City.

Keywords

Youth International Party Line (YIPL); phone phreak convention; Technological American Party (TAP); John Draper; Captain Crunch; Joe Engressia

Source

An anonymous phone phreak

Abstract

Captain Crunch pleads no contest to charge of making long distance call to Australia; is fined $1000.

Keywords

phone phreaks; Captain Crunch; John Thomas Draper; Los Gatos, CA; blue box; multi-frequency signals; FBI; Hugle Industries, Palo Alto, CA; De Anza College; whistle

Source

Author Research

Abstract

First-person account of an interview with an anonymous phone phreak (who is clearly Captain Crunch). Published to give Bell System managers a sense of phone phreak philosophy. Contains lots of direct quotes.

Keywords

John Draper; Captain Crunch; red box; blue box; black box; credit card fraud; AT&T; TAP

Notes / See Also

Autumn, 1978, issue. A sidebar to db252, "Fun with Dick and Jane". See also: db252

Abstract

Overivew of toll fraud from the perspective of the Bell System, and seemingly for the education of Bell System employees. Contains simple explanations of blue boxes, black boxes and cheese boxes. One interesting quote: "...the blue box -- so called because, in 1961, the first one found was blue."

Keywords

Joseph Doherty (Director of Corporate Security, AT&T); toll fraud; credit card fraud; phone phreaks; blue box; black box; Bernard Cornfeld (financier, convicted); John Draper; Captain Crunch; whistle; Lainie Kazan (actor and singer, convicted); Bob Cummings, actor (arrested); Gail Fisher (actor, convicted); cheese box

Notes / See Also

Autumn, 1978 issue

Abstract

Overview of toll fraud from the phone company's point of view. Includes statistics showing the increase in arrests and convictions after they started a "get tough" policy. Includes a description of how a blue box is used, a basic explanation of the methods used to detect fraud and catch the perpetrators, and a list of the varied sorts of people who commit fraud.

Keywords

John Draper; Captain Crunch; blue box; whistle; phone phreaks; Long Lines (toll fraud investigation force, LLIF); Jack Dille (sec. supervisor, LLIF); credit card fraud; Central Ticket Investigation Unit; Traffic Service Bureau; Houston; Chicago; Minneapolis; Memphis; Dallas; toll fraud

Notes / See Also

July/August, 1973 issue. We appear to have only the first page.

Abstract

A short article about Captain Crunch's conviction for toll fraud for his call to Sydney, Australia. Contains a brief history of the case.

Keywords

phone phreak; John Thomas Draper; San Jose, CA; Captain Crunch; whistle; blue box; FBI

Abstract

A basic short article about how phone phreaks, businessmen and criminals are using blue boxes to defraud the phone company. Contains quotes from Mollura, and refers to Captain Crunch without naming him.

Keywords

American Telephone & Telegraph Company (AT&T); Dennis Mollura; phone phreaks; blue box; FBI; Captain Crunch; John Draper

Notes / See Also

The beginning of this article is missing.

Abstract

Captain Crunch pleads guilty to the first reported case of a crime using a personal computer; he used an Apple II with a telephone interface board to access telephone lines. Article describes early cases of computer crimes, and describes the worry that the growing personal computer market may make computer crime easy and prevalent.

Keywords

American Telephone & Telegraph Co. (AT&T); John Draper; Captain Crunch; blue box; computer hackers; personal computer; Donn Parker (sr. mgmt. consultant, SRI International); Senate Bill 1766; Federal Computer Systems Protection Act

Source

An anonymous phone phreak

Abstract

Charges are filed against Captain Crunch for using an electronic multi-frequency signaling device to make free toll calls.

Keywords

Menlo Park, CA; Bethlehem, PA; John Thomas Draper (suspect); Captain Crunch; blue box

Source

ProQuest

Abstract

Letter from John D. deButts, chairman of the board, AT&T, to Clarence M. Kelley, Director, FBI regarding blue box interception of FBI telephone calls. "This refers to your recent letter to me concerning the use of a blue box to monitor telephone calls in the San Francisco area. We are aware of this blue box capability which can occur under certain wiring configurations in our traffic verification trunks and less secure features are applied. The Bell System was alerted to this vulnerability sometime ago, and the security features to prevent it were disseminated. Unfortunately, due to a unique isolated situation in a particular switching office serving a portion of the San Francisco subscribers, the security safeguards built into the circuitry failed. This condition has been eliminated by a modification to ensure it is secure. We are conducting an expeditious review of the verification trunks throughout the system to ensure that they are compatible with our security recommendations which prevent unauthorized access...."

Keywords

John D. deButts; Clarence M. Kelley; FBI; blue box; autoverify; verification; John Draper

Source

Anonymous

Abstract

Letter from Clarence M. Kelley, Director, Federal Bureau of investigation, to John D. deButts, chairman of the board, AT&T, regarding blue box interception of FBI telephone calls. "I am advised that information just developed and confirmed discloses a condition which permits any knowledgeable person using a blue box to intercept and monitor telephone conversations to and from the San Francisco FBI office, and other subscribers in that area. This is a most alarming situation and I request the full cooperation of your organization and its resources to assess the possibility for similar conditions elsewhere and to take immediate corrective action wherever they exist. It is requested that for purposes of this effort liaison with the FBI laboratory, Washington, DC, be established in order that I may be Advised of pertinent results."

Keywords

blue box; FBI; Clarence M. Kelley; John D. deButts; autoverify; verification; John Draper

Source

Anonymous

Abstract

Thorough overview of phone phreaking circa 1972/1973 including how blue boxes and black boxes work and a detailed description of Ramparts magazine's run in with AT&T.

Keywords

University of South Florida; blue box; 2600; AT&T; Bell Telephone Laboratories (BTL); Bell System Technical Journal (BSTJ); phone phreaks; trunk; whistle; Joe Engressia; John Draper; Captain Crunch; Ramparts magazine; CIA; FBI; black box; Youth International Party Line (YIPL); Phone Phreak Convention; Al Bell (phone phreak); Basic Telephone Switching Systems book by David Talley; Yippies; Abbie Hoffman; red box; Telephony magazine; Ramparts magazine

Notes / See Also

Photos by Peter Paige; exact date unknown.

Source

An anonymous phone phreak

Abstract

Excerpts from an interview with Captain Crunch describe how he used a blue box to listen to telephone calls.

Keywords

phone phreak; FBI; John Draper; Captain Crunch; blue box; auto-verify trunk

Source

ProQuest

Abstract

Captain Crunch interviewed about his troubles with the telephone company and law enforcement, and his notions about what is going on in the phone system, including a surveillance system being tested in Iowa.

Keywords

Captain Crunch; John Draper; phone phreaks; blue box; AT&T; conference bridge; auto-verify; autoverify; verification; Bell Labs; CIA; FBI; scanning; black box; red box; Phone Phreak Defense Phund; Iowa; REMOBS

Source

ProQuest

Abstract

Captain Crunch released from prison after serving four months. Crunch says he has reformed.

Keywords

Captain Crunch; phone phreaks; AUTOVON; ARPANET; NCIC; FBI; John Thomas Draper; Mountain View, CA; blue box; whistle; 2600; tandems; 2111 conference; Federal Detention Center (Lompoc, CA); Lompoc, CA

Notes / See Also

Contains a great photo of a handsome Captain Crunch!

Source

Author Research

Abstract

Article compares and contrasts the histories of The Whistler and Captain Crunch.

Keywords

phone phreaks; AT&T; Joe Engressia; The Whistler; blue box; Mountain Bell; Captain Crunch; John Draper

Source

ProQuest

Abstract

Telephone company has new equipment and methods to detect blue box use. Article includes short history of phone phreaking and arrest statistics for 1972 and 1973.

Keywords

San Rafael, CA; Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company (PTT); phone phreaks; Sanford Herschel Kosman (suspect); blue box; Los Gatos, CA; John T. Draper; Captain Crunch; Joseph C. Engressia; The Whistler; Cyrus C. Hiester (PTT security agent); Susan Kosman (suspect's wife)

Source

ProQuest