NYNEX Warns Consumers: Guard Personal Information

May 21, 1997

CONTACT: NYNEX
.........Western Mass.: Mike Pequignot, 413-731-8606 or
.........Boston: Susan Butta, 617-743-3677

NYNEX Warns Consumers: Guard Personal Information

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- It seems that everyone receives calls from telemarketers
these days. But NYNEX is warning consumers about giving out too much personal information
over the telephone. At least one company calling consumers in the western part of
the state is falsely claiming to call on behalf of NYNEX or as a bill consolidator
for NYNEX.

This telemarketer requests information such as birth dates or social security
numbers. NYNEX wants consumers to know that we do not use bill consolidators nor
do we request a birth date in association with providing your local telephone service.
We request a social security number for credit checking purposes and occasionally
as a means of verifying certain account information.

Consumers who receive calls from any telemarketer should ask a lot of questions.
They should exercise caution when asked for personal information or dealing with
any high-pressure telephone sales calls or "special" offers. NYNEX suggests
that consumers ask to see offers in writing and read the fine print before signing
any agreements. And finally, consumers should check the monthly phone bill for company
names and charges to be sure they are correct.

If you are uncertain about giving information over the phone to any telemarketer,
ask if you can call them back or speak to a supervisor. Reputable firms will welcome
this type of careful consumer. If you have questions about your telephone service,
or if you are unsure about a telephone solicitation, please contact NYNEX at your
local business office. That telephone number can be found in the front of your NYNEX
white pages telephone book.

NYNEX is a global communications and media corporation that provides a full
range of services in the northeastern United States and high-growth markets around
the world, including the United Kingdom, Thailand, Gibraltar, Greece, Indonesia,
the Philippines, Poland, and the Czech and Slovak Republics. The corporation is a
leader in telecommunications, wireless communications, directory publishing and video
entertainment and information services. NYNEX is also managing sponsor of FLAG --
Fiberoptic Link Around the Globe -- the world's longest undersea fiber optic communications
cable.

NYNEX news releases are available on the Internet at http://www.ba.com/nr/pastnews.html
or via fax for no charge at 1-800-331-1214.