Recently several people have contacted me, telling me that they have been busted for red boxing. In every case, they were dealing with a live operator when it happened. An unmarked truck would pull up to the pay phone and detain the red boxer until the police arrived. They didn't carry firearms, so we're assuming these guys rank right up there with mall security guards. They're also been known to search people for electronic devices. So run if you see them coming. The worst that could happen is you won't get away from them.

Since this has only happened (to my knowledge) after talking to a live operator, you should probably try to avoid live operators at all costs. If you get one, hang up and go to another phone, far far away. Don't box local calls if you have to use a live operator.

I've only heard about this happening in different Bell terrtories but never in GTE. So they might be safe, who knows. Other than that, I've never run into any problems red boxing. I've personally red boxed from the exact same phone every single night for over six months. Theoretically Bell will notice that a certain phone is coming up short on cash and can then check the records an