[Boatanchors] I've been bootlegged

[JAMES HANLON]

Dave,

I was bootlegged many years ago when I lived in Columbus, Ohio.  It was back when we still had to pass a CW test for a license, and I was a 20 WPM Extra Class. I heard a guy on 40 CW making a QSO and using my call, W8KGI.  I called a local friend and got him to make a contact with the bootlegger and ask him for a QSL.  The guy gave him an address in Cleveland which turned out to be a vacant lot.  He stopped using my call after that contact.  I did notify the FCC about what was going on just in case he had violated any regulations in my name.

Jim, W8KGI

Date: Sun, 11 Jan 2026 10:03:45 -0600
From: David Stinson <arc5 at ix.netcom.com>
To: ARC-5 <arc5 at mailman.qth.net>,       "milsurplus at mailman"
        <milsurplus at mailman.qth.net>,   "Boatanchors at mailman"
        <boatanchors at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: [Boatanchors] I've Been Bootlegged! Call AB5S "Borrowed"
Message-ID: <f09843bd-d9fb-403b-8f4c-e366fb3ae614 at ix.netcom.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed

I was checking the "Reverse Beacon Network"
and found something eye-bugging.
Someone is working 30 WPM CW, mostly contests, Many, many QSOs using my call sign, AB5S.
I did none of them.? My station has been down for months. Take a look at this:
https://tinyurl.com/yhksaffv

I mean- I know AB5S is a good call for CW, but a polite request might have been in order.

I support CW and might even have designated him an op if he had asked, but I have no idea about him.? He could be up to no good, or maybe he's old like me and misread his license, or who knows?

I asked three of the guys he contacted last night on 80M:
Did he give you a name and QTH?? Did he
give any other clues as to where he might be?
We'll see what they say.
The reverse beacon reports the origin point to be Nevada, Texas, of course.? It listens for the transmissions, but doesn't do any DFing.

Maybe I've been sleep walking??
What would you do?
If found, maybe I should charge him rent?

TNX ES 73 DE Dave (the real) AB5S.""

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End of Boatanchors Digest, Vol 264, Issue 3
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