An interesting variant on an old urban legend
Snopes includes a 1920 version.

www.snopes.com/embarrass/business/fakephone.asp
(ubergeekian, Thu 19 Apr 2012, 11:34, 1 reply)

I like, my many moons ago ex telling me her version.

Rome, late 90's, mobile phones are becoming available, indeed 'must have' status symbol in the city, but significantly expensive. On a bus a chap was loudly speaking into his phone making it clear he was indeed of wealth to afford such a luxury. When some old dear decides to have a heart attack, break and arm or have a stroke. Emergency, panic, mayhem - but hey, this young man can summon help. But alas no, for our loud mouthed twat was not only pretending to have a conversation, his phone was also pretend - a shop dummy by all accounts.

She swears it was true! Twats
(feedingtimeatthezoo day 1 of his bikini diet started, Thu 19 Apr 2012, 12:50, closed)

just read the snopes version... great how this went across the pond. same sort of period too! the article dates 1996 - ex's story would have been 1997/8.
(feedingtimeatthezoo day 1 of his bikini diet started, Thu 19 Apr 2012, 12:54, closed)