This seems like the typical device that would instantly make its way from the streets of (typically) NYC to the home (or remote place not related to home at all

This seems like the typical device that would instantly make its way from the streets of (typically) NYC to the home (or remote place not related to home at all) of a security hobbyist in ca. 1990s NYC. Said hobbyist would probably think that this is a phreaking awesome gift from the state. Or someone would call the number and watch the device to see what happens. At the very least a couple of these devices would get unplugged. I can't help but chuckle at the "don't unplug" sign...surely this is some sort of social experiment to see how long it takes until n% are unplugged?