OMG, I use mine plugged in pretty often! That's scary. Thank you for the post.

Me, I'm afraid of wet vacs, so you know I'll take it to heart.

This is most likely an urban legend. There could be a risk if the equipment is defective, as with anything, but this general risk is not substantiated.

Surely you guys recognize the type of thing that is passed around and should be checked out before passing further....?

Here is a link that might be useful: Cell phone electrocution

OTOH, is there a particular need to use the phone while plugged in if there is more risk of an incident while doing this? I just hadn't thought about it before.

I got thrown 5-6 ft by turning on a lamp in a hotel room. I'm not telling everyone not to turn on hotel lamps, but more caution should be exercised with electrical appliances in general, in my experience.

This tip doesn't seem hard to add to my life if I prefer, so I thank Taureau for it. It's good to know the Snopes write-up, too... but I drop my phone a lot ;)

It is also listed on About.com, urband legends and folklore.

Tareau, we have all done this at one time or another. My daughter has caught me passing these legends time and again.

Sammy