There's a big problem with telephone diallers installing themselves and then
dialling premium rate numbers without the peple knowing. They're getting
phone bills for amounts ranging from over GBP100 to as much as GBP900.
Apparently these programs can dial even when the computer's switched off, I
assume because switching off the computer doesn't necessarily switch off the
modem.
The official regulator for this was on Working Lunch yesterday, and even
he got caught. His daughter completed an on-line IQ test which downloaded
one of these diallers and he didn't know until he got his phone bill.
They can also install themselves through pop-ups. We've got pop-ups blocked
by installing the MSN toolbar. With Windows XP you can set it to block
pop-ups.
BT will also bar the use of premium rate numbers from your phone for free if
you call them on 150. It means that you probably won't be able to dial your
ISPs technical help line, make charity payments for things like Comic Relief
or vote in TV polls (something I've never got into), but you could always
use your mobile for those.
Some of these diallers also dial overseas numbers and BT will block these
for a charge. Because we phone friends in other countries, we haven't got
overseas numbers blocked (it's all or none), but do check the cost of calls
from our phone line since out last bill periodically through the BT web
site.
The regulator said that they are working with the police where they can
prove fraud is involved, and are taking steps to make all those who want a
premium rate number to get a license for it and to lodge a substantial cash
bond before the number is granted, but that's still in the pipeline.
Jean in Poole
To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line:
unsubscribe lace-chat [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
