Dear Customer

Here’s another one of my internet scam warnings, this time about the current problems locally with rogue premium line diallers. Please take my sincere apologies if you’ve already been affected by these conmen, but I’m sure that you will understand the need to warn people

An ever growing number of my call-outs over the past few weeks have been instigated by customers who have been duped into accidentally downloading malicious premium line dial up programs.  Because of these malevolent programs, some of my customers have received phone bills of up to £850.

Rogue diallers as they are commonly called, are computer programs that reconfigure your modem to surreptitiously to dial either a Premium 090 number or occasionally, long distance telephone numbers, either whilst you are trying to access the internet or when your computer is left unattended. If left undetected on your PC, they can cost you a lot of money.

They are commonly downloaded by accidentally clicking on or trying to close internet pop-up programs; they’re the ones that seem to appear out of nowhere, often advertising dubious web sites. Another common way of “infection” is when the Microsoft warning “Do you want to install this program” box appears and you click “yes”. They can also “hijack” music and video downloads or come onto you pc via a Trojan (a program that appears desirable but actually contains something harmful). Some (like viruses) can even be downloaded onto your PC by visiting an unsafe website.

The good news for some is that these diallers can only use the old type dial up modems, so broadband users should be alright (at this moment in time) provided they take a few simple steps shown below.

So what can we do to help protect ourselves from these modern day Highwaymen? Well nothing’s ever certain or fool proof in IT security, (remember the virus that disabled the UK coast guard network earlier this year), but the steps below will considerably reduce the odds of you being one of the unfortunate ones.

§         Make sure your Antivirus, Firewall and internet Security programs are up to date. Remember that you are at risk from all new viruses created after your program’s virus definitions expired and that it is often too late to renew them after infection; the damage may be done!

§         Use a pop up stopper. There are many good free ones to be had on the internet including one with the search engine, Google. Windows XP with Service Pack 2 has a built in pop-up stopper but make sure that it is enabled.

§         If you have broadband, make sure that you disconnect the old modem lead from the ‘phone line and/or physically disable/ remove the old dial-up modem.

§         If a Microsoft warning pops up when you’re on the internet asking you “do you want to install this program?” and you don’t know what it is, always say no and exit the site.

§         Look out for anything unusual like a new internet connection shortcut appearing ether on you desktop or in you “Favourites” possibly to Sex sites, “Free” downloads or gambling.

§         Check the dial up telephone number in your the dial up box is correct and look at “Internet Connections” in “Control Panel” to make sure no new connections have appeared.

§         Avoid visiting inappropriate or unsecured websites.

§         If you have children or younger family members who share you PC, try to be aware of what their up to and downloading. Explain to them what to look for and the consequences of their actions. Remember there are programs within later Windows versions, Internet Explorer and some antivirus manufacture’s software that can help limit your children’s internet access.

§         If you fear you have a rogue dialler, then advise your telephone provider to disable the 090 Premium service and disconnect your computer from the telephone line until it has been checked. Then, (if you’re not personally confident what to do), get an IT proficient family member, friend or engineer to remove the program for you. My personal experiences are that these programs will often keep reinstalling themselves if they are not removed completely and correctly.

As I said previously, nothing is 100% certain in IT security, but I sincerely hope this email helps you in the fight against these unscrupulous villains.

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