There are a number of “Scams” on the Internet that customers should be aware of some of which can result in large telephone bills. “Modem Hi-Jacking” or “Mini -Diallers” are the terms used to describe one such scam.
Modem Hi-Jacking occurs when a web site you are visiting purposely disconnects you from your chosen Internet Service Provider and reconnects you to the Internet through an international or premium rate number. These web sites will usually provide premium content such as pornographic material, shareware, music, children’s games, ring tones and movie clips.
When the website is accessed, a large number of pop-up windows will appear. You may be asked to install some software or accept the Terms & Conditions of the site, to facilitate the downloading of that content. This process may install a dialler on your computer that will replace your default internet connection with one that dials a premium rate telephone number or an international telephone number which can be charged at up to €5.00 per min. There will be a prompt for you to accept the changes however this may not always be clear as it may be in small print amongst other information on the website.
The owners of these sites may have the dialler software integrated into their web page code to automatically download and install on to a user’s computer. The idea behind these programmes is that the people who produce them are able to generate revenue from users who dial into the number installed from the web page.
If you are a Broadband user you will not be affected by this, as long as you have disconnected the internal dial-up modem from your phone socket and don't use this modem to make fax or voice calls.
What is a Mini-Dialler?
A Mini-Dialler is a software program/applet, that when run on a user’s computer, can act in two different ways, as follows:
· It can change the Dial Up Networking (DUN) settings to force the user to dial a specified number (usually a premium rate or international call) unknown to the user. It can in some cases erase the user’s Internet Service Provider (ISP) number and replace this number with it’s own. It can also create a new connection. This number is then used each time the user connects to the Internet instead of their chosen ISP number.
· The mini-dialler can force the computer to bypass Dial Up Networking settings altogether and dial to a pre-set number. This means that although the Dial Up Networking settings appear correct when the user connects to the Internet they will be dialling an incorrect number (usually an international or premium rate number).
How do I avoid them:
In order to reduce the risk of coming into contact with Mini-Diallers, users should review the following guidelines:
1. Avoid going to sites of questionable content.
2. If you accidentally stumble across one of these sites, close down any pop-up windows that open.
3. Users should not download and/or install any software from sites where there are large volumes of Pop-Up windows. Read EVERYTHING before clicking OK, especially when you are going to download something.
4. Ensure the computer is configured to reject Active X Scripts. Ensure that the browser on your computer is left at the default security setting.
5. Keep your operating system patched with the latest upgrades from your software's manufacturer. For further help with this contact your operating system's manufacturer
6. Call your telephone service provider (not your ISP) and bar international and premium rate calls on the telephone line used to connect to the Internet.
7. Turn off your computer and modem when not in use
8. Do not delete data from your browser's history files, so that you can trace back problems if necessary.
10. Make sure you can hear your modem. Some people have a volume control on their modem and have it turned down - and so cannot hear it re-dialling.
11. Be aware of the icons on your desktop and ensure that no new icons have appeared that you have not installed or downloaded.
12. Review your network and dial-up connections and remove any connections that you are not familiar with, and verify the phone numbers that are being dialled.
13. If you have multiple users on your computer with separate login IDs, apply restrictions based on the login IDs. (For example, deny children access to installing and downloading software without your permission).
14. There are a number of software and hardware solutions that may reduce the risks associated with dialler programmes. Examples of such software and hardware solutions can be found at the following addresses:
www.telepathic.nl
www.pandasoftware.com
www.spyware-cop.com
www.stopdial.com
www.paretologic.com
www.emsisoft.com
www.norton.com
www.drsolomon.com
These are purely examples and do not represent an exhaustive list. Please be advised that these solutions reduce the risks associated with dialler programmes but do not necessarily eliminate the risk totally. eircom net is not in a position to recommend a particular solution, customers will need to determine which one best suits their needs.
15. Check your telephone bill frequently.
eircom net are unable to prevent this happening and can only advise that you are vigilant when logging on to the Internet to ensure that you are dialling into your chosen ISP.
eircom net cannot accept any liability for calls made under these types of circumstances.
Some checks you can make:
1: To ensure your PC is connected to an Irish Internet Service Provider. Please click on the following link. http://support.eircom.net. This site is restricted to Irish ISP access only.
2: To check your dial up access settings please click here
3. To check whether or not your computer may have Mini-Diallers installed, carry out the following steps:
1) Check through the programs list in your Start Menu. This is done by:
· Clicking on Start
· Moving the cursor over Programmes
· Reading through the Program List for anything that looks suspicious.
2) Check through the Installed Programmes List. This is done by:
· Clicking on Start
· Moving up to Settings
· Clicking on Control Panel
· Double Clicking on Add/Remove Programmes in Control Panel
· Searching for suspicious looking Programmes in this.
· If they appear, click on the entry, then Click on the Add/Remove button, which will uninstall it.
3) Check through Dial Up Networking: This can be done by:
*WINDOWS 95/98*
· Double Click My Computer
· Double Click Dial Up Networking
· Check for unusual Dial Up Networking connections and delete as necessary
*WINDOWS ME*
· Double Click on My Computer
· Click on the blue Dial Up Networking link along the left hand side of the screen
· Check for unusual Dial Up Networking connections and delete as necessary
*WINDOWS 2000/XP*
· Click on Start
· Move up to Settings
· Select Control Panel
· Click on Network and Internet Connections
· Click on Setup or Change Network Connections
· Check for unusual Dial Up Networking connections and delete as necessary
