Consumers have informed the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that they have been billed for international calls that occurred as a result of using local (domestic) Internet service providers to access Web sites. There are some precautions you can take to minimize your chances of becoming a victim.
How Does It Work?
Some Web sites encourage computer users to download software in order to view certain material. Unknown to that user, the downloaded software disconnects his or her computer's modem and then reconnects it using an international long distance number. The result: the modem may actually be placing a call to as far away as Chad, Madagascar or other countries, and the computer user may be billed for an international call.
Who Can Become a Victim?
Virtually any household using a dial up connection can become a victim to of modem hijacking.
Curious teenagers can fall for the Internet dumping scam very easily when they want to enter an adult site. The unscrupulous web site offers their visitors a way to enter the site without entering a credit card. All it takes is a click of the mouse. Once that click has been made, the dialer software has been downloaded and your children can access the website.
How Do I Avoid Modem Hijacking?
Dialers are often downloaded onto systems using Internet Explorer through an ActiveX script. In Internet Explorer, you can set your Internet security settings to "medium" and your computer will never download any ActiveX Controls without your permission. This is the setting recommended by Microsoft for surfing the Internet.
Just go to Tools -> Internet Options -> Security -> Choose Medium at the Bottom
There is a unique software program, made in Australia, called StopITNow! that will protect you from modem hijacking. This program stops Internet dialers from ever accessing your dial-up modem connection.
Visit the StopITNow! Web Site.