Dial out numbers changed ?

[dvndave]

Hi Guys,

Whilst researching the Corel Draw question in my previous thread I ended up on a site that suddenly displayed an agreement stating that if I accepted it the prog would alter my dial out settings to a £1.50 per minute site. I clicked on don't accept but I couldn't get rid of it. I ended up disconnecting via the server. Is it possible that it could have amended my dial out numbers? I'm on AOL and it does display the number that it is dialling out on, but how reliable is this could the actual number have been changed whilst the original is displayed?
Is there any way that one can check the last number that was dialled?


Worried of Devon!

 

[sym]

Sounds like a well documented scam that's going round at the moment.

If you check your dialer / connection settings manually, and the correct number is in there, then you should be fine.

To test, remove the number thats in there, and replace with a single digit - '1' , for example. Turn the speaker on for your modem if you can, and listen when you dial. You'll hear it dial the single digit, and obviously it won't connect to your ISP. Then change the number back to your AOL number manually.

Hope that helps.

S.

 

[dvndave]

Thanks Sym I will try your sugestion

 

[fuzzer]

firstly , ditch aol , secondly get a pop up blocker on your computer

The premium phone bill thing normally only affects people who log onto porn sites and discount software distribution sites


Working for telecoms companies , i have to deal with this on a regular basis and people are normally willing to pay lots to keep this dialer away from wifey as they normally call themselves sex xxx or similar.

The danger with these is you don't notice you arent going through your normal ISP as they also give you net access.

This however is getting less and less with the people going onto broadband as this can't happen.

 

[KillerHERTZ]

Get AVP virus checker for £Free - search google, this got rid of all my diallers

 

[PJH]

Can you check your phone bill on-line ? If not you'll have to wait until the bill pops through your letterbox.

 

[dvndave]

Thanks Guys,

I run XP home with AVP Z

 

[dvndave]

Thanks Guys,

I run XP home with Grisoft's AVP, Zone alarm, Shoot the messenger and AOL's block pop-ups enabled so it seems I'll be ok.
Fuzzer's point was right, no... not sex sites, I had been directed to a software site offering discounted Corel products and as wifey and I split some years ago I wouldn't need to worry about that one!
I had been under the impression that providing one kept away from the porn sites that systems would be safe, looks like I got that one wrong.

Many thanks for the input folks.

Dave

 

[PJH]

BT blocking rogue numbers. Link

 

[saorbust]

Also if you call BT they will disable these numbers from working on yer phone line for nothing. To have the option to disable costs £1.50 per month.

Clarky.

 

[Benzowner]

Always go broadband, no dial up or connection via the telephone. :bannana:

 

[gary350]

This is not PC based but over recent weeks I have had alot of " you have won a comp" phone calls, the call goes into a taped message, 2 days ago I had a call that was silent until a heard a click then dialing out sounds, I put the phone down. Yesterday I spoke to BT they checked my calls and because of quick action no calls were made, I was told the usual scam is for someone to ask you to press button ++ that then dials out on a preminum number, but it now appears that is not the only way they can get at you. I was told to cancel all competition type calls to my phone, its easy just dial customer services BT they tell you how.

gary

 

[glojo]

Thanks Guys,
I had been under the impression that providing one kept away from the porn sites that systems would be safe, looks like I got that one wrong.

Many thanks for the input folks.

Dave

Hi Dave,
Sadly it is not just 'porn' sites. These scams are being written by very clever people and thankfully you were observant enought to notice the attempt.

The usual type format is for a very official looking certificate type warning, sometimes asking 'Always trust this site'?

My sister got caught when she thought she was downloading free music samples. The site automatically disconnects your own connection, and then re-dials without your knowledge onto a premium rate number???

All without you knowing that you have actually been disconnected and then re-connected.

Luckily it CANNOT do this with Broadband connection.

Good luck, and please check your telephone bill
John

 

[glojo]

Prime Ministers Question Time

The very same question that you have asked, has just been put to the Prime Minister.

He is going to get his Minister of State to investigate.

You read it here first

Regards,
John

 

[pammy]

just shows how careful we have to be - there is real scum out there

 

[PJH]

My sister got caught when she thought she was downloading free music samples. The site automatically disconnects your own connection, and then re-dials without your knowledge onto a premium rate number???

All without you knowing that you have actually been disconnected and then re-connected.

Wouldn't swear to it, but this may not be possible if you don't select the
'Connect automatically' option.

 

[glojo]

Wouldn't swear to it, but this may not be possible if you don't select the
'Connect automatically' option.

Good point and unfortunately I cannot help because she now has a broadband connection.

I think to be safe though, ALWAYS read the fine print on these 'pop-up' certificates. I am not sure even if these certificates are actually 'pop-ups' because they are a certificate of trust?????? as opposed to an advertising pop-up.

Regards
John

 

[fuzzer]

Wouldn't swear to it, but this may not be possible if you don't select the
'Connect automatically' option.

Yes , but they will prob over ride that

 

[dvndave]

Thanks Guys and Gal! I have now had the phone bill and nothing untoward was billed. lucky this time eh?


Many thanks for all your interest and suggestions


Cheers
Dave