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]
