Should I be worried? (Computer dumbo, I'm afraid)

Suzy_Babe

I seem to remember reading - a few months ago - about some sort of scam whereby people's internet access routes were being 'hijacked', and they were being diverted to another number, and ended up owing lots of money.

A few days ago my computer came up with a message saying that my access route had been changed (even though I was not aware that it had), and I needed to press 'OK' to continue. Since then (& I don't know if this is conincidental, or even connected in anyway) when I have searched the web & requested a 'UK only' search, I have been given '.com' companies (and lots of them!) based in the USA.

Could it be that I am a victim of the aforementioned scam? If so, what do I do, please? (I seem to remember that there was a way of checking - via your computer - if you HAD been scammed, but cannot remember how to check).

Thanks, everyone!

Toxteth_OGrady

Are you on dial-up?

:cool:

TOG

Suzy_Babe

Yes (according to hubby!). We're with Cable and AOL.

Toxteth_OGrady

In which case go into your Network Connections folder and check that you have no other DUN icons than your AOL one.

Diallers are a well known type of malware, usually as a result of visiting !!!!!! sites allegedly, that install DUN connections on your PC that are programmed to dial 09 premium rate numbers.

You could also run an anti-spyware app such as Spybot S&D as these will pick up rogue diallers.

Another layer of defence is, if you never need to dial 09 numbers, is to contact BT and bar 09 calls out from your phone.

:cool:

TOG

Suzy_Babe

Sorry that's taken so long to do (told you I was a computer bumpkin!).

There were 2 dial-up icons: No. 1 stated 'AOL Dial-on -de.... ' No. 2 stated 'Connection to (and then it gave my telephone number, to which the system is connected)'.

When hovering the mouse over each of the icons, they BOTH gave the same 'message' (a combination of letters and numbers).

Is this normal / OK, please?

Toxteth_OGrady

Right-click on the second one and select properties. See what phone number it's programmed to dial.

:cool:

TOG

Suzy_Babe

It's programmed to dial the one to which my system is connected.

Toxteth_OGrady

As long as they're both dialling numbers you recognise it's OK.

Never used AOL DUN but it could have 2 connection icons, I suppose.

:cool:

TOG

Browntoa

if you are really concerned there will soon be a free bit of dialler software on the BT web site that gives you a protected list of allowable numbers

BT Modem Protection available either April or May

BT Modem Protection will block PCs from dialling costly premium rate or international numbers - even if rogue dialler software is installed on machines. Punters will also be warned if their modem begins to dial any number other than a list of approved numbers, such as those used by their ISP. Another idea BT has up its sleeve is to notify punters if it spots spikes in phone charges that could signify that they're the target of phone fraud.

Suzy_Babe

Thanks, Toxteth - you've put my mind at rest. Now I just have to sort out re why I keep getting worldwide sites listed when I request UK only! But then, at least there's no danger of me getting charged megabucks for that.

Once again, thanks!

Sue

Suzy_Babe

Thanks to you, too, Browntoa ... better safe than sorry.

Sue