Modem problems can occur when you download (sometimes unwittingly) software known as a 'dialler' that alters the number your computer uses to connect to the Internet. These diallers connect to the internet via a premium-rate (15*) or international (00*) telephone number rather than the number supplied by your ISP.

Whilst there are some diallers registered with Regtel, the Irish premium rate industry regulator, working perfectly legitimately, some websites will dupe you into producing high call charges through downloading a supposedly 'harmless' program, application, or service that will include an unregistered dialler. The dialler software is often invisible to users, running discretely in the background so that you do not notice any disruptions. Unexpectedly high call charges associated with unregistered diallers are often only discovered when you receive your phone bill.

Our Response  

In response to the growing problems internet users are experiencing regarding unregistered diallers BT have developed a software application that will help combat the issue and minimise the probability of an end user being tricked by unregistered diallers into making these calls.

By monitoring dial-up connections our software will alert you anytime your computer attempts to dial a premium rate, international or non-approved number. The software is for information purposes only, it will alert you to the fact you are dialling a premium rate number, it will not stop the call, it is your responsibility to cease the call if necessary by disconnecting. If in any doubt you should unplug your modem and check your settings before attempting to redial.

Once downloaded, the software automatically launches everytime you start your computer. It monitors internet dial-up connections and alerts you when unauthorised users attempt to dial restricted numbers. When suspicious activity is noticed a display window will warn "You are attempting to dial a premium rate, international or non-approved number. If you do not want to proceed with this call hang up. If in any doubt you should unplug your modem and check your settings before attempting to redial".

If you are alerted by this window you should unplug your modem and run your anti-virus software to check for problems.

Broadband Users

Whilst a broadband line cannot dial a premium rate number, many converts to broadband leave their old dial-up modems connected and fall foul to scammers this way. If you use broadband make sure your old modem is unplugged from the phone line. If moving from a dial-up to broadband service before attempting to install broadband on your PC please remove or disable BT Modem Protection.

Important Information

BT strongly advise you only connect your PC to a modem when a person is using the computer to connect to the internet. Problem diallers can often dial numbers when a computer is switched on but unattended. It must be remembered that the BT software will only alert you to the fact your computer is dialling one of these numbers, it will not automatically stop it, if your computer is switched on and plugged into a modem whilst unattended it could be connecting to the internet without your consent.

For further information and advice visit:


www.regtel.ie
www.askcomreg.ie
www.iol.ie