THE INTERNET Local dial-up number becomes international call in latest scam

Consumers might not notice a problem until they get their phone bill.
COLUMBUS -- Ohio Consumers' Counsel, a consumer advocate group, is warning computer users to beware of a scam that is causing some victims to be billed for hundreds of dollars in international telephone calls they never made. The scams operate while consumers are surfing the Web using local dial-up telephone numbers.
While online, computers are being loaded with one or more programs containing viruses. These programs force a computer to disconnect the telephone line from the local dial-up number and reconnect to an expensive international telephone number.
Consumers may not recognize the problem until they receive the long-distance portion of their telephone bill in the mail. Problems were first reported in December 2002 and have been reported again this month, the OCC said in a press release.
Janine Migden-Ostrander, an OCC spokeswoman, said consumers should be especially cautious about pop-ups. She advises computer users to install virus scanning software and programs to block pop-up windows, and to review their monthly telephone bills for international charges.
Credits
Though some long-distance companies have issued one-time credits to customers who have fallen victim to this scam, she said, other companies may not be willing to make any adjustments.
For consumers who seldom or never make international long-distance calls, the OCC suggests having the local telephone company place an international block. The local telephone company may charge a fee for this blocking service, however.
Consumers who suspect they've been victimized by an Internet dialing scam or see unfamiliar charges on a long-distance bill can call the OCC toll-free at (877) 742-5622.