Beware Internet scam: Telecom

TELECOM Namibia has warned customers using dial-up Internet access that they might be charged for international telephone calls they did not intend to make in a scam known as modem hijacking.

In a press statement, the country’s sole fixed phone company said modem hijacking occurs when someone installs a dialler on the victim’s computer – usually through a virus or download – which switches the local telephone number for dial-up access to the Internet to an international or long-distance telephone number that charges higher fees. Said Telecom spokesperson, Oiva Angula: “Modem hijacking is a fraudulent activity that has caused some Namibian consumers to be charged for unintended international telephone calls that occur over the Internet.”During the past few months, a good number of local Internet users were alerted to the reality of the effects of the modem hijacker virus when their services were stolen to make illicit calls through dial-up connections from their PCs to international numbers.”Internet users have been advised to take precautionary measures in an attempt to prevent a virus or an incident of modem hijacking, which include considering having the telephone company place a block on telephone lines for international calls; and prevent hitting blindly ‘OK’ on pop-ups without making sure of what exactly they are agreeing to.When visiting unfamiliar websites with pop-up advertisements, users are advised to pay attention to warnings and the fine print that may include a request to switch to an international telephone line.Obtaining and updating virus-scanning software is another preventive measure, as is installing spyware detection and firewalls, and blocking pop-up advertisements.Telecom also said that it always wise to unplug the telephone line from the computer when not using the Internet.Users should also avoid opening or downloading e-mail and files from companies they do not know; as these might contain the hijacking virus.”Telecom Namibia advises customers using the Internet that they should always read the terms and conditions of websites before accessing information; they need to also be aware that some sites re-route calls to operators that charge higher rates in order to make money,” said Angula.Said Telecom spokesperson, Oiva Angula: “Modem hijacking is a fraudulent activity that has caused some Namibian consumers to be charged for unintended international telephone calls that occur over the Internet.”During the past few months, a good number of local Internet users were alerted to the reality of the effects of the modem hijacker virus when their services were stolen to make illicit calls through dial-up connections from their PCs to international numbers.”Internet users have been advised to take precautionary measures in an attempt to prevent a virus or an incident of modem hijacking, which include considering having the telephone company place a block on telephone lines for international calls; and prevent hitting blindly ‘OK’ on pop-ups without making sure of what exactly they are agreeing to.When visiting unfamiliar websites with pop-up advertisements, users are advised to pay attention to warnings and the fine print that may include a request to switch to an international telephone line.Obtaining and updating virus-scanning software is another preventive measure, as is installing spyware detection and firewalls, and blocking pop-up advertisements.Telecom also said that it always wise to unplug the telephone line from the computer when not using the Internet.Users should also avoid opening or downloading e-mail and files from companies they do not know; as these might contain the hijacking virus.”Telecom Namibia advises customers using the Internet that they should always read the terms and conditions of websites before accessing information; they need to also be aware that some sites re-route calls to operators that charge higher rates in order to make money,” said Angula.