Software Dialer Warning

Use caution when downloading software from the Internet:

Customers are advised to use extreme caution when visiting websites which demand the use of a special viewer or require a download in order to access the site. Some of these software programs install a dialer on your computer which can result in long distance charges being generated from your telephone line.

What is Internet Dialer Software?

Internet Dialer software is not a virus. In fact it is not even the Internet.

Some websites of an adult nature, online game sites, and some horoscope/psychic services sites offer users access to "Free" content after they have accepted a download from the site. These downloads are usually initiated by a pop-up window which requires the user to click "I Accept" or "I Agree".

After the user consents, the dialer program is installed on the machine. The computer is then disconnected from the Internet. The speaker for the modem is turned off and the computer is made to dial into a service overseas. The user is then permitted to access the website content.

Where do these charges appear from?

Charges for these services appear as direct dialed calls to overseas nations such as Sao Tome, Nauru, or Madagascar.

Am I responsible for these long distance calls?

The customer is ultimately responsible for the use of their computer and any long distance charges incurred on their telephone line. Monitor any computer and Internet use in the household, especially by visitors or children.

We are unable to remove any charges incurred as a result of a Software Dialer.

How can I protect myself and my computer?

• Avoid websites which require a download before granting access to "Free" content.
• Before downloading any software from the Internet, verify the source. Carefully investigate the host site, and any online warnings, user agreements or disclosure boxes to ensure you understand all consequences and costs involved.
• Turn off the computer when not in use. A computer switched off cannot dial out.
• If the computer attempts to dial out unexpectedly, cancel the connection.
• Investigate the Toll Restriction options available from your local telephone company.
• Switch to high speed service and disconnect the phone line from your dial-up modem. Again, if the modem is not connected to the phone line it cannot dial out.

How do I remove a dialer program from my computer?

Most computers have a list of programs which have been installed. Review the list of installed programs on the machine and remove any suspicious entries. Caution is advised here however. If you are unsure of a program entry or its purpose, contact a computer professional.

Typical entries for software dialers include "Go in Direct", "Web Dialer", "Free Nude Celebrities/XXX dialer", or "Free Daily Horoscope".

Check the list of dial up connections on the computer. Typically there should be only one, the connection to your Internet Service Provider. If there are more, examine each one to determine the number it dials, and delete any that use a long distance telephone number.

Some dialer programs come bundled with other apparently free products. Programs such as Ad-Aware or Spybot Search and Destroy can help identify and remove malicious software programs installed on the computer, and are freely available on the Internet. Bruce Telecom does not provide technical support for the use of these programs or the removal of spyware/dialers.