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| FAQs |
Why do I have international calls on my phone bill that I am unaware of?
Our investigations show that the main reason for such calls is the practice of "Internet Dumping".
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What is Internet 'dumping'?
"Internet Dumping" can occur if a customer unintentionally clicks on some banners or pop-ups while browsing certain websites. Clicking the banner or pop-up initiates a downloading of unwanted software which when activated, initiates an overseas telephone call to a remote website.
In most cases, the software installs a desktop icon, which is programmed to dial international numbers. Customers are connected to these numbers by simply clicking the desktop icon. |
| Where does it happen?
Internet dumping is most common on adult websites. |
How does it happen?
Websites ask users to agree to be transferred to a new number; but often the request is hidden amongst promises of access to new, exclusive or free content. In many of the complaints reported to the Dhiraagu the user has not read or understood this request before clicking on <I Agree> and unwittingly downloading software(autodialers) that connects their modem to a more expensive service. |
How can I find out if a call on my phone bill was made by a modem?
Below is a list of the most common such numbers that we have observed. If the number is not in this list, please refer the matter to our Customer Services.
Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to find out who the international phone number belongs to.
List of some common autodialer numbers |
Can I tell if my modem has been 'dumped'?
There are some simple ways to check if your modem has been dumped but none of them is foolproof.
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Your bill details should show if you were surfing the Internet immediately prior to the commencement of a disputed IDD call. However, even if there is no evidence that you were on the Internet, this doesn't necessarily mean that your modem wasn't dumped. Many of these websites automatically install a desktop icon during the initial connection. By clicking on the desktop icon, the user can connect directly to the site without having to go through the Internet first.
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.You can look for records of websites that have been visited from your computer. Your computer stores this information in a number of ways that are easy to check. Look for strange icons that may have appeared on your desktop; and look at your Temporary Internet files. Information can also be found through your Internet Browser History, Dial-up Networking function or as an option on the start panel. Unfortunately, even if there is no evidence of your computer having been used to access adult websites, this does not mean that it hasn't. People who are familiar with computers often know ways to remove all trace of their "footprints".
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Can I prevent future dumping?
Yes. You can take measures to control your modem connections.
We recommend you to:-
- Use a Plain Line (i.e. a telephone line without IDD facility) to access the Internet or bar access to international calls before accessing Internet using Starlock Service;
- Read carefully any windows (especially pop-up windows) that offer downloads; and
- Turn off computer and modem when not in use.
You can also put long expiry dates on Internet history files to help you identify any dumped calls.
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