On 30 May 05, a malicious web site dropped a dialer program on my computer which hung up my current dial-in session, and dialed 19004440307 (Integratel).
This occured without authorization, consent, intent, or agreeing to any terms or conditions. It simply happened. Because it is normal for dial-in connections to drop from time to time, and the computer to redial, I didn't think too much of it, until I saw the number in the modem monitor.
I immediately switched off the modem (my modem is switched, and external) and found the offending application. A small executable named something like "Q34xxx. Exe" where the x's are additional numbers. This was dropped at the root of the C: drive.
After about 10 minutes, I had ensured this application, and any other possible trojans, viruses, etc. Did not exist on my system.
Because this happened at night, I was unable to contact my phone company. However, I contacted them the next day, informed them I would not pay any 900 charges, and put a 900 block on my line.
The phone company indicated that when my bill arrived, I'd be able to dispute the bill. It arrived Monday, 11 July 05 with the charges of $59.85 for Information Service, to Web AccessZZ.
I called the number for this scam outfit (800) 736-7500, and began the process to dispute the bill. I was told I could pay 50% because the bill was in dispute, to which I said, "NO! I will not pay this bill. It was unauthorized and initiated by you without my consent."
I was told that there were two levels of consent, each of which I had to agree to in order for this dialer to have been placed on my computer, and that ensures the serices is agreed to. I informed the person helping me that this was not the case, and no consent was sought or given. Again, they tried for 50% of the bill, and again I said no. They asked what I wanted, and I stated, "I will not pay this bill, I want this bill removed completely. Period."
I was told I could get a one time courtesy adjustment of 100%.
Because of the rude behavior of the "customer service" rep, I asked for their address, email, etc... Anything I could get, in order to file with the better business bureau, and report this abuse where I could.
In addition, I told my phone company that I would not pay the bill and to remove it.
To make matters worse, I've discovered another way this application gets delivered... Today, I dialed in, opened Yahoo Messenger, and had this application dropped on my computer. No consent, no authorization, nothing... My current connection was dropped, and the program began using my modem to dial 19004440307 again.
If you do not have a 900 block on your phone line, get it. Also, if you are ever offered a 50% reduction because the bill is in dispute, DO NOT PAY IT! Remember, 50% of the bill is not in dispute... 100% of the bill is in dispute, and if you pay 50%, they'll stop bugging you, and you'll never ever see the 50% you paid them refunded.
This is a complete and total scam.
-sean
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