This letter is to inform you about an internet scam that I encountered which used spyware to infest my computer and hijack my modem to call 900 numbers.
I first noticed something strange about my computer when a small icon appeared on my desktop with a womans face that said instant access under it. When I clicked it, a window appeared with a banner at the top that said modem users click here and the window was titled access control. I didn't know what it was, but I clicked the X button to close the window. When I went to my control panel, I saw there was a new program installed, and after going through the regular process of uninstalling it I thought my problem was solved.
However, this instant access kept reinstalling itself on my computer, and when I called gateway tech support they said it was probably spyware imbedded in the memory of the computer and I would need to send the computer in to have it removed.
When I got my phone bill the next month, I was shocked to see $150 charge from a company called INTEGRETEL. When I called them about the charges they insisted that I knowingly downloaded software onto my computer for gaming or sports entertainment via the internet. They stated that the software I installed would have given me numerous prompts advising me of what I was downloading and that before I could become connected to their services I would have to agree to connect. This is an absolute lie, as there was no warning or disclaimer for anything!?!
I don't connect to the internet through dial-up, I have broadband. However, I do have my phone line connected to send and receive faxes. It was using my computer modem that these phone calls were taking place, yet I never heard anything dialing or never saw an actual connection. Furthermore, I never saw anything that was a service (porn, games, sports, or otherwise) for which I would be billed for.
After doing further research, I am furious that this company is still in business. I saw they have had several lawsuits against them by the FTC in which several were granted settlements.integretel did agree to reverse the charges, saying they would issue a block against my number and advised I get a 900 block on my phone.
I contacted my local phone company, Quest Communications, and they said there is really nothing they can do. I was even more furious when I got my phone bill for July in which I received another set of charges in the amount of $653.69 for alleged calls placed from my home on May 17th. This company calls itself ESBI, and again has these strange calls to 900 numbers that I never placed! I am the only one who lives in my home, and I know exactly who I am calling and who I am not. I had no guests, and there is no mistaking that this company is trying to RIP ME OFF.
The more I investigate these companies the scarier the story gets. I have now read about people who say they continue to get bills 5 months after these services are supposedly placed and the companies threaten to destroy credit histories if you don't pay up. These companies both insist that they are actually the 3rd party billing agents, and the actual charges don't go through them. They say they act as collections, which could just be the same company under another name. I can not be sure, but I do know this creates a further loophole to keep their scam afloat. I refuse to pay a single penny to these people, or any other charges like this.
I would like to see these companies go out of business, but I know as long as there is money to be made there will be criminals out there to steal it. If these companies are indeed 3rd party billers, they are just as much to blame, as they assist in this scam and become a partner to the crime.
The fact is, this is no different than if someone broke into my home and used my telephone to call 900 numbers. It is absolutely criminal to use a person's computer without their consent, via the internet, and in this case rack up absorbent charges to slam them with. I believe the formal term for this is called cramming, so I want to formally charge Integretel and ESBI of cramming.
These companies rely on the fact that people have lives, and don't want to spend all day on the phone or writing letters about their abuse. They use manipulation tactics to try to get you to suspect other members of your household or friends. Do you have any children or a husband? This is so totally wrong, and they need to be stopped somehow.
I will continue to keep an eye on my phone bill for other charges or suspicious activities. I have actually had to unplug my phone line from the wall, because I am so freaked out about this now. While I am pretty sure the software features will not function anymore, I still have no clue how I got it in the first place, and I will not wipe out my hard drive because I have too much invested in my system to start from scratch again.
I would definitely be interested in a lawsuit against both Integretel and ESBI, and see there are plenty of others who share the same frustrations I have. It is an option I am willing to consider, regardless of whether or not they settle my bill. This becomes more about the people who aren't aware of what's going on, and the fact this kind of operation continues to be underway. As I said before I feel very strongly this needs to stop. If you have any further suggestions about actions I can take, I am very interested.in the meanwhile I plan to send complaints to the FTC, The Better Business Bueau, & the FCC.
Marilee
Seattle, Washington
U.S.A.
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