Alert; Special Dialers + "Modem Hijacking"

A phone Mart employee warned me about this today.
Anyone else hear of this (can't use that language in here!!!! AAAaaaaaaaaaaaargh!)

ALERT - Special Dialers & "Modem Hijacking"

If you are visiting a web site that requires you to download a file or special
viewer to access the Web site's content, please exercise caution. While
occasionally this may be a legitimate request, it can result in something
known as "modem hijacking".

This can occur when you visit certain Web sites. A pop-up window
appears prompting you to download a file (often stating that a special
viewer or special dialer is required to view the page). The pop-up box
contains detailed 'Terms & Conditions'. Once you accept these Terms &
Conditions (by pressing 'ok', 'I accept' or potentially an "X"), a file will be
downloaded onto your computer. The file can then use your dial-up
modem to connect to phone numbers in foreign countries such as Sao
Tome or Nauru. This can lead to unexpected long distance charges.

Please note - The customer is responsible for charges associated with
these calls.

Read all disclaimers and Terms & Conditions carefully. Ensure
that you fully understand the terms before continuing.
Do not download any files unless you are certain of its legitimacy.

Does anyone know if THIS stuff belongs in my
Windows files??????????????? MTS WILL make me pay for any long distance even if fraudulently done
via dial-up modem (which is what I use)

I edited out the computer info I copied in here as it included my phone number,which I don't want to advertize to the general public EEEEEK. Anyone needing that info can always PM me

[JD Baillie]

Carman,

You likely don't have a worry. For a hacker to use a hijacked modem, there must be first a route into your computer and then a dial out through your modem. If you don't use high speed internet, then there isn't a 'through' route. If still concerned, unplug your modem when finnished dialing up.

Rgds
JD

Originally posted by JD Baillie
Carman,

You likely don't have a worry. For a hacker to use a hijacked modem, there must be first a route into your computer and then a dial out through your modem. If you don't use high speed internet, then there isn't a 'through' route. If still concerned, unplug your modem when finnished dialing up.

Rgds
JD

Thanks JD. That's reassuring. Maybe its a GOOD thing that I have a dinosaur on low-speed dialup
Also good is that any downloading would probably be aborted anyways...cause of the dinosaur status. I hadn't thought of THAT part... a sort of "dinosaur is protection"... nobody wants in

Hey JD ... next time you're out the Malahat, stop and give an arbutus tree a hug for me Especially in Phelps subdivision

Thanks

[JD Baillie]

VD,

Phelps sub? OK. Can do.

Addendum to my first on hacking. It just may be possible for a hacker to use a single line and a modem if you have 3 way calling enabled from the telephone company. ??

Why Phelps?

JD

Originally posted by JD Baillie
VD,

Phelps sub? OK. Can do.

Addendum to my first on hacking. It just may be possible for a hacker to use a single line and a modem if you have 3 way calling enabled from the telephone company. ??

Why Phelps?

JD

I used to live there as a teenager...absolutely loved it. Joy
V_D

[JD Baillie]

Carman,

You wouldn't recognise it now. The've bashed down all the good Gary Oak medows, gouged great bloody holes in the hills for the big box stores, flattened the little hill tops, and generally moonscaped the place. Even the old car wreckers that used to climb the side hills are buried in houses. Though a friend who lives up there is still digging old car parts out of his garden.

JD