victim of premium call rate dialler software needs help

[Chris KJ]

Sorry if this isn't the correct newsgroup to post this query to.

My brother, who is new to using the Internet, managed to install dialler
software on his windows ME PC which used his dial-up connection to phone
a premium rate number. 75UK Pounds of calls later I luckily saw what
had happened and removed the dialler. It was actually trapped by EZ
trust firewall when downloaded and there was a dial-up entry for it in
windows too, so it wasn't that hard to find...

Anway, not knowing too much about the detailed workings of windows
dial-up connections I was wondering if there is any easy way to block
outgoing connections to specified telephone numbers in Windows itself,
or in the modem software settings? This applies to windows ME and XP.
That way if I don't get to examine the computer before more dialler
software gets installed at least the PC itself could prevent all
outgoing calls except those to the ISP.

Also, are logs of outgoing dial-up connects stored anywhere else in
Windows besides the modem log? The log produced by the windows modem
config seems to blank out the actual dialled number which isn't very
useful.

Thanks for your help,

 

[Jason Wade]

Sorry if this isn't the correct newsgroup to post this query to.

My brother, who is new to using the Internet, managed to install dialler
software on his windows ME PC which used his dial-up connection to phone
a premium rate number. 75UK Pounds of calls later [ chomp ]
ouch

I was wondering if there is any easy way to block
outgoing connections to specified telephone numbers in Windows itself,
or in the modem software settings? [ chomp ]

Here in the US, my local phone carrier has a service called
"call control." If you enable call control on your phone line,
you can disable calls to 900 (premium rate) numbers and you
can require a code be punched in before any call.

That should defeat most current dialers.

Thanks for your help,

You're welcome.

Your original question was, "can I block within Windows?" The answer
is probably no. Once the dialer is in control of the machine,
it would naturally bypass any such settings.

The restrictions on calling certain numbers must be done
with the phone company.

good luck and safe computing Chris

 

[Guest]

Your original question was, "can I block within Windows?" The answer

is probably no. Once the dialer is in control of the machine,
it would naturally bypass any such settings.

The restrictions on calling certain numbers must be done
with the phone company.

hi,

you could just unplug your modem and reconnect it *ONLY* when you want to connect to the internet. this will save you in the short term until you get the machine fixed.

hth,
bBt
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