Internet Dumping (Modem Jacking)

Last Updated: 8 November 2006

You've probably seen reports of people receiving huge telephone bills after their modem was "hi-jacked" by a web site, apparently without their knowledge. The bad news is that in most cases these people end up being liable for the debt. The good news is that you can avoid it happening to you.

What is "internet dumping"? Also called Modem Jacking, it occurs when a web site you are visiting purposely disconnects you from your local ISP and reconnects you through another one, usually using an international or premium rate number. The website will sometimes ask your permission first, but it may be written in tiny print amongst lots of other information about free downloads or software. It occurs mostly on adult sites.

Here's how you can avoid being caught by internet dumping:

• Read EVERYTHING before clicking OK, especially when you are going to download something
  
  
• Call your telephone service provider (not your ISP) and barr international and premium rate calls on your modem line
  
  
• Turn off your computer and modem when not in use
  
  
• Don't delete data from your browser's history files, so that you can trace back problems if necessary
  
  
• Monitor other people when they use the internet on your computer
• Be especially careful of adult sites
  
  
• Make sure you can hear your modem. Some people have a volume control on their modem and have it turned down - then you can't hear it redialling.
  
  
• A new Australian software product has been developed that protects you from internet dumping and modem jacking. Find out more at their web site at www.stopitnow.com.au.