BT unveils rogue dialler safeguards

BT has developed new ways of combating internet dialler scams, including a warning system that alerts customers to any sharp increase in their bill. People who use dial-up connections are affected by the scams - unknowingly, a program can be downloaded which diverts net calls via a premium phone line, resulting in huge bills. Two new products have been trialled by BT in Northern Ireland, with the company hoping to make them available to all its customers by May. BT Modem Protection is a free software download that stops a computer dialling premium rate or international numbers. Customers are warned if their modem dials any number other than a list of approved ones, such as those used by ISPs. A second new tool is an early warning alert for customers affected by diallers. If a customer’s bill rises dramatically above its usual pattern in a day or a call is made to a destination suspected of operating unregistered diallers, they will receive a warning alert from BT. Customers can then ask BT to immediately place a premium rate bar on the line. Gavin Patterson, group managing director for consumer and ventures at BT, said: “BT has led the way in trying to tackle this very distressing issue. Although we haven’t created this problem, we have ploughed resources and a tremendous amount of time into developing new products to help our customers.” “We hope these will build on our previous efforts, including raising customer awareness, which has resulted in more people making the choice to avoid diallers completely by taking up our existing call-barring tools.” In June 2004, BT announced that when a premium rate number was suspected of being used to deliver rogue diallers it would block traffic to that number without waiting for the regulator, ICSTIS, to complete an investigation. But UK-based telecommunications company Opera has launched a legal challenge against BT's decision, claiming the company blocked access to lines Opera leases to adult content outfit Netcollex and is seeking compensation for lost revenues. The company was due to have its case against BT heard at the High Court in February but it was adjourned as Opera asked more time to prepare its case. It is expected to be re-listed in the next month. If you're concerned about Premium Diallers (or Dialers), follow our quick guide to what they are, how to avoid them and where to get help.