Internet Dumping

What is Internet Dumping?

Internet Dumping is a term that refers to the instance where clicking on an online advertisement will disconnect you from the Internet, and redial you to a premium rate or international phone number for advertised services. This often leads to the customer incurring high phone bills for these services which in some cases are undesired.

Where Does it Come From?

The most common source of Internet Dumping are adult sites, although music and other recreational sites have been known to use this feature.

These websites usually ask the user for permission before connecting onto the time-charged number but there are occasions where the user may be bombarded with so much advertising and propaganda that the request is obscured by other more innocent sounding requests and may lead to the user accidentally agreeing to these charged services.

What Can Be Done?

Many steps have been taken by the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) to address the issue, but there are certain steps that can be taken by users to ensure they are protected from this exploit.

1. Call Barring
   To ensure that your telephone line is not inadvertently used for premium rate telephone calls, you can set up call barring to 190 numbers. Contact your telephone line carrier about their call barring services.
2. Read All Windows
   Before agreeing to anything, make sure you read the windows making the request very carefully. If there is anything you do not understand, or if you are unsure about agreeing to the requests in any way, the safest thing is to not agree and close the window.
3. Install Content Filtering Software
   As most Internet Dumping is caused by adult sites, you can filter out any undesirable content by installing content filters such as NetNanny to ensure that any sexually explicit material is inaccessible via your computer. You can purchase Internet filtering software from your local computer retailers.
4. Switch off your Computer and Modem
   When you are not using the computer or the Internet, make sure the modem and computer are switched off.
5. Extend Expiry Dates on Internet Files
   By extending the expiry dates on your Internet files, a dumped call can be traced if required.
   
   To extend the expiry date in Internet Explorer:
   • Click on Tools
   • Click on Internet Options
   • Under History, increase the number in Days to keep pages in history
     If your phone bill is monthly, set the number to 40 days;
     If your phone bill is quarterly, set the number to 100 days, etc
   
   To extend the expiry date in Netscape 6 and above:
   • Click on Edit
   • Click on Preferences
   • Under Navigator, click on History
   • Under Browsing History, increase the number of days
     If your phone bill is monthly, set the number to 40 days;
     If your phone bill is quarterly, set the number to 100 days, etc

Related Links

• TIO Internet Dumping FAQ

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