KAROO SAFER SURFING - Advice on premium rate rogue diallers
Read this to protect yourself
All Karoo dial-up customers should be aware of the following scam involving the use of premium rate internet dial-up numbers. This scam changes the way your computer connects to the internet and can result in huge telephone bills. Act now to prevent this happening to you!
What’s the scam?
While surfing the internet you may unknowingly download software that changes your computer’s normal Karoo dial-up number to a premium rate number. Using such a premium rate number to connect to the internet can result in extra call charges that will show up on your telephone bill.
How does it work?
Downloading the premium rate dial-up software can be triggered by simply clicking on pop-up windows while surfing the internet, or even opening an email attachment.
Is it safer on broadband? - YES!
It’s important to note that only dial-up internet users will be affected by these scams. If you’re a Karoo broadband user you’re unlikely to be affected as long as you’ve disconnected your internal modem from your phone socket. To upgrade to broadband call 0800 915 5148.
How can I protect myself?
There are lots of things you can be doing now. Our recommendation is to use a shortcut to your dial-up connection from your desktop, as this will show you what number your PC is dialling, when connecting to the internet. If you are unsure what your Karoo dial-up number is see below. If your computer is trying to dial a different number, it is likely that you have a rogue dialler.
| Your KAROO package | Monthly subscription | Check that your computer is Dialling |
| KAROO AnyTime | £17.99 | 08440 464000 |
| KAROO HomeTime | £12.99 | 08440 464100 |
| KAROO FreeTime | £10.99 | 08440 464200 |
| KAROO Pay As You Go | No monthly fee | 08440 969696 |
Anti virus & firewall software
Every PC connected to the internet should have some form of anti-virus software and firewall protection. As a Karoo customer you are automatically installed with our FREE email anti-virus software.
Get broadband...
If you’re using broadband you’re highly unlikely to fall victim to dialler scams. Just ensure that you’re 100% safe by disconnecting your dial-up modem from the phone socket.
Call barring
Kingston Communications can help you control the calls made from your home phone (and Dial-up internet calls) via our call barring service. For example, you can bar certain premium rate numbers from your home phone. To find out how to use this service and what the costs are call our Customer Service Team on 01482 602555.
I think I’ve fallen victim to the scam. What do I do?
If you’ve received a telephone bill with premium rate calls on that you don’t recognise, first of all consult the rest of the household just in case they are legitimate. If nobody in the household recognises the number, your next contact should be with PhonepayPlus* at http://www.phonepayplus.org.uk.
Here you can look at the most commonly queried premium rate numbers. The website provides a list of all premium rate numbers currently under investigation usually including details of the company that operates the service.
If you still believe you’re the victim of a rogue dialler scam call Kingston Communications on 01482 602555 straight away.
* PhonepayPlus is the industry-funded regulatory body for all premium rate charged telecommunications services.
