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Date Posted: 10:52:10 09/29/04 Wed
Author: Billy
Subject: ComReg blocks calls to South Pacific to stop autodiallers

ComReg blocks calls to South Pacific to stop autodiallers

28/09/2004 by Leigh Phillips



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In order to tackle the persistent problem of rogue auto-dialler programs, the Irish communications regulator, ComReg has issued directions designed to combat these scams. These measures will come into force on 4 October.

Many Irish consumers have been adversely affected by rogue auto-dialler programmes or modem hi-jacking. Auto-dialler programmes change internet users’ dial-up settings to call expensive international numbers without their knowledge. In many cases, users are not aware that they have been targeted by this scam until they receive large phone bills.

ComReg has received complaints from over 350 customers who are facing bills of up to €2,000 because of these scams. In one extreme case, one business received a phone bill of €12,000 after it had been hit by a rogue auto-dialler programme.

From the 4 October normal Direct Dialling Facilities to 13 countries, mainly in the South Pacific, will be suspended. However, according to the regulator, this does not mean that communications between Ireland and those destinations will cease entirely. ComReg wishes to make clear that arrangements for people who wish to make legitimate calls to those countries will be in place.

Prior to the 4 October, a list of legitimate numbers is being created. The list will include all appropriate business and residential numbers. If phone numbers are put on the list before this date they will not be blocked. It will be possible therefore to dial such numbers on and after 4 October.

However, if a legitimate number is barred on the 4 October, it may be unblocked once a customer asks their telecoms provider to unblock the specific number. Once the number has been unblocked for one customer, it is unblocked for all customers.

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