Internet Alert with Adult Websites

[jerseydevil]

I got an AT&T bill in today warning that some international adult websites could cause you to be billed international phone rates. I was thinking this was impossible - because the phone companies have NO idea what sites you go into. So I went into the URL it gave... http://www.consumer.att.com/consumertips/adult.html After reading what they said - I discovered it is VERY possible and that it doesn't require your phone company to know anything about what you are looking at.

This is what it says and I thought it would be important to warn people - because it can be activated through spam too...

Accessing some adult entertainment web sites may trigger international long distance charges on your telephone bill. What happens is this: Someone in your home using the computer visits various web sites where adult entertainment advertisements appear. Or, they may receive a spam email message with an invitation to access a "free" web site. In some cases, free software can be downloaded to the computer that allows access to adult web sites without the use of a credit card. Once the software is downloaded, a pop-up window appears with a long disclaimer specifically stating that the modem connection to your local Internet service provider will be disconnected and an international long distance call to another country will be established. Some disclaimers provide a range of rates and state that charges for an international call will appear on the consumer’s telephone bill. Some disclaimers also require visitors to the site to affirm that they are 18 years of age....more

With all the spam out there and so much of it's true character being hidden - it is possible for someone to think they are downloading something that isn't what it seems. It seems like people should know not to download or access anything from anyone they don't know, but with mail viruses that make the recipient think they know the person - I thought this was serious enough to warn people.

[Ruinel]

Does this pertain to Cable also? Because the connection is not through the telephone lines. Is this only for dial-up connections? Or did it say?

I wonder when spam will be outlawed. Right now, I have spam control on all my email accounts. Meaning that anything addressed FROM someone not in my address book goes straight to my junk mail. Then I look through it every once in a while and dump it if I don't know who sent it. It still takes a lot of work, even if I don't open it up. It's just a pain.

I know they are just sent to everyone, regardless of what my interests are or what sex I am. (Thinking when I get the spam: [sarcasm]No, I'm not interested in enlarging my penis, as I don't have one. But thanks for offering.[/sarcasm] )

[jerseydevil]

Originally posted by Ruinel
Does this pertain to Cable also? Because the connection is not through the telephone lines. Is this only for dial-up connections? Or did it say?

It's only dial up. It does not affect cable unless you have a dial-up modem hooked to a phone line.

[Ruinel]

Originally posted by jerseydevil
It's only dial up. It does not affect cable unless you have a dial-up modem hooked to a phone line.

Ok, that makes sense then. I wondered if the cable company had an agreement with the phone company or something. I guess I can check out any porn site I want then. (joking)

[Artanis]

Originally posted by Ruinel
(joking)

Yeah, right.

[Ruinel]

Originally posted by Artanis
Yeah, right.

Oh, come now. Don't act all innocent.
(pssst! do you still want me to send you that site with the naked men on horseback? )

[Artanis]

Originally posted by Ruinel
Oh, come now. Don't act all innocent.
(pssst! do you still want me to send you that site with the naked men on horseback? )

I've never claimed to be innocent.
Give me the men, don't care about the horses.

[Ruinel]

Originally posted by Artanis
I've never claimed to be innocent.
Give me the men, don't care about the horses.

I'm with you, girl.