Watch out for IDD dumping: TIO

Australia's telco watchdog has issued a warning to consumers who use dial-up internet connections, after a spate of complaints disputing charges for IDD calls.

John Pinnock, Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO), said dial-up users should ask their telco provider to bar access to all premium rate and international numbers from their service.

“If you use the same telephone line for your home telephone and internet service, and you need access to international or premium rate numbers for other purposes, you may have the option of requesting PIN access,” Pinnock said.

There have been more than 730 complaints to the TIO since October from customers who have disputed charges for IDD data calls. Calls were to countries such as the Cook Islands, Guyana and Lichtenstein, according to a statement from the Ombudsman's office.

“Internet dumping occurs when a person visiting an internet site, commonly an adult site, has their regular dial-up connection disconnected and reconnected to an international or premium rate number,” the statement warned.

“Users must generally download 'internet dialler' software to enable this to occur, but they can do this simply -- and often unwittingly -- by clicking on an icon or radio button on their screen.”