TELUS blocks long distance direct-dialed calls to four countries to help reduce ‘modem hijacking'

Vancouver, B.C. – As part of TELUS' commitment to help reduce incidents of “modem hijacking”, TELUS on July 1st will begin blocking all long distance direct-dialed calls to Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Nauru and Sao Tome. Modem hijacking scams most commonly originate in these countries.

TELUS customers who want to make legitimate calls to these countries can contact a TELUS operator who will process the call. Customers who make an operator-assisted call will be charged the same rate as if they dialed directly.

“Due to a rise in modem hijacking incidents in Canada, TELUS is taking this step to help our customers,” said Jill Schnarr, TELUS vice-president customer marketing. “While TELUS believes this is a positive step to help reduce the number of modem hijacking incidents, it is important to note that this will not eliminate the risk. People need to be aware of scams such as modem hijacking, and ensure they are taking the appropriate steps to protect themselves.”

About modem hijacking:
Modem hijacking can affect anyone with a dial-up connection who unknowingly downloads programs from certain Web sites or pop-up windows. While ADSL or cable high-speed Internet customers should not be susceptible to this scam, those who have a dial-up connection such as a fax modem in addition to a high-speed Internet connection can be vulnerable.

Modem hijacking can occur when a Web site prompts users to access information by downloading a file via a pop-up window, accepting the Web site's terms and conditions, or downloading a special viewer or dialer to access content. When the user downloads the file or accepts the terms and conditions, the downloaded file accesses software on their computer and causes the modem to dial phone numbers in foreign countries, resulting in long distance charges.

Tips to help customers protect themselves from modem hijacking:

• Customers with high-speed Internet (ADSL or cable modem) should not be susceptible to this scam. However, customers with high-speed and a dial-up connection such as a fax modem may be susceptible. Customers should ensure they disconnect all dial-up connections when not in use. For example, if a customer has a fax modem connected to the computer, it should be disconnected when not in use.
  
• Customers should not download a program from a Web site or source they do not know or trust.
  
• Carefully read disclaimers, terms and conditions and warnings before downloading information.
  
• Customers can subscribe to TELUS Call Gate™ to help prevent unauthorized users from making certain types of calls, including international numbers customers may not want to be called from their phones. This may be useful for customers who need to leave their fax modem connected to receive incoming faxes.
  
• Customers should review and remove any network connections and dial-up arrangements on their computers they do not need.
  
• Customers should check their phone bill to verify long distance charges.

For more information, please contact:
Charlie Fleet
TELUS media and public relations
(780) 493-7227
charlie.fleet@telus.com