Cyber surfers duped by computer offers of free downloads

    Cyber surfers often browse the web and come across sites that claim to contain free adult content.

   First instinct might tell them to go ahead and check it out because it is free.

   The site states that it is free, but it requires one to download a “viewer” or a “dialer.”

   Since they are at the site, they go ahead and download the required viewing software and are then ready to check out some free explicit content.

   It is free, right?

   According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), several are not. Many of these sites require users to download a “dialer” and or a “viewer” just to access their information.

   These sites even say that they do not require a credit card number or any type of payment at all in order to view them.

   However, the sex surfer should beware.

   The FTC warns there is a catch. Once the program is downloaded to the user’s computer, it disconnects the Internet connection they had and reconnects to an international long-distance phone number, at rates between $2 and $7 a minute.

   At these rates, it is not impossible for a surfer to be charged hundreds of dollars for a call placed to Holland, Germany, Brazil or Argentina.

   FTC officials say that because these scams are so lucrative for the perpetrators, it may only be a matter of time before they appear on sites that feature games, psychics, gambling and other services.

   The FTC has a few suggestions that will help one from becoming a victim of fraud.

   They make these recommendations on how one can minimize the chances of downloading a “viewer” or a “dialer” program that could turn “free” content into an expensive mistake:

   Be skeptical of opportunities to view “free” content on the web. Free does not always mean free.

   Clicking “okay” is not always okay.

   People should not click okay unless they understand what they are agreeing to.

   One should read online disclosures carefully. They may be buried several clicks away in pages in small print.

   In addition, surfers need to read the language in the gray boxes on the screen because these may contain important disclosures.

   The FTC also advises consumers to beware of any program that enables the computer’s modem to re-dial to the Internet.

   If a dialog box on the computer appears indicating that it is dialing when the user did not direct it to, one should cancel the connection and hang up. Then the user should check the number the modem is dialing and continue only if it is a local call.

   People should always check their phone bills and can file a complaint with the FTC, toll-free, at 1-877-FTC HELP (1-877-383-4357) or use the automated complaint form at WWW.FTC.GOV.