Global scheme uses Internet in X-rated phone deception; seeking pornography, browsers get big bills
Article Abstract:
Telecommunications companies in emerging countries and telephone and Internet marketers have been swindling consumers globally with a new high-technology scheme. The operation which was allegedly being run by three residents of Long Island, was uncovered by American phone company investigators and Federal regulators. The operation was shut down by a Federal judge in New York when the Federal Trade Commission referred to it as one of the most insidious scams it had ever witnessed. The scam consisted of promising online browsers free pornography that required users to download an electronic 'viewer.' The viewer disconnected the local ISP and replaced the connection with a telephone number in Moldova which billed them with $2 to $3 a minute charges.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1997
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
A primer on becoming an Internet-wise spy
Article Abstract:
Computers are increasingly used to gain access to both public and private databases, particularly those connected to the Internet. A new book, Your Personal Netspy, offers information on how to find information on people, tips from professional investigators, and how a person can operate invisibly online. The book provides an interesting overview of many of the ways the Internet can be used to gather information on a broad array of topics. There are many sources of information on people available on the Internet, as well as many genealogy services. There are also many software tools that can aid in finding specific information. The issues of privacy, data security and anonymity remain unresolved.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1996
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: The Internet's gatekeeper may cash in on role. Uunet and MFS plan to merge as Internet meets fiber optics; $2 billion deal may spur further consolidation
- Abstracts: Negative emotions in marketing research: affect or artifact? Good and bad shopping vibes: Spending and patronage satisfaction
- Abstracts: The great mystery of Internet profits. Compuserve says it expects to post a loss for the quarter; company shares fall nearly 20% on news
- Abstracts: Yahoo gets nice welcome on Wall Street. Viruses and their cures. Listen to this browser
- Abstracts: Computers: futuristic furniture. One step forward, two steps back with I.B.M