The online world isn't just a tremendous new way to exchange information. It also promises to revolutionize communications, education, banking, shopping and transactions of all kinds. Unfortunately, the online world also offers new opportunities to those few who seek to defraud consumers. As always, the best defense against these scam artists is to be skeptical--if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don't be timid about asking for references and checking out anyone and anything suspicious before you commit to spending your hard-earned money. For further information or assistance, call the National Consumers League's National Fraud Information Center at (800) 876-7060 or send e-mail to nfic@internetmci.com.
Consumers who visited a pornographic website (www.sexygirls.com) last month got a big surprise on their phone bills. After a few teaser pictures, surfer was told he/she needed to download a special program to view the archived images. That program was actually a viewer with an entire communications suite hidden deep inside (a non-self propogating Trojan Horse). The program disconnected user from his/her ISPs, shut off the volume on the modem if it was computer controlled, and dialed a number in Moldova -- a small, former republic of the Soviet Union wedged in between the Ukraine and Romania. All the while the consumer was on the website, and even if he/she then browsed other sites on the World Wide Web, the Internet access was being provided through the Moldova number, resulting in huge international phone charges! Consumers didn't know that until their phone bills arrived. According to the Toronto Star Business Reporter, there are Canadian reports of bills into the thousands.
The Toronto star also reports that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police has requested all calls from Canada to that number in Moldova be blocked. Bell Canada is attempting to provide relief for Canadian consumers.
US consumers should contact their long distance providers if they find these unexpected charges on their bill.
The RCMP has also required the owners of sexygirls.com to place a disclaimer on the site, alerting consumers to the presence of the communications software in the viewer. The disclaimer also tells consumers how to disconnect if they do not wish to use the server in Moldava.
In November, Internet Fraud Watch warned consumers concerning the possible dangers of downloading programs over the Internet. Some tips:
Remember, your main worry is an executable file (i.e. a program or application). Despite what you hear all over the Internet, you cannot get a virus from a piece of e-mail.
If you are having a problem with calls to Moldova, the connection will only be made if you attempt to use the viewer. If you try to use the viewer, shut down your machine after you are finished at that site. If you wish to remove the viewer altogether, the file name is david.exe (for IBM users). If you are in Windows, it should be in your program folder.
There is some truth in it. Abbot Labs did settle an FTC, not FDA, lawsuit over price-fixing that applies to consumers only in the states of Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee and West Virginia. Consumers in those states with properly aged children can apply until January 31, 1997, to receive anywhere from $5 to $45 dollars after filling out a form and answering questions concerning Similac usage.
Many people worried that this was an attempt to collect social security numbers and birth certificates. Yet, the ads all instructed consumers to send the information to the real claims settlement office for the lawsuit. The address was right; the terms of eligibility, means of application, and amount of claim were all wrong. Despite the apparent harmlessness of the ads, DC Police continue to warn parents never to give out personal information, such as social security numbers, of themselves or their children, without checking to verify that there is a legitimate reason to provide such.
For a recorded message with more information about the settlement, including how to file a claim, please call 1-800-585-1151.
First, try to resolve the problems with the broker or, if that is unsuccessful, find out who the firm manager is and contact that person. If the problem still is not resolved, it's time for the next step.
Any complaint regarding a securities related investment can be sent to the SEC at <enforcement@sec.gov>. Information concerning the Securities and Exchange Commission, it's powers, and other useful advice for investors can also be found at the SEC website <http://www.sec.gov>.
If the complaint concerns a NASDAQ broker, investors can also seek help from the National Association of Securities Dealers Regulation (NASDR). NASDR has a website <http://www.nasdr.com> that offers information to investors and has an online complaint system <http://www.nasdr.com/2100.htm> right on their site.
Investors can also contact their state securities regulators for assistance.
If you suspect improper dealings at a brokerage firm, don't lose time or money by hesitating. Contact the regulatory authorities immediately.
