Robert
Toledo,#2Consumer Comment
Mon, May 09, 2005
AG's Office Says Computer Virus Linked To Phone Scam Virus Apparently Enters Computer Through Software A computer virus is hijacking phones and making long-distance calls to a variety of far away -- and expensive -- places. The virus enters the computer through downloaded software, then uses the computer's modem to repeatedly to make overseas calls. Phone companies alleged to have been involved are in far-off countries off the Pacific Ocean. The Kentucky Attorney General's Office said that some small nations use the virus to cash in on the high-access fees charged to incoming international calls. The long distance carrier in this country, which is required to pay the fee, passes the cost on to the customer. Kentucky Assistant Attorney General Harold Turner said that in 2004, his office received more than a dozen complaints and was part of a multi-state action against Alyon Technologies, of New Jersey, in a case that involved modem hijacking and other problems. Turner added there's little the Attorney General's Office or the Kentucky Public Service Commission can do to reach outside the United States to recover the charges.