December 11, 2000

The Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) warns consumers that accessing some adult entertainment web sites may result in international long distance charges. In many instances, the consumer is unaware of these charges until they receive their telephone bill.

The problem occurs when someone using a computer visits a web site containing adult entertainment advertisements. The consumer is invited to download free software that provides access to adult entertainment web sites. Once the software is downloaded, a pop-up window appears with a lengthy disclaimer warning that the modem connection to the consumer’s local Internet service provider will be terminated and an international long distance call will be made. When the consumer clicks the “Yes, I agree” box, they begin accruing long distance telephone charges, often at a high international rate. The Federal Trade Commission says these scams are very lucrative for the operators, and it may be only a matter of time before they appear on sites that feature games, psychics, gambling and other services.

To avoid unexpected charges, the Maine PUC advises consumers to carefully read all information before accepting the terms and conditions on a web page. Although there is no single, preferred way for consumers to protect themselves from this type of situation, one option is to request an international block for your computer line from your local exchange company. Consumers should be aware that using an international block from their long distance company may not be enough because some web sites use dial-around codes to reach their site, codes that access a different long-distance company than the one used by the consumer. Blocking their own long distance company will only block international calls on that network—not others. A block from your local exchange company will block international calls on all long distance networks.

If you have any questions regarding this issue, please contact the Maine PUC’s Consumer Assistance Hotline either by phone (800) 452-4699 or TTY Relay 800/437-1220), e-mail maine.puc@maine.gov, or facsimile (207/287-1039), or visit our Website at www.janus.state.me.us/mpuc.

For more information please refer to the Federal Trade Commission at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/modmalrt.htm

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