AT&T Consumer Alert; Some Adult Entertainment Web Sites May Trigger Long Distance Charges.

Business/Internet Editors

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 6, 2000

AT&T is warning consumers that accessing some adult entertainment web sites may trigger international long distance charges on their telephone bill.

The company said it has begun receiving inquiries from customers regarding international long distance charges on their personal computer telephone lines. Some consumers say they are unaware that these charges are being applied to their bill when they access certain adult entertainment web sites. Additionally, calls from consumers indicate that children are accessing these sites - because the sites don't require the use of a credit card.

What happens is this: Someone in the home using the computer visits various web sites where adult entertainment advertisements appear. Or, they may receive a spam email message with an invitation to access a "free" web site. In some cases, free software can be downloaded to the computer that allows access to adult web sites without the use of a credit card. Once the software is downloaded, a pop-up window appears with a very long disclaimer specifically stating it will terminate the modem connection to the consumer's local internet service provider and establish an international long distance call to another country. Some disclaimers provide a range of rates and state that charges for an international call will appear on the consumer's telephone bill. Some disclaimers also require visitors to the site to affirm that they are 18 years of age.

"What we're learning is that people aren't reading this disclaimer," said Claudia Jones, AT&T Consumer Affairs Director. "And children have easy access because it doesn't require a credit card. They simply click the "Yes, I agree" box and they're in! When their parents get their phone bill, they're surprised to see international long distance charges on it."

"We call it 'caveat surfer,'" continued Jones. "Consumers need to carefully read all information before clicking yes. They need to understand that they are responsible for the long distance calls made from their home. That's why it's so important that consumers know who has access to their phone and computer."

Consumer Tips

Although there is no single, best way to protect themselves from this type of situation, AT&T recommends that consumers order an international block for their computer line from their local exchange company, if they're sure they won't need to place international calls on that line. Using an international block from your long distance company may not be enough because some web sites might use dial-around codes to reach their site codes that access a long-distance company different than the one you've selected. Blocking your own long distance company will only block international calls on its network - not others. A block from your local company should block international calls on all long distance networks.

Also, there are several software packages available that provide special Internet filters designed to block out offensive material from the Internet. AT&T recommends CyberPatrol and SurfWatch. In fact, AT&T WordNet customers can receive special pricing on CyberPatrol and SurfWatch. For information on AT&T WorldNet, consumers can visit http://www.att.net.

Finally, AT&T recommends that parents make sure their children understand how to responsibly use the Internet. It's important for parents to actively participate with their children when they're on the web and monitor their children's telephone and Internet usage. More tips for parents are available at http://www.att.com/cybershopper.