A Dialer is a trojan program that uses the computer's modem to dial telephone numbers typically without the user's knowledge. Dialers commonly connect to 900 services that can create large phone charges for the victim in whose name the phone line is registered. The electronic criminals that developed the dialer software will either own the 900 service or have an arrangement with the owners so as to profit from the dialer's activities.
We've aware of real life situations where the owner's phone bill, caused by the dialer's secret activity, has ranged from under $100 USD to over $600 USD. Major phone services providers have not always been cooperative in removing these charges and there's no guarantee they will. Prevention is by far the best insurance.
Threat Level
High
Action
Use a quality spyware removal program to remove and prevent future infections. See our recommendations to automatically delete threats like these.
Check your telephone bill regularly for any 900 number or unusual long distance charges. Report any unusual activity immediately to your phone service provider to determine the source of the charges.
