SmartSurfer Internet Dial-up

Ok, I'm old-school and still use Internet dial-up. I've been using Web.de's “SmartSurfer� for over a year now and have had very little problems; however, this past weekend, every 10 minutes or so I lose connection and a warning sign appears on my screen with something along the lines of "Warning: Smartsurfer has disconnected due to a 0900 number attempt to access the connection".

Has anyone else experienced this problem, or is it again, “just me�?! I've even tried out Arcor, and it's also disconnecting. What gives?

Maybe you have picked up a dialler program from somewhere - i.e. a program that attempts to close your normal internet connection and connect you up via an expensive number. These usually connect directly to porn sites and cost a load of money. Their aim is that the user may not realise they are dialled up to a premium rate number and run up a big bill.

You could check by downloading (and running) a free anti-spyware program like SpybotSD, Lavasoft Adaware or the Microsoft offering.