YOUR "Hacked off" headline really struck a chord with me because I have had a similar internet experience of my own (February 5).

BT's Christmas present to me was a multi-hundred pound telephone bill which, after scrutiny, revealed I had been scammed by a "rogue dialler" premium rate number.

Apparently these hackers can enter unknowingly on to your computer and re-route the telephone onto a very expensive number. The first time I knew of this was when I opened my telephone bill.

I spoke to BT who informed me of this scam, but offered no real assistance to my plight and now have received a letter demanding that I pay the disputed amount of my bill.

Surely this is no more than highway robbery on the internet, with BT making a profit out of this extortion?

Until there is more stricter regulations of the internet, I shall refrain from allowing my modem to be turned into a Black Bess for these unscrupulous highwaymen to worm their way into my home.

Phil Shepherdson

Chantry Close,

Woodthorpe, York.

Updated: 10:36 Thursday, February 10, 2005