Internet spyware can not only be a nuisance, it can take money right out of one's pocket, as some Canadians are finding.

Farrell Henzel, a Ste. Anne, Manitoba man, is one of those people, telling CTV News: "I feel exploited. I feel like somebody has come in and robbed me."

In his case, he lost about $100.

What happened was Henzel was clearing Internet pop-up ads while surfing the Internet. He pressed an 'x' to close them. One of the ads covertly installed some dialer software on his computer.

As a result, the Manitoba Telephone Service customer started paying $1.50 per minute to some company overseas in a place he's never heard of.

MTS told him he would have to pay, saying he downloaded the software and he's responsible for the charges.

In the company's view, "it's no different if someone was to pick up the phone and make a long-distance call. You're responsible for that call," said Michelle Bailey-Picard, an MTS spokesperson.

MTS said complaints about such practices have jumped in the last six weeks, mirroring a nationwide trend.

However, people who live in Saskatchewan have their pain cushioned a bit, as SaskTel will pick up 50 per cent of such fraudulent charges.

Customers who have high-speed Internet connections probably won't be affected.

Experts recommend getting anti-pop-up software. Another type of software to consider is anti-spyware software.

They recommend people check with their Internet service provider as they may have some free downloads available.

In the meantime, if you come across a pop-up ad and your computer uses the Windows operating system, close it by first right-clicking with it on your mouse.

For Henzel, there's only one way to feel safe anymore: every day he disconnects his computer from the phone line.

With a report from CTV's Jill Macyshon