How to Avoid Phone Phone Bill Deceptions
Both telephone slamming and cramming are considered deceptive practices by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Both practices are aimed at cheating consumers out of money. So what are these practices, and how do you avoid getting hit with unfair fees and costs on your phone bill?
Telephone Slamming
Slamming occurs when a phone provider is changed without the consumer's consent. The FCC has several liability rules in place to deter this illegal practice. If you have noticed your phone service provider has been changed without your consent, you should consult the FCC's Web page on phone slamming. The site details what procedures you should follow to ensure you are treated fairly.
You can also read the FCC's Slamming Fact Sheet, which gives good tips on how to avoid being slammed.
Telephone Cramming
Cramming is when you are charged for services on your monthly telephone bill that you did not actually incur. To avoid being crammed, you should:
- Carefully review your phone bill every month.
- If you see a charge on your telephone bill that you don't recognize, ask whoever charged you the fee to explain the fee. You should check even for small charges, as most crammers try to stay unnoticed by only charging small fees.
- You should keep a list of all services you authorized, as well as any numbers that you have called that incur a fee, so that you will be able to check your list against your phone bill.
Some terms for deceptive charges on your phone bill that might indicate that you are being crammed include:
- service fees
- service charge
- other fees
- voicemail
- calling plan
- psychic
- membership
Other generic terms also may indicate cramming; however, if you have authorized such services, these terms might indicate legitimate charges.
If you've been crammed, you can view the FCC's Web page on telephone cramming to find out what you can do.
