... ... are being billed for ... services they did not order. This practice is called ... and it affects ... ... ... occurs when a customer r
Cramming
Some consumers are being billed for telephone services they did not order. This practice is called “cramming” and it affects telephone consumers nationwide.
“Cramming” occurs when a customer receives a telephone bill, usually rendered by the local exchange company, that includes charges for products or services that he or she did not order. The charge for these services is usually between $3 and $30. However, there have been instances where “cramming” has amounted to more than $100 in additional charges.
Examples of “cramming” charges include:
Charges for calls that were not made by the consumer or that were placed to toll-free numbers
Charges for services that are explained in general terms, such as “voicemail,” “paging service,” “calling plan” or “membership service”
Charges simply identified as a “monthly fee”
Why does it happen?
Local telephone companies serve as billing agents for many long-distance companies and other service providers. Invalid or unclear charges occur when inaccurate billing data (either by oversight or by intent) is provided to the local telephone company via computer tape. The local telephone company then bills consumers for these calls or services.
Consumer tips on cramming
There are some simple tips consumers can follow to avoid being “crammed.”
Carefully read the fine print before filling out contest forms or coupons. You may be agreeing to new telephone services.
Review your telephone bill each month. Look for company names you do not recognize, charges for calls you did not make and charges for services you did not authorize. The FCC requires any changes of service to be “clearly and conspicuously” indicated on telephone bills.
Educate children and other individuals who make calls from your telephone about the charges for calls placed to information and entertainment services.
Allow others to use your telephone only for calls and services you authorize.
Keep a record of the telephone services you have authorized and used, such as information services. These resources can be helpful when billing descriptions are unclear.
If you have been crammed
If you find charges on your telephone bill which you cannot account for, contact your telephone service provider and ask that the charges be removed.
Why is there a USF Fee or Tax on my bill?
Why is there a USF Fee or Tax on my bill?Long distance companies used to make money off of your USF Fee which is an FCC mandated fee that goes to schools, roads etc... in your community. AT&T used to charge 11.5% and MCI used to charge 12.3% for something the FCC used to charge them 5% for. Since these companies were making a ton of money, off of what the Public thought was a mandated fee, the FCC just changed the rule so that all telephone companies are required by law to charge the same amount, and give it all to the FCC. Read below to find out what all the USF is used for.
How to Avoid Telemarketing Scams
How to Avoid ... ... of amazing ... and ... offers are warning signs of ... fraud. ... to the Federal Trade ... ... fraud now co
Guard Against the Rising Threat of Telephone Scams
Telephone scams, particularly "slamming," where your long-distance carrier is switched without consent, are not just deceptive and illegal—they're also costly. The National Consumers League reports that slamming is the fifth most reported telemarketing incident, with an estimated annual cost to consumers exceeding $100 million. Understanding the tactics used by scammers and knowing how to protect yourself is crucial in this era of increasing telephone fraud.
