How to avoid being crammed
By: David McDonough
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.
About the AuthorWebmaster and owner of TheLowestRates.Com, LLC - Your residential and business cheap long distance telephone, internet service and travel source.
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