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Common Phone Frauds.
Slamming: When your long distance service has been changed without your permission, you have been "slammed". Sometimes this happens in error, but it's mostly done as a deliberate attempt to "steal" your long distance service from a competitor. The slammer falsely claims that you agreed to change your service.
Cramming: When charges for miscellaneous services you've never agreed to purchase have been added to your bill, you've been "crammed". Services like voicemail, paging, toll-free numbers, and web page hosting are examples of what you may be paying for, but are not getting. Make sure you're getting all the services for which you are paying.
How To Avoid Fraud:
- To avoid slamming or cramming, look closely at contest entry forms or other forms you might fill out. These forms may include agreements to change your service or add new services to your bill.
- If you get a telemarketer calling about phone service, do not agree to anything on the spot. Ask them to send you information about their service so you can evaluate the offer without pressure and confirm the telemarketer's identity.
- Do not accept collect calls from people you don't know.
- Look for any calls that you did not make, or services you never agreed to purchase.
- You may consider placing a "PIC freeze" on your long distance service. This FREE service from your local telephone company will prevent any switching of your long distance without your expressed consent.
- Think of your telephone bill the same way you look at you credit card bill or bank statement.
- Don't ignore small charges. Some fraudulent companies bill for small amounts hoping you won't notice. Small charges can add up!
- Finally, if you don't understand charges on you bill, ask for an explanation.
How To Report Fraud:
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