Consumer Information
Preventing Unauthorized Service Charges
There are several things you can do to avoid being a victim of cramming (the unauthorized addition of charges for goods or services on your telephone bill) and slamming (the unauthorized switching of a customer from one carrier to another).
- Review your telephone bill each month to look for unusual charges, new services you did not order, or new carriers you did not authorize.
- Read the fine print on promotions you receive in the mail (or elsewhere) before agreeing to participate – regardless of whether the promotion is for a telephone service or some other kind of service or product.
- Ask telemarketers to send you the information in writing before you agree to anything.
Steps to Take If You Are a Victim of Cramming or Slamming:
- Contact your local service provider. Register your complaint. Ask to be reconnected to your chosen provider or have any unauthorized charges removed from your bill.
- Contact the provider that you were switched to or that placed unordered service s on your bill.
- File a complaint with the Commission’s Consumer Assistance Division by using our on-line complaint form or by calling us toll-free at 1-800-452-4699.