cramming

CONSUMER ADVISORY ON CRAMMING
(charging for services not ordered)

     You may be aware of slamming, the unauthorized switching of your telephone service, but now there is another telecommunications issue beginning to gather momentum called "cramming." Cramming is the practice of charging for miscellaneous services or products that haven’t been ordered or used, such as membership fees or a "psychic hotline" charge. The charge appears on your telephone bill.

     The Office of Consumer Counsel advises you to carefully review your telephone bill each month. If you suspect cramming, call your service provider. Incidents of cramming should also be reported to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at 888-225-5322.

     A few local exchange carriers and billing service providers are developing a "code of practice" to prevent cramming. Some providers will not charge consumers for crammed services not directly related to local phone service. Other providers have begun revising their guidelines to eliminate billing for products and services susceptible to abuse and misuse by third-party service providers, including prepaid calling cards, debit cards, and monthly recurring calling card fees.

Questions?  Call the Office of Consumer Counsel at 860- 827-2900