Slamming and Cramming
What you can do if you are slammed or crammed | Next >
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Slamming and cramming
The Attorney General warns Missourians to be wary of companies "slamming" them by switching their long-distance phone carrier without their knowledge, or "cramming" their phone bill with unauthorized charges.
Each year, complaints about slamming and cramming rank near the top of all categories of complaints and inquiries received by the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.
In addition, the number of cramming complaints is increasing as more consumers complain about being billed for unordered or unwanted phone services such as personal 800 numbers, voice mail and calling cards.
Unethical companies are betting that consumers won't read their phone bills. That is why careful review of your monthly phone charges is important.
Before paying, make sure your requested long-distance carrier is still listed on the bill and there are no questionable charges. Call your local phone company if you are being billed for unknown services, which sometimes are hidden under titles such as "enhanced services."
How you get slammed or crammed
Consumers usually get slammed or crammed when they:
- Enter contests and sweepstakes at fairs or festivals. Entry blanks may double as authorization forms to switch or add phone services.
- Sign "bonus checks" received by mail.
- Respond to offers of prizes and cash solicited by mail.
- Respond to a caller offering a lower-priced phone plan or verifying their current plan. Once you give your phone number or an answer, you could get slammed.
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