Have you ever discovered charges on your phone bill that you cannot explain, if so, you may be the victim of “cramming”, sadly, this crime is becoming a common occurrence. Residential and cell phone bills tend to be confusing with all the taxes and surcharges making it easier for thieves to tack on hidden charges. You are not required to pay for any unauthorized charges.
If you authorized a service, and the provider didn’t clearly describe all of the charges you’d be responsible for, it is still considered cramming. Providing inaccurate billing data, intentionally or accidentally is also cramming.
Cramming can be very hard to detect without thoroughly scrutinizing your monthly telephone bill.
Federal Rules
The FCC has rules in place that require phone companies to make their bills easy to understand, clearly state what services have been provided and the subsequent charges assessed as a protection from cramming to allow consumers to make informed choices. A toll-free number must be provided on your statement for inquiries.
If You’ve Been Crammed
Call your telephone service provider, dispute the charges, and ask for an explanation.
Inform the service provider that you did not authorize the charges and will not pay for them. Ask them to remove the unauthorized charges and to cease billing you for them immediately. If applicable, you must speak with the service provider and not the company acting as their billing agent. Inform your telephone service provider of your progress if the charges did not emanate from them.
Pay your bill on time, excluding the unauthorized charges. By law, your service cannot be disconnected over unpaid disputed charges.
If the “crammer” refuses to remove the charges, notify your telephone service provider that you are still disputing the charges and work seek their advice.
If your telephone service provider and/or the company fraudulently charging you refuse to remove the incorrect charges, file a complaint with the appropriate regulatory agency.
Filing a Complaint
Fraudulent charges for telephone-related services within Georgia- file your complaint with the Georgia Public Service Commission – http://www.psc.state.ga.us/
Charges for non-telephone-related services (music, a psychic hotline) or for interstate or international phone service, your complaint should be filed with the FCC:
Federal Communications Commission – https://www.fcc.gov/
Key terms to watch for – “service fee,” “service charge,” “other fees,” “voicemail,” “mail server,” “calling plan,” “psychic,” “debit card,” or “membership,” “monthly fee,” “minimum monthly usage fee.”
Questions to Ask Yourself
Do I recognize the names of all the companies listed on my bill, and am I familiar with the services they provided?
Does my bill include charges for calls I didn’t place or unauthorized services?
Are the rates and line items consistent with what the company quoted me?
This information is especially important for families with multiple telephone lines. Make sure your check over each family member’s phone line, especially those that belong to your children.
Sources
The information found on the Gerstenberger Law site is for educational purposes only. Your situation and the situation of others is unique and more complex. This is neither legal advice nor to be considered legal advice. Contact us for advice about your specific situation