How To Avoid Cramming
Reading your phone bill these days seems to be so complicated that most consumers find themselves skimming the alien terminology and just writing out the check. But, it is important that you know what all those complicated terms stand for, to make sure you are not being overcharged or "crammed".
"Cramming" is when unauthorized, misleading, or deceptive charges are placed on your telephone bill. Companies that fraudulently cram people depend largely on confusing telephone bills in order to mislead consumers into paying for services that they did not authorize or receive. By knowing what all the charges on your bill are, you will have armed yourself with the knowledge needed to spot cramming and take action. Some common terms you may see on your bill are listed below:
Directory Assistance Charges
This service, often called "411" is for placing calls to directory assistance. Certain local phone companies provide a certain amount of these calls free per month and charge for anything over that amount. Long distance companies may also charge these for accessing nationwide directory assistance (1-area code-555-1212). The cost for these directory assistance calls varies by company.
The Lifeline Surcharge
Charged by some states to assist low-income consumers subscribed to the Lifeline service.
State Subscriber Line Charge
Some states allow local phone companies to charge this fee to recoup the cost of providing lines for services within the state, such as in-state (intrastate) long distance and local service.
Local Number Portability Charge
This fee, which is charged to all customers by their local telephone company, covers the cost of technology that was developed to allow consumers to keep the same phone number when they change local phone companies. Fees vary by location.
Subscriber Line Charge
The Federal Communications Commission allows local phone companies to charge this fee to recover a portion of the costs of completing long distance calls on their local networks. This may also be referred to as an End-User Common Line Charge.
Telecommunications Relay Service Charge (TTY)
Charged to all customers, this fee covers the cost of providing a "translation" service for calls between TTY users and people using traditional voice telephone service. It also helps lower the cost of adaptive telecommunications equipment for people with certain disabilities.
The Universal Service Fund Fee
This charge is also commonly referred to as a Universal Connectivity Charge or Telephone Assistance Plan. You can find more information here on the Universal Service Fund Fee.
911 Service Fee
State or local governments are paid this fee to cover the cost of providing 911 access to emergency services. Your local telephone company bills you for it on their behalf.
Taxes
There is a Federal Excise Tax charged on all telephone services. You may also see charges for state and municipal taxes depending on where you are located. These fees go directly to government.
Single Billing Fee
Many long distance companies are now charging a "single bill fee" to customers who are billed by for long distance service through their local phone bill.
If you feel that you are being charged for suspicious fees on your local or long distance telephone bill, immediately call the company that charged you the fee or for any questionable phone calls and ask for an explanation of the charges. Request an adjustment to your bill for any incorrect charges.
You can also report incidences of cramming to the FCC. As a reference, you can click here to see a sample phone bill published by the FCC.
|
|
 |
|
