Unscrupulous companies and/or sales representatives will slip in a “free service” or we’ve heard “Oh, that’s a standard item we include on all our customers bills”.  Services like that can add hundreds to thousands of dollars PER MONTH to the client’s bills.

Cramming, the practice of adding services onto your bill without your consent or presented as something free or “bundled” is a result of the deregulation of the telephone business. By allowing the telecommunications universe to open the system to increased competition, local phone companies have to lease their phone lines to outside firms who want to sell competitive services. It is perfectly legal for a third-party company to sell a voice mail service to your company, billed through your existing phone bill.

However, some  telecommunications companies are taking advantage of the fact that local phone companies have no stake in verifying that consumers agreed to pay for such services, so they “cram” charges on phone bills, hoping that you won’t notice.

What you have to know is that you, as the consumer are responsible for discovering any of these cramming or slamming charges on your own; so that means the only safeguard against unwanted fees is detailed examination of the monthly phone bill.

Tip number 1.  Carefully read any sweepstakes entries or other junk mail solicitations before filling them out — often they are ruses that serve as permission to switch telephone providers or add services.

Tip number 2.  When it comes to telemarketing solicitations avoid speaking at length with them about your services.

Tip number 3.  It’s not just the unknown telecom companies that do this, this occurs with ALL companies, yes even the ones that have their names on big buildings downtown.

Tip number 4.   Beware when that record button is pressed.  Sometimes, telemarketing reps will state that they are going to record you (they must inform you by law), listen to their wording very carefully and repeat what you believe you are receiving, avoid yes and no answers.

Tip number 5. Ask your local phone company to “lock” your bill. In many cases and depending on your local provider, you may have a way to prevent someone from putting charges for additional services on your phone bill unless you have confirmed directly with the phone company that you agreed to purchase them.  If you can, do it.