Telephone Fraud - Slamming and Cramming
" Slamming" and "cramming" are two common forms of telephone fraud. "Slamming" is changing your long-distance carrier without your consent and "cramming" is adding to your existing service without your permission. Both are illegal under Arizona's Consumer Fraud Act. Here are some tips to avoid being "slammed" or "crammed":
- Carefully read your telephone bill every month to make sure you have the services you originally signed up for. Go over every call and double check everything. Many consumers don't catch the changes until they've overpaid for services, often for months at a time.
- Use caution if you don't recognize the area code of a telephone number you are dialing. Check your phone book for the list of area codes to find out where the number is and hang up if the message on the other line sounds suspicious.
- Read all the fine print on any contest form or coupon offer before you fill it out and sign. Some long-distance carriers may use these offers as a way to get you to switch service. Be careful what you sign before you mail the form to the company.
- Have your local telephone company "freeze" your long-distance service to prevent anyone but you from switching or adding onto your existing carrier.
If you believe you have been a victim of "slamming" or "cramming," please contact the Attorney General's Office in Phoenix at 602.542.5763; in Tucson at 520.628.6504; or outside the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas at 1.800.352.8431.
Consumers can also file complaints online by visiting the Attorney General's Web site at www.azag.gov.