Cramming Phone Services

Have you seen unexplained charges on your phone bill for services you never ordered, authorized, received or used? Some common ways crooks get your phone number and "cram" charges onto your bill include:

• 800 Number Calls. You call an 800 number advertised as a free date line, psychic line or other adult entertainment service. A recording prompts you to give your name and to say "I want the service," or some similar phrase, to get the advertised free service. The phone number from which you call is captured and billed. You often never get the "free" service you called for, or the service you're billed for.
• Contest Entry Forms. You fill out a contest entry form, thinking you're entering to win a prize. In fact, some unscrupulous promoter is using the contest to get your phone number, enroll you for a calling card or some similar service, and bill you on your phone bill. The disclosure on the entry form, which is very difficult to comprehend and in very fine print, says that by completing the form, you authorized the service. You may never get the service -- just the bills.
• Direct Mail Sweepstakes. You receive a sweepstakes promotion in the mail that tells you to dial an 800 number to enter or claim your prize. When you call, a recording follows an automated script to automatically enroll you in a club or service program. The phone number from which you call is captured and billed.
• "Instant" Calling Cards. Someone may use your phone to call an 800 number for an adult entertainment service, and be offered an "instant calling card." The "calling card" isn't an actual card, but is rather an access code based on the phone number from which the call was placed. The card is used to access and bill for the entertainment service.
• Dating Service Calls. You call an 800 number advertised as a way to meet local people for free. You're told your date will call you back, or you're asked to enter a code to be "teleconferenced" with your date. What you're not told is that you'll be charged a hefty fee for your conversation with your date.
• International Calls. Some ads for adult entertainment services tell you to call a number starting with 011, 500, or another unfamiliar area code. The ads don't explain that these numbers are for expensive international calls, and that the entertainment provider is making money every minute you stay on the line.

Don't Get Crammed

Here are some tips to help you avoid cramming scams.

• Carefully read the fine print before you fill out contest forms, especially if they ask for your phone number. Likewise, read the fine print before you place a call in response to a sweepstakes promotion.
• Be cautious about calling unfamiliar 800 numbers. Be especially wary if you're told to enter codes, leave your name, or answer "yes" to prompts.
• All 900 numbers that cost more than $2 must give you a brief introductory message about the service, the service provider, and the cost of the call. You have three seconds after the message ends to hang up without being charged.
• Consider a 900 number block; it stops calls from going through to 900 number services. Blocks also are available for international, long distance, and local toll calls. Call your local phone company for details.
• Check your phone bill every month for unfamiliar charges.
• Examine your phone bill for recurring monthly charges. These charges typically appear as "Miscellaneous Charges and Credits." They may be so small, or described in such general terms, that they're easy to overlook or to confuse with valid services you may have ordered from another provider. Watch for fees described as "Min. Use Fee," "Activation," "Member Fee," "Voice Mail," or some similar phrase.

If you find an error on your bill, follow the instructions on your statement. You will be told who to call or write to dispute the charge. Follow up any phone conversations with a letter, sent by certified mail, return receipt requested. That's your proof that the company received your letter. Keep a copy for your files.

You should also consider contacting your state Attorney General's office and the Federal Trade Commission. Check the government section of your phone book or contact your local or state consumer office for the phone number and address of your state Attorney General's office.

General Consumer Rights Message Board for more help