Thursday, January 15, 1998

Slamming Tip Sheet

Slamming -- having your telephone company changed without your permission -- is on the rise. Most consumers and small businesses that are slammed do not realize it until they get their next telephone bill. Hey, I don't remember switching to Fred's Long Distance Company?

Slamming happens to many consumers and small businesses in many ways. It used to be limited to long distance service. But as competition expands to local toll and local service, slamming is expanding as well. Some consumers and small businesses have had their long distance and local toll service slammed at the same time!

By following these simple survival tips, you can protect yourself from slamming:

• If you get a telemarketing call for new telephone service, be careful how you answer. Make sure you know what you are agreeing to before you say, "yes."

• Ask questions before you agree to change your long distance or local toll company in response to a telemarketing call. Make sure you understand what you are agreeing to.

• Ask the caller to send you written material about the offer and an authorization form so you can check out the details and then make a decision.

• If you get an offer in the mail, make sure you read all the material before returning the authorization form. Many mail offers include incentives like bonus checks, free minutes, raffle entries and other contests. Before accepting an offer, make sure you understand the rates, terms and conditions of the service that comes with it.

• Slamming frequently occurs when a company calls and offers to consolidate all of your telephone services on one bill. Sounds good, but most consumers and small businesses already get one bill from their local telephone company that includes their local, local toll, and long distance charges.

• Periodically check your long distance company by dialing 1+700+555-4141 and your local toll company by dialing 1+your area code+700-4141. If you live in the 847 area code in the Chicago area, dial 1+312+700-4141 to check your local toll company. You will not be charged for these calls.

• Call your local telephone company and ask them not to change your long distance or local toll company unless they receive a written or verbal authorization from you. This protects you from unscrupulous switches.

• If you are slammed, know your rights. The easiest way to lodge a complaint and switch back to your preferred company is to call your local telephone company. In most cases, you will be able to get your service switched back at no charge and you will be entitled to be rebilled by the company that slammed you at the rates that your original carrier would have charged for the calls.

If you have any questions or would like to file a complaint, call NCL's National Fraud Information Center at 1-800-876-7060 or use one of our online forms

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