Slamming & Cramming
Stay a step ahead of the scammers. Educate yourself on some of the most common frauds and scams.
What is slamming and cramming?
Slamming and cramming involves third-party charges to your bill without your knowledge or consent. You can report it to the Federal Trade Commission.
What's the difference between slamming and cramming?
Slamming occurs when a telephone company changes your service provider without your consent or knowledge. Slamming methods can include: “free trials” signing up for marketing promotions without reading the fine print and offers for credit cards or giveaways.
Cramming is a form of fraud in which a company places unauthorized and miscellaneous charges on your bill. This could involve a charge for a voicemail service, Internet access or other service charges.
Tips to protect yourself against slamming and cramming.
Don't sign up for marketing promotions without reading the terms and conditions before signing up for anything that will be charged to your landline or wireless telephone service.
Review all your bills carefully and make sure you understand all charges. Be on the lookout for unfamiliar company names, calls you did not make and services you did not order.
Understand your phone bill terminology. Verizon customers can use this handy glossary to understand the taxes, fees, surcharges and other charges they may see on their bills.
