There has been a recent increase in the reports of consumer abuse in the long-distance industry.
I was a victim of it two months ago and the problem compels me to inform you and ask you to help spread the word.
“Slamming” is the unauthorized or uninformed switching of consumers’ long-distance services. Awareness greatly reduces the chances of victimization – I encourage you to review this important information and discuss it with friends and relatives.
I support putting control of long distance buying decision where it belongs – in the hands of the consumers. Unfortunately, some customers are being switched – against their will – to other long distance companies through unscrupulous marketing practices and telemarketing ploys. To help consumers protect themselves and avoid this time consuming problem, I recommend consumers take the following precautions:
- If you receive a call from someone asking you to change long distance companies, state clearly you are only interested in receiving information and do not want to be switched to another company until you review the company’s claims in writing.
- If you are asked to sign a document, understand clearly what you are signing. Read the fine print carefully and ask questions.
- If you are responding to a special promotion or signing up for a calling card, make it clear that your agreement is limited and does not include authorization to switch your service.
- If you hear an offer that seems to good to be true, it probably is. Ask questions and compare.
- For future reference get the name and telephone number of the company representative you speak with.
Remember, authorization to switch your long distance telephone company can only take place when one of the following things happens:
- You sign and return a document from the new long distance company authorizing the change.
- You call or write your local telephone company to request a new long distance company.
- You have agreed to the change in telephone companies during a phone call, and a third party confirms the change or the new long distance company sends you an information package within three business days confirming the change.
- You authorize the change electronically by calling the new company’s toll-free number.
To double check your current long distance company, call 1-800-555-4141. Check your bill each month to ensure you are being served by the long distance company of your choice. If you determine that you have been switched without your authorization, call your local phone company immediately.
