Cramming and Slamming

"Cramming" is not only a term used for those long, sleepless nights of study before a test. It is also a scam that occurs when charges for unordered and unwanted services such as voice mail and 800 numbers show up on a consumer’s phone bill. Cramming is an updated version of "slamming," which occurs when a consumer’s long-distance service is switched without the consumer’s knowledge or consent.

To help consumers avoid or correct unwanted phone service charges, the Missouri Attorney General gives these tips:

• Always read your phone bill carefully.
• Avoid entering contests that require you to put your signature on the entry form.
• If you receive a telemarketing solicitation for phone service, listen carefully to any instructions at the beginning of the call, and use discretion when answering "yes" to anything.
• Use discretion when dealing with any phone service. Don’t be a victim.

 Source: March 4, 1998 News Release from Missouri Attorney General Jeremiah W. (Jay) Nixon

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