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Slamming Hurts Both Businesses & Consumers

    An increasing number of Houston area businesses and consumers have been slammed by the marketing companies employed by long distance phone services.

   Phone slamming is an unauthorized change in your long distance service. Unscrupulous marketers use a variety of deceptive techniques to change your carrier.

     Some companies use sweepstakes entry forms while others slam customers at random. The latter group typically claims to have made a data entry error if the customer complains.

     If the change in service goes undetected, the excessive charges can add up. The dispute can usually be resolved, but the time investment required to correct the problem can be costly.

The BBB suggests these steps to protect your long distance service:

• From your local phone company, request a PIC (Pre-subscribed Interexchange Carrier) restriction form. When signed and returned, it prevents your long distance service from being changed without your express written authorization.
• Be cautious with any written information that may serve as a Letter of Agency (LOA) to switch your long distance.
• Check your phone bill each month. If your long distance has been switched, there should be a notice on the bill.
• Want to know who your long distance carrier is right now? Call 1-700-555-4141, toll free.
• If you've been slammed, ask your local phone company to switch you back to your preferred carrier. Complain to the company that slammed you asking for a refund or credit for any fees assessed, plus the per call difference in their rates and your original carrier’s rates.