Phone scams and how to avoid them
There're quite a few phone scams out there that could cost you money. Being aware of these illegal practices will help you avoid becoming a victim.
809 area code scam
Making unaware international calls is what the 809 scam is about.
9 - 0 - # scam
Allowing people to make calls using your phone line.
Careless dialing
When using a popular collect call service make sure you dial carefully
to avoid misspelling the number and, as a result paying more than expected
for the call.
Cell phone fraud
Cellular fraud (cell fraud) is defined as the unauthorized use, tampering,
or manipulation of a cellular phone or service.
Cramming
Phone bill cramming refers to unauthorized or misleading charges placed
on your telephone bill.
Internet modem switch scam
Getting billed for international calls when using local (domestic) Internet
service providers to access web sites.
Mexico collect call scam
This scam originates in Mexico and seems to be prevalent in Spanish-speaking
communities in California, Texas, Florida, New York and Illinois. The
scam is targeted at Spanish-surnamed consumers.
Slamming
Slamming is the illegal practice of changing a consumer’s telephone
service without permission. New consumer protection rules created by the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) provide a remedy if you’ve
been slammed.
Telemarketing scam
Claiming to be a telephone company employee a stranger will try to gather
your personal info.
Unwanted faxes
Just because your fax number is published or distributed does not mean
others have permission to send you unsolicited advertisements.