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Slamming Prevention: Protecting your selection of long-distance service
 

Slamming occurs when your phone service, either local or long-distance, is switched to another company without your consent. This practice is illegal but not uncommon. How a service change should be handled Consumers may change telephone companies by calling the company of their choice and asking for a change or by agreeing to switch during a telemarketing call. The new company is required to verify the switch in any one of the following ways: Obtain written consent from the customer; Have the customer call back and confirm account data; or, Have an independent third party verify the change. Review your bill Each month, inspect your phone bill for any irregularities, particularly for any charges from companies you do not recognize or normally see on your bill. If you notice a new provider on your bill that you, or someone in your house, did not authorize, then you likely have been slammed. You can check who your assigned carrier is by calling a toll-free number. (1-700-555-4141 for long-distance service and 1-your area code-700-4141 for your local toll company). A recording will tell you the name of your provider.

What to do when slammed The UTC investigates all slamming complaints by customers doing business in Washington. If you suspect that you have been slammed, do not pay any charges associated with the unauthorized carrier. Instead: Contact your local phone company and describe the disputed charges. Let them know that your phone bill payment will not cover any of the disputed charges; Re-establish service with your original long-distance provider. Be sure to get back on the same plan you were slammed from (if that is your wish); and Cancel service with the unauthorized carrier. If you are not satisfied with these interactions, you may file a complaint by calling 1-800-562-6150; at our web site at www.wutc.wa.gov; or by letter. Slamming Prevention To help prevent slamming, you can ask your local phone company to freeze your account. By freezing your account, you prevent any change in your local or long-distance company unless you contact your local phone company directly. FCC Common Carrier Bureau's Consumer Alert on Slamming National Consumer's League Slamming Tip Sheet Before you leave, please visit our Consumer Page at www.wutc.wa.gov/consumer