Monday, February 11, 2013

Report Phone Slamming

Slamming is illegal in the United States.


When someone switches his land line phone and illegally taps into yours to make local or long-distance phone calls, it's called slamming. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), this is illegal and can be prosecuted by the FCC's Enforcement Bureau. By law, phone companies are required to fix any claims of slamming free of charge for the first 30 days. Once you look over your telephone bill and notice you've been slammed, you should file a complaint as soon as possible. There is no charge for filing a report online, by mail or by fax.


Instructions


1. Make a copy of your telephone bill that shows you are a victim of slamming by using either a scanner for online complaints or copier for faxed or mailed complaints.


2. Download and print the FCC Form 501 at http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgb/Form501/fcc501.cfm. Fill out the form with your name, address, phone number, name of your local and long-distance telephone service providers and then briefly explain what happened. Be sure you list the dates of when you've been slammed in the form.


3. Email, fax or mail a copy of your telephone bill, 501 form and welcome letter from the phone company that lists your name on the account to the FCC. The email address is slamming@fcc.gov, the fax number is 202-418-0035 or the mailing address is:


Federal Communications Commission


Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau


ATTN: SLAM TEAM, Room CY-A257


445 12th St., SW


Washington, DC 20554