Cramming is a fraudulent scheme in which unauthorized charges are added to your phone bill for services you did not sign up for or didn’t receive. This illegitimate practice has affected millions of American households and can be challenging to detect due to the similarity of a phone bill to a credit card statement.
How does Cramming work?
Phone companies allow other vendors to put charges on your phone bill so that you can use your phone number to make purchases. Fraudsters can take advantage of this and charge you for nothing more than having access to your phone number. Cramming charges may be camouflaged as a standard fee or tax, and they can range from a few cents to several dollars.
How to Avoid Cramming Scams?
Here are a few tips to protect yourself from falling prey to cramming:
- Check your phone bill regularly and thoroughly. Be on the lookout for unusual or unfamiliar charges.
- Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of all the services you are signing up for.
- Be careful while making purchases through your phone bill and only use trusted services.
- If you notice unauthorized charges on your bill, notify your phone provider for immediate action.
Stay vigilant, and don’t hesitate to ask questions and report any suspicious charges on your bill. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.
FAQ
What are some common types of unauthorized charges added through cramming?
Some common types include horoscope, ringtones, weather updates, chat services, and more.
What to do if I notice unauthorized charges on my phone bill?
Notify your phone provider immediately and ask them to remove the charges from your bill. You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission or the Federal Communications Commission if needed.
The Bottom Line
Cramming is a fraudulent scheme that can cost you a lot of money if not noticed on time. Stay informed, pay attention to your phone bills, and report any suspicious activity to your phone provider for quick resolutions.
