Telephone expenses have increased over time. Although you frequently see advertisements for low telephone rates, it is essential that you monitor your calling patterns and select a calling plan based on your individual needs.
Many consumers are now able to choose both local and long distance phone service providers. These companies offer many optional services such as voicemail, call waiting, caller ID, paging and wireless services. Review your telephone usage. Ask yourself the following questions so you can compare services and prices.
• Where do I call most often?
• What time of day or day of week do I call?
• Do I need voice mail or will an answering machine be sufficient?
• How often do I use call waiting and/or caller ID?
• If you are renting, are you paying for inside line repair coverage? (This is your landlord’s responsibility.)
Find out how each company prices its services. Is there minimum use, time of day or distance requirements, flat monthly fees, or special plans? If you have a cellular phone with free nights and long distance, you may not need any long distance service for your home telephone.
Most importantly, get your information in writing and do not be pressured into an immediate decision.
Slamming
This is the illegal act of switching your long distance, local toll or local telephone company without your permission. You may not know it has happened until you find a different company name on your bill or your phone charges are much higher than normal.
If you have been slammed:
1. Ask your local phone company to switch you back to your original company at no charge.
2. Tell the original company you are switching back, and ask to be enrolled in your previous calling plan.
3. Contact the company that slammed you, whose name and number is on the bill, to exercise your rights not to pay those charges.
Cramming
This is when companies add charges to your telephone bill for optional services you never agreed to, such as voicemail or “club memberships.” You may not notice these monthly charges because they are relatively small, ($5 to $30), and look like your regular phone charges.
To avoid being a victim:
1. Look at your telephone bill carefully every month, especially the detail pages.
2. Read the fine print on contest entry forms and coupons. You could be agreeing to switch your phone service or buy optional services.
3. Consider putting a “block” on changes to your phone service. If your telephone service provider offers a blocking service, the company must notify you before a change is made.
DMCC is a 501 (c)3 is a charitable organization committed to educating consumers on financial issues and providing personal assistance to consumers who have become overextended with their debt. Education is provided free of charge to consumers as well as personal counseling to identify the best options for the repayment of any unsecured debt. To speak to a certified credit counselor, call 1-954-418-1466, email contact@dmcconline.org.
DMCC is located at 700 West Hillsboro Blvd., Building 1, Suite 105, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441.
