Definition
Slamming refers to the unauthorized switching of a consumer’s long-distance telephone service provider without their explicit consent. This deceptive practice is illegal and violates consumer protection laws as it often results in unexpected charges and disruptions in service for the affected customers.
Examples
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Unauthorized Third-Party Switch: Maria receives a phone bill indicating that her long-distance service provider has changed. Maria never authorized this switch, and the new provider is billing her at higher rates.
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Misleading Telemarketing: John answers a telemarketing call where the caller deceptively obtains his consent for a service change. Later, John finds his long-distance service switched without clear permission to a higher-cost provider.
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False Pretenses: Alex receives a call from someone claiming to need confirmation of his service. By agreeing to “confirm,” Alex inadvertently authorizes a switch to a different provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I confirm if my service has been slammed?
A: Check your phone bill for any unexpected changes in the long-distance service provider or unusual charges not from your usual provider.
Q: What should I do if I’ve been slammed?
A: Contact both your local telephone company and the company that slammed you. Request they restore your previous service and remove any unauthorized charges. File a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Q: How can I prevent slamming?
A: Request a “preferred carrier freeze” from your local telephone company to prevent changes without your explicit authorization.
- Cramming: The illegal practice of placing unauthorized charges on a customer’s telephone bill.
- Telecommunications Act of 1996: A landmark law in the United States aimed at deregulating the telecommunications markets.
Online Resources
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Telecommunications Law and Regulation” by Ian Walden
- “Telecommunications Regulation: Culture, Chaos, and Interdependence Inside the Regulatory Process” by Kenneth Gordon
Fundamentals of Slamming: Telecommunications Basics Quiz
### What is the definition of slamming in telecommunications?
- [x] It is the illegal practice of changing a customer's long-distance telephone service provider without permission.
- [ ] It is a promotional technique for telecommunications services.
- [ ] It is a service upgrade requested by the customer.
- [ ] It is the act of installing extra lines without customer knowledge.
> **Explanation:** Slamming specifically refers to the unauthorized switching of a customer's long-distance telephone service provider.
### What is a common indicator that your service has been slammed?
- [ ] Receiving promotional emails.
- [ ] A change in your local cable provider.
- [ ] Receiving a higher-than-usual phone bill with an unfamiliar service provider.
- [ ] Getting more marketing calls.
> **Explanation:** A significant indicator of slamming is receiving a higher phone bill with an unfamiliar long-distance service provider listed.
### If you've been slammed, what is your first course of action?
- [ ] Change your phone number immediately.
- [ ] Ignore the bill until further notice.
- [x] Contact both your local telephone company and the slamming company to resolve the issue and restore your previous service.
- [ ] File a police report.
> **Explanation:** The first step is to contact both your local phone company and the service provider that committed the slamming to have your service restored and unauthorized charges removed.
### How can you proactively prevent slamming?
- [ ] By frequently changing your service provider.
- [x] By requesting a "preferred carrier freeze" from your local telephone company.
- [ ] By ignoring any marketing calls.
- [ ] By changing your phone number every year.
> **Explanation:** Requesting a "preferred carrier freeze" from your local telephone company will prevent unauthorized changes without your explicit consent.
### Who is responsible for authorizing a "preferred carrier freeze"?
- [ ] FTC agents
- [x] The customer, via their local telephone company.
- [ ] The long-distance service provider.
- [ ] Local government offices.
> **Explanation:** You, as the customer, must request a "preferred carrier freeze" from your local telephone company.
### What legislation addresses slamming practices in the United States?
- [x] The Telecommunications Act of 1996.
- [ ] The Digital Millennium Copyright Act.
- [ ] The Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
- [ ] The Fair Credit Reporting Act.
> **Explanation:** The Telecommunications Act of 1996 addresses various issues in the telecommunications industry, including slamming.
### Cramming is different from slamming. What does cramming refer to?
- [ ] Upgrading service packages.
- [ ] File compression services for telecommunications.
- [ ] Unauthorized switching of providers.
- [x] Unauthorized charges on a customer’s telephone bill.
> **Explanation:** Cramming is the practice of placing unauthorized charges on a customer's telephone bill.
### Why do fraudulent companies engage in slamming?
- [ ] To reduce regulation.
- [ ] For market research.
- [x] To unlawfully increase their subscriber base and revenue.
- [ ] To provide better services.
> **Explanation:** The primary motivation for fraudulent companies engaging in slamming is to unlawfully increase their subscriber base and revenue.
### Which federal agency can you file a complaint with if you experience slamming?
- [ ] Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- [ ] Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- [x] Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
- [ ] Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
> **Explanation:** The FCC is the proper federal agency to handle consumer complaints related to slamming.
### Which term best describes the unauthorized addition of services to a customer's existing telephone service without their consent?
- [x] Cramming
- [ ] Slamming
- [ ] Spamming
- [ ] Hamming
> **Explanation:** The term "cramming" best describes the unauthorized addition of services or charges to a customer's existing telephone service.
Thank you for taking the time to explore the topic of slamming with us and challenging yourself with our quiz! Stay vigilant and protect your telecommunications services!
