The slammers of the internet

With the advent of “no call” lists, the sleazy art of slamming is back in full swing. If you don’t believe me just look at your phone bill. Chances are there are charges on there that you don’t remember authorizing.

Voice mail companies are the latest offenders. Two examples that I have dealt with recently are: [this is how they appear on your bill]
YOURPRODUCTBILL, INC-VMAIL MTHLY FEE (1-800-433-4518) $8.23 & tax
And
MY VOICEMAIL NTWRK, INC-VMAIL MTHY FEE (1-888-956-1234) $12.95 & tax
One day you actually read your bill and there it is. “When did I agree to this?” you say.
Well apparently it happens when you fail to read the dreaded terms of service agreement and simply agree to it. [We are all guilty.]

The good news is that most of them will cancel your new contract if you simply agree with them when they accuse you of having signed off to the terms. If you’re lucky like me you might even get a refund when you ask for one.

But what happens if you, like so many people, just pay your bill on time every month without question because you actually trust the phone company? You pay hundreds of dollars a year for services to which you don’t remember subscribing.

So dig out that easy to read phone bill and take a closer look at all of those “regular” charges. You might save money and even get some back. Just call the number usually listed above the charges [required by law no doubt] and then call your phone company and say “Shame on you” for allowing this practice.