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Josephs: residents should read local phone bills carefully

HARRISBURG, March 20 – State Rep. Babette Josephs, D-Phila., is advising constituents to read their local phone bills carefully to avoid paying unnecessary charges.

If residents have purchased telecommunication services such as voicemail, Internet services or e-mail through a company other than their local phone company, those extra charges may appear in the "Non-Basic" section of their telephone bill. However, if residents have not purchased any extra telecommunication services from other companies and are charged for it, they are not responsible for it.

"Many people don't realize that when they purchase services, the provider often hires an outside company to bill them," Josephs said. "The outside company acts as a middleman and their charges can show up on people's bills."

Some unauthorized charges can be mistakes, but if they're intentional, it is called "cramming," which is against the law. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission said that crammers use telephone bills to confuse customers into paying for services they didn't order.

Josephs said that if consumers feel they have been incorrectly billed, they should first try to resolve the issue with the billing service or the phone company. If they aren't satisfied with the result, they should contact the PUC to file a complaint. The PUC can take action if billing disputes continue.

Complaints can be sent to the commission at www.puc.state.pa.us or called in to 1-800-782-1110. More information about how to deal with cramming and being a savvy telephone customer can be found at www.puc.state.pa.us/telecom/tips/tips_cramming.aspx.

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