FCC Adopts Rules to Help Consumers Identify and Prevent Unauthorized Mystery Fees, Known as "Cramming," on Phone Bills

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) took steps to protect Americans from difficult-to-detect fraudulent charges on their landline phone bills. The new rules combat “cramming,” the illegal placement of unauthorized charges on a consumer’s monthly phone bill. The FCC also asked for comment on additional ways consumers can protect themselves against this troubling activity.

Specifically, the new rules:

• Require telephone companies to notify subscribers at the point of sale, on each bill, and on their websites of the option to block third-party charges from their landline telephone bills, if the carrier offers that option;
• Strengthen the Commission’s requirement that third-party charges be separated from the landline telephone company’s charges on phone bills; and
• Ask whether the FCC should adopt additional protections, such as requiring landline telephone companies to get consumer consent before placing those charges on their telephone bills if the company already offers to block those charges.