Land Line Complaints Top FCC Complaint List

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Noah Schiffman at networkworld.com looks into statistics provided by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) about complaints filed. According to the numbers the majority of complaints are filed against land line telecommunication providers. This fact makes Noah Schiffman look deeper into the problem, and he uncovers a common trend: people find charges they don't recognize on their phone bills.

This fraudulent activity takes many shapes. Here are the most common phone scams:

  • "Area Code Phone Scams": Consumers usually receive a message requesting them to call a phone number with an 809, 284 or 876 area code concerning an important matter.  The caller assumes the number is a typical three-digit U.S. area code; however, the caller is actually connected to a phone number outside the United States, and charged international call rates.
  • "900 Number Switching Scams": We all feel safe calling "toll free" 1-800 or 888 numbers, while knowing stay away from 1-900 numbers.  However, there exists an illegal scam that merges the two. An advertisement will claim an incredible offer. After placing the 1-800 call, an automated greeting asks that they press #9 to verify their number.  By pressing #9 (in some reported cases, #90), that call has just been transferred to a 900 number and through a long series of questions, the caller is kept on the line for as long as possible. 

The author also explains "Credit Card Scams", "*72 Phone Scam", and "Slamming & Cramming". Read more at http://www.networkworld.com

Comments

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  • 0
    cyn
    Some of the things I do when I recognize one of these calls,(and sometimes there are several a day) are to blow a whistle several sharp blasts or one or two long blows, call them an a**hole and hang up,or press random numbers on your key pad. Sometimes, if I am really harrassed feeling, I do all three!  *Note to self - take phone from ear first! LOL
  • 0
    Cyn
    | 3 replies
    The 900 number switching scam has been going on for almost 10 years and it is time the Government of the United States exercised it's authority over what comes and goes out through a USA based company, AT&T.  This is the company that controls what has been happening. Just start fining them large amounts and let the governmet lawyers take on FRAUD.  Just recently I applied with AT&T for their 6.0 Internet Bundle Deal.  After switching and being inconvenienced for weeks, I realized I was not getting 6.0.  When I called AT&T, they informed me that IT IS NOT, HAS NOT AND WAS NOT AVAILABLE IN MY AREA.  My sister has thought she has had it for the past 8 months and she has not had it.  Why are they selling packages they do not have service for and how do you start a class action suit and get on board.
  • 0
    rlf replies to Cyn
    | 2 replies
    I just received a letter from ATT saying the my new internet upgrade is not available in my area... they totally suck... I wish there is a way to measure what type of internet service am I getting now, because I feel like is too slow and I am paying for dsl service.
  • 0
    David Pemberton
    | 3 replies
    I have asked the future market telmarketers to stop calling me and they won't . who can I report the number to, so they will stop the harassment. They call all hours of the day and night and they will not stop, I have asked them numerous times. Annoyed in Texas.........The number is 361-992-3073.
  • 0
    De replies to David Pemberton
    I googled that number and got:

    Phonebook results for 361-992-3073
    J Mcgee   (361) 992-3073   4834 Yorktown Blvd,  Corpus Christi, TX 78413  

    Obviously a telemarketer or something could call from a private line - I expect its a fake name... you could always try writing to the address?
  • 0
    kelly
    I'm so happy I'm hook up with their service!! Good thing they've called me..
  • 0
    swati
    | 1 reply
    757-410-4721
    Wlliamsburg Pl

    Got a call on saturday morning and told the lady that I was not interested after which I got called on my home line for over 9-10 times, until the point that I was screaming and had my pressure all up? Should I get a heart attack I have only to blame this person, for getting my blood all riled up and disturbing the peace in my house. How do they know what is going on in that person's house for them to barge and disturb the peace....these people are not only aggressive but they are absolutely inhuman and callous for they do not know where to draw the line. What if the shoe was on the other feet?
  • 0
    Mary
    | 2 replies
    got a call from 8772411442 they told me to get off my 5 dollar an hour butt and get my ex on the phone and alot of other not so friendly things, my phone company says when they call, hang up then dial *60 you can block up to 10 numbers this way. hope this helps
  • 0
    Greg
    | 1 reply
    rlf - check your internet speed:

    Go to www.internetfrog.com .  Over on the right, click "Test the speed of your connection" and then let it run the speed tests.  It only takes a few moments and then you will have a reasonably accurate estimate of the bandwidth of your connection.
  • 0
    enforcer of do not call law replies to David Pemberton
    Call the FCC and report them.  Keep track of the time, date, etc. and send it to FCC.  You can go to FCC website or call 1-888-225-5322.  If you are on the do not call list, it should cost them 25K every time they call.
  • 0
    Teresa replies to swati
    I worked for a telemarketing company 2 years and know what its like on both sides of the fence.  When you tell them you are not interested...or you just hang up...they push a button and it goes back into the call back list at a later time....what you need to do is tell them you want to be put on "their DO NOT CALL list...and that you want it in writing.  They must do this in a certain time frame....if they call you after that...they have to pay major fines....hope this helps
  • 0
    Curtis replies to rlf
    | 1 reply
    Try http://www.speedtest.net/
  • 0
    wgtc replies to Greg
    DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!!
    could download a virus. let it run the speed test? are you kidding!
    This person was just so nice to put this here to HELP you. sounds
    like BS .
    Why would someone put this here?
    Maybe a telemarketer scanning your computer.
    PLEASE, DON'T BE STUPID!
  • 0
    Nancy
    | 5 replies
    Telemaketers are mostly disabled people that can't do any other type of work. I would much rather deal with a few phone calls than have to pay extra taxes for social security and unemployment. With the lack of jobs in this country you people should give telemarketers brake. At least they are out there working and not on food stamps or welfare eating up the government's and the tax payer's money.
  • 0
    solved
    Unwanted telemarketers make money by the calls that respond. If you yell and hang up they go to the next number (victim).
    Ask them to hang on "just a minute " while you turn off the tv.
    Lay the phone down and wait. See how long you can tie them up before they hang up.           This costs them money and frustration.

    We did this at my barber's shop on the speakerphone one day and the guy held for almost five minutes while we continued our discussions. He even called back ten minutes later and "held on" for two more minutes.

    My barber says he doesn't get as many of the calls anymore.
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