Phantom Cell Phone Charges Banned

Mike Tryon told me that teens are the ones most likely to be “crammed” on their cell phones.

A press release from State Rep. Mike Tryon:

Governor Signs New Law that Prohibits Third Party Fees on Phone Bills

SPRINGFIELD….. A phone bill scamming practice known as “cramming” will no longer be allowed under legislation signed into law in Illinois this week.

State Rep. Mike Tryon (R-Crystal Lake), a co-sponsor of House Bill 5211, said the new law makes it illegal for third party vendors to bill consumers for goods or services on their phone bills.

“This is a follow up to a bill I previously passed which added clarity for services that appear by third parties on phone bills,” Tryon said. “This bill takes phone bill clarity to a next, logical level.”

According to Tryon, the charges are often unwanted or the result of consumers who not did not have a full understanding for services they signed up for.

“Too often vendors fail to tell consumers about all of the fine print associated with their services, and a ‘free trial offer’ turns into a vague monthly fee on phone bills,” Tryon said.

“This new law should address a great deal of this practice.”

The bill had the full support of the Illinois Attorney General’s office, which filed 30 lawsuits in recent years against third party companies accused of cramming. The new law takes effect January 1, 2013.


Comments

Phantom Cell Phone Charges Banned — 3 Comments

  1. I suspect that most customers are at fault for not taking the time to understand charges by third parties.

    They love getting stuff “for free”; there is nothing “for free.”

    What do they think will happen at the end of a trial period?

    Just like it says in the fine print, they will be billed. But they don’t read the fine print.

    I’ll bet that most vendors DO inform customers.

    Yes, there is illegal cramming and there are phone co. employees who are taught to “upsell”, and do.

  2. I saw a vending machine that used cell phones to “place an order”. Y

    ou call the number, accept the charge, and pop…a soda comes out. I’m curious if this kills that idea (I thought it was very convenient).

  3. Funny how they can relate to passing laws about “phone bill scamming” but are not able to deal with real issues like the Illinois budget and quality of life in Illinois.

    I’m not saying this may not be a real “issue”, but it’s number 100 out of 100 on my list.

    I guess our politicians may not be able to comprehend the real issues facing them.

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