Internet Cramming

Other examples of cramming include internet service providers who add on to each customer bill an incremental charge which on its own is small but taken together with all other customers who have had their invoices similarly increased results in a windfall for the Internet service provider.

Here are some tips to keep in mind to reduce the possibility of your bill being crammed:

• Read your bills carefully, line by line. Check your bill as soon as possible and don't wait to complain. If you didn't order a service or if the service was charged higher than represented, don't pay. You do not have to pay for services that you didn't order even if you received such services.

• If you are a business, inform your employees of this scam so that they will be on the outlook for such scams.

• A typical scam involves an Internet service providers offering free web sites for the first 30 days with the right to cancel after that. Once the provider has your credit card number, the cramming starts.

• Only deal with internet service providers that you know. Don't get enticed by offers by telemarketers who offer great services at extremely low prices. It sometimes pays to pay a little extra to get a dependable and trustworthy service. If you don't personally know any internet service provider, use one that well known and popular. While running with the herd is not a good practice in some respects, buying the internet service from a large reputable company is well worth it.

• Don't be pressured into buying any offers made by unsolicited calls. Don't be afraid to say no.

• If your bills are crammed, cancel your service with that company and retain the services of another company. Even after you have cancelled your service with that company, check your credit card to ensure that the company is still not charging amount to your card. Call your credit card provider and let them know about the problem.

• Finally report the scam to our Complaint Centre and your local Better Business Bureau. You may also want to contact your local Enforcement Agency to assist you in closing the service provider down.