LINCOLN - "Slamming" and "cramming" are two of the newest scams occurring in Nebraska, and if you are the victim of one of these actions you could find hundreds of dollars in unexpected, unauthorized charges added to your telephone bill.

"Slamming" is the term used to describe changing a consumer's telephone service provider - whether for long distance, or local calls - without his or her permission.  Most consumers don't realize they have been slammed until they receive a telephone bill and discover unfamiliar company names have placed charges on their bill.  The "slamming" could have come about by a simple error, such as the result of a misread number, or it could be the action of unscrupulous marketing techniques.

Being "slammed" means that you could pay higher than normal rates for your telephone service.  You may receive poor quality service, and you may also be denied the special benefits and rates you were receiving from your previous telephone carrier.

"Cramming" occurs when unordered, unwanted telephone services such as personal 800 numbers, paging, and voice mail are added to your phone bill without your permission.  These services are provided by third-party companies and are billed on the statement you receive from your local carrier.  They may be billed under such confusing names as "enhanced services."  It may appear that you are being billed for services provided by your local telephone company, but your local carrier is merely acting as the billing agent for the third-party company. 

Here are some tips to avoid being "slammed" or "crammed":