Consumer Information - Mexico Call Collect Scam
What Is Call Splashing? When you place a call from a public phone (a payphone,
hotel, or airport phone, for example), your call may be routed to a distant call
center before being "handed off" to your chosen long distance carrier.
Your preferred long distance carrier might then, either unintentionally or intentionally,
bill you as if your call originated from the distant call center, rather than
from your actual location. As a result, you may be charged higher long distance
rates for the call than what you expected. This is called "call splashing," and
it may be in violation of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules.
Is Call Splashing Legal? A carrier is permitted to base charges on an artificial
point of origination if the caller: requests to be transferred to a different
carrier's operator; or is informed (before incurring any charges) that the call
may be billed as if it originated somewhere other than where the caller is calling
from and he/she consents to the transfer.
Avoid Being "Splashed" To help avoid call splashing, listen carefully
to the telephone operator and don't consent to any call transfers unless you
understand what the operator is asking.
Carefully read your phone bill to ensure the origination and destination locations
of your long distance phone calls are correct. If your phone call has been billed
without your consent as if the call originated from a distant call center, and
the rate is higher than you anticipated, complain to your preferred long distance
carrier so you can receive the correct billing rate. You can also file an informal
complaint with the FCC.
You can file a compliant with the FCC by either e-mail (fccinfo@fcc.gov), the
internet www.fcc.gov/cgb/complaints.html, telephone 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322)
voice or 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) TTY or mail.
Your complaint letter should include: name, address, and telephone number where
you can be reached during the business day; the telephone number involved with
the complaint; as much specific information about the complaint as possible;
a description of the steps taken by you to resolve the complaint yourself; the
names and telephone numbers of the company employees that you talked with in
an effort to resolve the complaint, and the dates that you talked with these
employees; copies of bills listing the disputed charges (circle the disputed
charges on the copy of the bill); and the relief that is being requested (such
as adjustment of charges).
If mailing in a complaint, send it to: Federal Communications Commission Consumer & Governmental
Affairs Bureau Consumer Inquiries and Complaint Division 445 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554
*Information provided by The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)*
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Did you know?
Established in 1994, Cleartel Communications is a leading provider
of voice and data solutions serving customers in the Northeast, Southeast,
Southwest, and Midwestern United States. Cleartel, provides home
telephone service in 27 states.
