- "Cramming" is the act of billing cell phone users without the customer's knowing authorization and usually starts from a website that promises free ringtones. Soon, the cell phone user notices a large amount of third-party cell phone fees. Usually he has been unknowingly enrolled in a subscription service. In some cases, the service also provides wallpaper, horoscopes and more. Teens are frequently targeted in such scams. Unfortunately, fine print usually comes into play, and, technically, in some cases, authorization was given to be charged. The problem is that the authorization was received in a deceptive way.
- Another way users can be scammed is by responding to texts that say something like "reply to this text for a free ringtone." What they are really doing is sending a very expensive text message. Cell phone service providers profit from such transactions, and it wasn't until class action suits began to spring up that these companies started to make an effort to prevent the scams from occurring.
- Always read the fine print, and if there is no fine print, run far away. Do not respond to text messages and phone calls from unknown numbers, especially those beginning with "19 or "190." When you are made an offer, look for the name of the company offering the promotion. Only purchase ringtones from reputable suppliers. Finally, if it is too good to be true, it probably is.
- Laws vary among states, but it is possible for victims of ringtone scams to take up any unauthorized fees with the phone company. Keep records of all complaints, written or oral, and make sure they are time-stamped. Ask to revoke any future authorizations for subscription charges. Without proof of authorization, the phone company is most likely required to drop all charges and refund any money paid to the scam.
- There are many scams similar to the ringtone scam. In one case, mysterious text messages and phone calls from unknown numbers are returned, yielding very expensive transactions. Trivia contests through text message spam is another one to stay away from. Also, watch out for "free" offers on the Internet that promise downloads and demand personal information. More obviously, do not give your credit card number to any sites you don't trust.
