Klobuchar Focuses On Phone Scams

By Telly Mamayek, NewsRadio 830 WCCO

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Sen. Amy Klobuchar is urging the federal government to crack down on "cramming," the practice of third parties putting unauthorized charges on a person's phone bill.

Although the scheme has been around for awhile, "it's seen a revival because of cell phones," said Klobuchar.

The Minnesota Democrat, who's on the Senate Commerce Committee, said the mysterious charges often appear on the last page of a person's phone bill under the heading of "service fee" or "membership charge."

Klobuchar is urging the Federal Communications Commission to adopt new rules that would require phone bills to clearly identify third-party charges. She also wants the FCC to require proof a consumer has agreed to the expenditures.

"The FCC needs to be a vigilant cop on the beat, protecting consumers," said Klobuchar.

Klobuchar said consumers can protect themselves by checking their bills and asking their service provider about any unexplained charges.

NewsRadio 830 WCCO's Telly Mamayek Reports