How to Avoid Being Scammed or Over Billed

In my last entry, I described my latest experience with the local phone company trying to install service I did not order. I honestly believe that phone companies in general do their best to prevent abuse and over billing. That being said, given their size, it is all too easy for these abuses to happen.

How do you prevent them? Here are some tips:

• Most companies will allow you to lock your account so that only designated individuals may request service changes. If you company does, take advantage of the service.
• If you request a quote for new service, make sure you keep a paper copy, and know who you spoke to.
• If a phone company shows up to install service, don't allow them to complete the installation unless you are sure it was ordered.
• Compare your initial bill against the quote, and review the bill periodically, in case unauthorized charges are added.
• Consider using a reputable company to act as your intermediary with the phone company. Such companies can help eliminate the annoyances in dealing with the phone company, and can usually more than pay for themselves in reduced costs, and better matching with the services you actually need.