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Complaining about your utilities

Most Attorney General's Office maintains an active utilities unit, which investigates complaints of overcharges and faulty service. In addition, usually the Attorney General's Office represents consumers in rate hike proceedings before the Public Service Commission.

Recently, many consumers have fallen victim to a new scam called"slamming," in which a consumer finds that his or her phone carrier has been switched, usually without permission, to other companies that can charge exorbitant rates.

Some unscrupulous companies have used lures that work like "reward" checks that, when deposited into your checking account, authorize that company to switch your long distance service.

Slamming is illegal and there are safeguards you can use to protect yourself:

• Check your phone bill each month. Make sure that the long distance carrier shown is the one you chose;
  
  
• Look for unauthorized calls that are billed to your phone. You may not be required to pay those charges. Ask your phone company for assistance in resolving billing problems, including "phantom" charges;
  
  
• Read the small print on giveaways or discount offers. If you don't understand the terms used, ask a lawyer. Don't take a chance on becoming a victim;
  
  
• You can ask your local phone company (for example, NYNEX, Rochester Tel or ConTel) to "block" your phone line to prevent switching of long distance carriers without your written consent. Contact your local phone company's billing office for more information;

The same rules apply to electric and gas bills, as well as cable TV bills.

Also be on guard for scams involving heating oil companies. Keep records of how much fuel you use each year. If your fuel consumption increases significantly, it could be a sign of a rip-off.

Buy fuel oil from reputable companies. Ask a friend or neighbor for references and check with the Better Business Bureau for past complaints.

What to do:

Most State's Attorney General operates a mediation service for consumers and, when large numbers of consumers are affected, can initiate court action to seek the return of lost funds. In some cases, the Attorney General can seek criminal charges against frauds.

If you have a problem with a product, service or merchant, first contact the store where you made the purchase. If you still can't find satisfaction, contact the attorney General's office.

Source: Office of New York State Attorney General

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