FCC fines CenturyLink $550,000 over cramming allegations

The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Enforcement Bureau fined CenturyLink $550,000 for placement of unauthorized third-party charges and fees onto consumers’ bills, an illegal practice known as cramming. As part of the settlement agreement, CenturyLink will provide refunds to consumers and stop third-party billing.

“With today’s action, another major phone company will stop cramming and prevent unscrupulous third parties from adding fees to bills without prior express consent,” said Rosemary Harold, FCC’s Chief of the Enforcement Bureau.

In 2017, CWA called on the FCC to more fully investigate the causes of unethical sale practices that result in cramming and slamming – a serious problem across the telecommunications industry. Good consumer and good employment practices go hand in hand. That’s why CWA works hard to promote fair compensation practices and working conditions for frontline employees as the key to ensuring quality customer service.

Links: 

FCC Enforcement Bureau, Centurylink reach $550,000 settlement for unauthorized charges on consumers’ bills (FCC, August 13, 2019)

CWA calls on FCC to investigate harmful corporate sales practices in telecom industry (Speed Matters, Oct. 16, 2019)