You never authorised the switch, but another carrier is billing you. Federal slamming rules provide a specific remedy — primarily for wireline telephone service.
First, confirm this is a slamming case
The FCC's current complaint guidance says slamming applies to wireline phones. It does not apply to wireless or VoIP services; those use different complaint categories.
Authorization can be verified in several ways
FCC rules recognise multiple forms of verification, including a Letter of Agency, electronic authorization, certain state procedures and third-party verification. Third-party verification is a recorded conversation with an independent verifier.
So it is inaccurate to say every carrier change requires one signed form or that TPV is the only valid method.
What happens after a complaint?
Under the FCC slamming process, the alleged unauthorized carrier can be required to provide proof of verification. If an unauthorized change is established, the rules can provide relief for charges incurred during the relevant period and reimbursement procedures can apply to amounts already paid.
Preserve the evidence
- First bill showing the new carrier.
- Date you discovered the change.
- Sales materials or call details.
- Any preferred-carrier freeze information.
- All correspondence.
What this means practically
- Check whether the service is wireline.
- Keep the disputed bill and verification evidence.
- Use the FCC slamming process for qualifying cases.
- For wireless/VoIP, use billing or number-porting routes instead.
Sources
- FCC — Phone complaint issues and scope of slamming: fcc.gov
- 47 CFR Part 64, Subpart K — Changes in Preferred Telecommunications Service Providers: law.cornell.edu
- FCC — Slamming rules and verification: fcc.gov
Related Kibbo Tools
- Consumer Complaint Portals directory — find the correct FCC complaint category (Slamming) for your case.
- Ombudsman & Regulators directory — confirm which body handles your specific service type.