Governor Quinn signs AARP-backed bill to prevent unauthorized third party charges for telephone services and products

CHICAGO, Nov. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Illinois consumers who have been paying untold amounts of money for phone services or products they did not even order or authorize - a growing and illegal practice known as 'cramming' - will now have a law on their side. A bill protecting consumers against unauthorized third party charges was signed into law today by Governor Quinn.

The legislation - Senate Bill 1421 - fights cramming practices by requiring third party verification on charges placed on telephone bills. Parties that charge for services or products on a consumers' bill must now confirm the consumer has requested the service, and must also record the phone call. Records will also be maintained by the service provider for at least two years.

SB 1421 was sponsored by State Senator Michael Bond (D-Grayslake) and State Representative John E. Bradley (D-Marion) and passed both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly unanimously. AARP backed the legislation, which was an initiative of Rep. Bradley and the Citizens' Utility Board.

"For older individuals, access to dependable, affordable phone service is critical. And it's just as critical that there are laws protecting them, and all consumers, from abusive and illegal practices," said Nancy Nelson, Senior Director of Advocacy for AARP Illinois. "AARP commends Senator Bond and Representative Bradley for their leadership in passing this legislation, and Governor Quinn for signing into law."

Add-on charges, surcharges, and third party charges have increased dramatically over the last few years, impacting all consumers and especially older consumers. Consumer advocates have reported a significant up tick in cramming complaints in Illinois.

SB1421 amends current law by adding a section that restricts service providers from charging a consumer on their telephone bill, unless the charges and terms of service have been clearly and conspicuously disclosed; the consumer has expressly consented to obtain the product or service offered; and the service provider has provided to the consumers with a toll-free contact number to contact the third-party billing agent.

SOURCE AARP Illinois

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