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by Lee Ann Obringer

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Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks article:

Obringer, Lee Ann.  "How Long-Distance Scams Work"  14 November 2001.  HowStuffWorks.com. <http://money.howstuffworks.com/phone-scam.htm>  11 February 2012.
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What's the real story?

Stuff They Don't Want You to Know Videos »
Stuff They Don't Want You to Know Videos »
Inside this Article
  1. Introduction to How Long-Distance Scams Work
  2. What Makes Up Your Long-Distance Charges?
  3. Long Distance Fees and Taxes
  1. Some Well-known Scams
  2. Long-Distance Slamming
  3. Phone Bill Cramming
  4. See more »
    1. 10-10-XXX: Dial-around Services
    2. Prepaid Calling Cards
    3. Billed Calling Cards
    4. Long Distance Comparison Websites
    5. More Phone Industry Charges
    6. Lots More Information
    7. See all Scams articles

Lots More Information

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More Great Links

  • SmartPrice.com
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FCC Links

  • The Federal Communications Commission Home Page
  • Joint Policy Statement: Deceptive Advertising of Long Distance Telephone Services
  • Fact Sheet: Advertising and Marketing Dial-Around and Other Long Distance Services
  • Misrepresentations and Deceptions in Dial-Around and Other Long Distance Services
  • Telecommunications Act of 1996

Fraud Assistance Organizations

  • Call for Action
  • National Fraud Information Center
  • Better Business Bureau
  • Federal Trade Commission
  • United States Postal Inspection Service
  • How to file a complaint with the FCC
  • National Consumers League: A Survival Guide to Slamming, Cramming, and other Phone Concerns

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Inside this Article
  1. Introduction to How Long-Distance Scams Work
  2. What Makes Up Your Long-Distance Charges?
  3. Long Distance Fees and Taxes
  4. Some Well-known Scams
  5. Long-Distance Slamming
  6. Phone Bill Cramming
  7. 10-10-XXX: Dial-around Services
  1. Prepaid Calling Cards
  2. Billed Calling Cards
  3. Long Distance Comparison Websites
  4. More Phone Industry Charges
  5. Lots More Information
  6. See all Scams articles
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