How to Find Out Which Long Distance Service I Have
There are various reasons you may need to find out the name of your long distance service provider. If you relocate and change service, or suspect you are a victim of slamming, it is necessary to locate your provider’s name. Slamming is the illegal practice of long-distance companies switching your service to theirs, without your knowledge. Follow these basic steps to locate the name and contact information of your current, long distance provider.
Items needed
- Old phone bill
- Telephone
- Computer
Instructions
- Look at your monthly telephone bill for the name of your current provider. The company’s name can be found on the section of the phone bill that itemizes long distance calls and charges. The name on the bill should list the name of the long distance company or their parent company. If you do not recognize the name, call customer service immediately.
- Contact the customer service department for your local phone company. Ask the representative to look up your account and the name of the listed long distance provider. Provide her the account number or service number so she can access the account. If you do not recognize the name of the company, ask for their contact information and call them directly.
- Dial the toll-free number 1-700-555-4141, and listen to the voice message stating your current, long distance carrier. If the carrier’s name is different from the company you requested, you may have been slammed. Contact the company and ask them for verification that you approved the switch. If they switched carriers without your knowledge or consent, you are entitled to a refund of charges incurred over the past 30 days. Submit a complaint to the Federal Communications Commission, FCC, and get a full list of your rights.