Cell Phone Scams Double in IL

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A consumer advocacy groups says scams adding charges to people’s cell phone bills have almost doubled in Illinois this past year.  The Citizens Utility Board says scammers target cell users as wireless communication increases and new laws forbid cramming land lines. Cramming refers to third-party charges added to customers’ bills for services they never ordered.

Crammers get access to phone bills through text messages that promise prizes or ringtone downloads. They then hope phone owners won’t notice the small, extra charges on their bills. The Federal Communications Commission is considering tougher laws to protect cell phone users.