FCC Imposes $.44 Million Fine for Slamming by Preferred Long Distance

Media Contact:

Will Wiquist, (202) 418-0509

will.wiquist@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

FCC FINES PHONE COMPANY $1.44 MILLION FOR ILLEGALLY

SWITCHING SMALL BUSINESSES' LONG DISTANCE CARRIERS

WASHINGTON, November 18, 2015 - The Federal Communications Commission today

announced a $1.44 million fine against Encino, California-based long distance carrier Preferred

Long Distance for slamming. The company's telemarketers pretended to be representatives of

customers' existing long distance providers, and switched the customers' long distance carriers

without proper authorization, verified in accordance with the Commission's rules (a practice

commonly known as slamming ).

Consumers and small business owners have enough on their plates without worrying that those

who claim to be calling from the phone company are telling the truth, said Travis LeBlanc, Chief

of the Enforcement Bureau. The FCC will aggressively pursue companies who try to turn a

quick profit by deceiving telephone customers or switching their carriers behind their backs.

The Commission became aware of this activity after receiving numerous complaints against

Preferred. Small businesses, along with several individuals, reported that Preferred telemarketers

pretended to be employed by the customers' existing long distance providers. They also reported

learning that their long distance service had been switched only after receiving their telephone

bills.

Commission rules prohibit a carrier from switching a consumer's chosen long distance provider

without obtaining properly verified authorization to make the change. In addition, the

Communications Act makes it unlawful for a carrier to misrepresent its identity or the nature of

its service to obtain that authorization.

For more information about the FCC's rules protecting consumers from unauthorized changes to

their telephone carrier, see the FCC consumer guide to slamming: http://go.usa.gov/cC5uJ.

To file a complaint with the FCC, go to https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us or contact

the FCC's Consumer Center by calling 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) voice or 1-888-

TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) TTY; faxing 1-866-418-0232; or by writing to:

Federal Communications Commission

Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau

Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division

445 12th Street, SW

Washington, DC 20554

The Forfeiture Order is available at: https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-15-

147A1.pdf.

The Commission had previously issued a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture to the

company: https://www.fcc.gov/document/144m-deception-slamming-nal-against-preferred-long-

distance-inc.

Action by the Commission October 28, 2015 by Forfeiture Order (FCC 15-96). Chairman

Wheeler, Commissioners Clyburn and Rosenworcel approving, with Commissioner Pai

approving in part and dissenting in part and Commissioner O'Rielly dissenting. Commissioners

Pai and O'Rielly issuing statements.

###

Office of Media Relations: (202) 418-0500

TTY: (888) 835-5322

Twitter: @FCC

www.fcc.gov/office-media-relations

This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order

constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).

LINK:	http://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-imposes-144-million-fine-slamming-pref...
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