FCC Proposes $5.3 Million Fine On Phone Company For Slamming, Cramming & Providing False Evidence

The Federal Communications Commission proposed a $5,323,322 fine against Tele Circuit Network Corporation. The Duluth (GA)-based phone company apparently switched consumers from their preferred carrier to Tele Circuit without their permission, misled consumers into believing that telemarketing calls were from the consumer’s current carrier, provided fabricated verification recordings of consumer consent to the FCC, added unauthorized charges to bills, and failed to fully respond to a Commission. The FCC alleges that Tele Circuit’s telemarketers misrepresented their identities by stating that they were calling on behalf of the consumer’s current service provider. The telemarketers also apparently discussed a fictitious government program for low-income individuals and senior citizens as a way to solicit consumer consent.