New long-distance telephone charges Many consumers will be seeing a new 99-cent charge on their telephone bills. Sprint calls it a “Carrier Cost Recovery Charge”. AT&T calls it a “Regulatory Assessment Fee”. MCI already has two similar fees – a “Carrier Cost Recovery Charge” and a “Property Tax Surcharge” – which add up to 2.8 […]
Consumer Tip for August 2003
Lower Summer Electric Use Many of the same things you do in winter to block cold air leaks can help keep the heat out in summer. Check caulking and weather stripping to make sure it is still placed properly. Closing blinds or draperies will block the heat of the sunlight through your windows and will […]
Consumer Tip for July 2003
Unnecessary Rental Fees Some consumers still rent their telephones. In reviewing consumer’s telephone bills around the State of Pennsylvania, our office finds that many seniors still pay a monthly fee of up to $5.00 to rent their old rotary phone. Purchasing a new telephone costs only a fraction of what some consumers pay to rent […]
Consumer Tip for June 2003
Dial-Up Internet Access When using dial-up Internet access from your computer: Check the phone number for the dial-up connection you use to make sure it is a local call to your Internet Service Provider. The telephone number you are using appears in a window as you connect to the Internet. If you are not sure […]
Consumer Tip for May 2003
Voicemail Scam Users of your telephone company’s voice mail system beware! If you have never programmed your own pass code into your voicemail, you are automatically using a default access code. That default is often the last four digits of your phone number. This makes you easy prey for scam artists. They just call the […]
Consumer Tip for April 2003
Service Shut-Offs As of April 1, electric and natural gas companies may again start terminating service to customers who have not paid their bills. If you are behind in your payments, now is the time to contact your gas or electric company about making a payment arrangement. If you’ve missed more than two payments, you […]
Consumer Tip for March 2003
Have you contributed to your gas or electric company’s hardship funds? Hardship funds are donated by consumers and are matched by the company. The funds provide assistance to low income customers to help them pay their bills. Community-based organizations distribute the funds to needy customers in your area. Are you interested in donating? There’s a […]
Consumer Tip for January 2003
Tired of inconvenient telemarketing calls? Sign up for PA’s Do Not Call list, either online or by writing: Online users can register at dnc.attorneygeneral.gov/Register.aspx Others can call 1-888-777-3406 or Write to the Direct Marketing Association at: DMA Telephone Preference Service P.O.Box 1559 Carmel, NY 10512 Those writing should include their name, address, telephone number and signature. […]
Consumer Tip for December 2002
“If you are a low income utility consumer, you may qualify for grant money, a Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program grant, sent right to your utility company to help pay your bill!” Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) LIHEAP & Assistance Program Telephone Numbers
