Cramming is the unauthorized practice of adding false charges to a consumer's billing statement, such as a credit card bill. This deceptive tactic is used to trick individuals into paying inflated amounts without realizing they have been charged for services or products they did not authorize.
Cramming is primarily relevant in consumer protection law, which aims to safeguard individuals from fraudulent billing practices. Legal actions can be taken against companies that engage in cramming, and consumers may have the right to dispute these charges. Users can manage disputes and seek resolutions using legal templates available through platforms like US Legal Forms.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A consumer receives a credit card bill that includes a $30 charge for a subscription service they never signed up for. This charge is considered cramming.
Example 2: A monthly utility bill shows an unexplained fee for a service the customer never requested or used (hypothetical example).
| State | Legal Variation |
|---|---|
| California | Strict penalties for unauthorized billing practices. |
| New York | Specific laws require clear consent for charges. |
| Texas | Consumer protection laws provide avenues for dispute resolution. |
This is not a complete list. State laws vary and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Cramming | Unauthorized charges on a billing statement. |
| Slamming | Unauthorized switching of a consumer's service provider. |
| Billing error | Incorrect charges that may or may not be fraudulent. |
If you notice unauthorized charges on your billing statement, take the following steps:
Browse our library of 85,000+ state-specific legal templates.
Contact your billing provider immediately to dispute the charge and request a refund.