NCJ Number
191991
Journal
Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice Volume: 17 Issue: 4 Dated: November 2001 Pages: 358-368
Date Published
November 2001
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article examines fraudulent practices in the telephone industry and focuses on slamming, cramming, jamming, holding, and gouging violations.
Abstract
The 1984 divestiture of AT&T created a proliferation of telecommunication services and widespread opportunities for corporate and consumer fraud. The evolution of the telecommunications industry has resulted in active marketing practices that have affected untold numbers of consumers and has led to fraudulent practices that pit major long-distance telephone companies against each other and against the companies called the Baby Bells. Regulation efforts primarily fall on State public utility commissions and the Federal Communications Commission. Companies, consumer advocates, and regulators have all been active in trying to curtail unethical and illegal practices in telecommunications. However, it is difficult to hold individuals responsible for corporate crime. Financial gain often motivates corporations to engage in deceptive practices. Telecommunications fraud is likely to increase as monopolies continue to grow and deregulation expands. 25 references (Author abstract modified)