The FCC proposed a $5.2 million fine against...

The FCC proposed a $5.2 million fine against U.S. Telecom Long Distance for engaging in deceptive marketing practices, changing consumers’ preferred long distance carriers without proper authorization, billing consumers for unauthorized charges, and failing to explain charges clearly. USTLD is a non-facilities based interexchange carrier authorized to provide service in 47 states, with offices in Las Vegas. “In many cases, USTLD apparently took advantage of consumers by masking the true purpose of the call and then profiting from their obvious confusion about the questions they were asked,” said the FCC in a news release. “Many of the deceived consumers were elderly, hearing impaired, or infirm. Several consumers also claimed that USTLD representatives pretended to be calling from the FCC itself.” The Enforcement Bureau had reviewed more than 60 complaints filed with the FCC, state regulatory agencies, the FTC and the Better Business Bureau, it said in the notice of apparent liability (http://bit.ly/1hsMQDg). The bureau called USTLD’s practices willful and repeated violations of Sections 201(b) and 258 of the Communications Act.