Over 100 Iowans reported receiving long distance telephone bills from a company called Buzz Telecom in the past few months. The majority of consumers reporting the bills state they have never heard of the company and they do not use them for their long distance coverage.
The Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) has been investigating the bills and is working with the FFC to resolve the situation. According to an IUB spokesperson, Buzz Telecom is mainly targeting the elderly and smaller towns in Iowa. A few small businesses have reported receiving calls from Buzz Telecom.
“Those contacted by phone from Buzz Telecom were told they were talking to someone representing their local telephone company,” stated IUB’s spokesperson. “These consumers were then asked to call a number to activate the service offered by Buzz Telecom. Other consumers received a bill listed on their regular telephone bill or even a separate bill from Buzz Telecom. Many of these consumers have no recollection of talking with the company.”
The IUB has contacted Buzz Telecom regarding the complaints and has received no response from written complaints and telephone calls. IUB believes Buzz Telecom is formerly known as Business Options, a company Consumer Advocate took action against several years ago.
The Iowa Utilities Board, Iowa Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau are working together to assist consumers affected by the scam. If you received a bill from Buzz Telecom contact the Iowa Utilities Board toll-free within the state of Iowa at (877) 565-4550 or visit www.state.ia.us/iub to file a complaint.
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