Have you been slammed, crammed, or scammed on your telephone bill? Confused by new charges? Get help from the Public Service Commission (PSC)! Consumers are confused and vulnerable as a result of telephone deregulation and the PSC wants to help people shop for reasonable telephone service and avoid scams.

The PSC currently takes roughly 10,000 complaints annually. In 1999, nearly 70 percent of them were telecommunications-related. If you have questions on any of the following topics, then this seminar may be for you.

• I don't place many long distance calls. Do I have to have a long distance carrier?
• New Federal Charges on the Telephone Bill-What are they and what choices do you have?
• Dial-Around Carriers (i.e., 10-10-321)-What to watch out for.
• Reducing Telemarketing Calls-There are things you can do.
• Handling Telemarketing for Long Distance Services-Don't get scammed.
• Use the Internet?-How to avoid high phone bills. · Traveling?-Pay phones, calling cards, prepaid cards, and extra fees.
• Kids Running Up Your Bill?-Find out what blocking options are available.
• Cramming-Avoid charges being added to your bill.
• Slamming-How to prevent it; what to do if it happens.
• Need to Choose a Carrier?-There is a way to compare rates and pick the best deal.

Annemarie Newman is a member of the PSC's public information staff. She previously worked in the PSC's Consumer Affairs Bureau for five years. She has personally investigated over 4,000 complaints on utility issues and also worked to develop industry policy solutions. This seminar features a 30-minute presentation and a question-and-answer session. Brochures on the above topics will be made available as well.

The Consumer Telephone Seminar will be held at the Appleton Public Library on Thursday, September 28, at 1:30pm in the lower level meeting room. It is free and open to the general public.