Unauthorized account charges are a concern across major networks like Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile, with occasional incidents reported from prepaid providers too. A recent case in Stafford, Connecticut, highlights this issue: an AT&T employee was arrested for adding unauthorized charges to over 30 customer accounts between November 2021 and January 2022 to boost commissions. This included adding and removing protection plans, features and even new lines without consent.
While most reps are honest, bad actors exist, often in third-party retailers but occasionally even in company-owned stores. To protect yourself:
- Use official websites or apps for purchases to clearly understand what you’re agreeing to.
- Double-check your account after every interaction and monitor bills regularly for changes or errors.
- Report issues promptly to help identify patterns of misconduct.
This case underscores the importance of vigilance, as what seems like an innocent mistake may sometimes be deliberate fraud.
Source: Android Authority
