Have Questions About Your Bill?

• Overview
• FAQs
• Customer Service Inquiry

How does BSG protect consumers from cramming?

BSG has created and implemented the industry’s first and only comprehensive due diligence and performance monitoring program. Based on this fundamental concern, BSG has led the industry by implementing a number of consumer protection measures which occur before, after and throughout the duration of the contract in which BSG forwards charges to the local telephone company for billing.

BSG completes a rigorous due diligence process of all potential service providers and the services they intend to offer to consumers before any charges are forwarded to the local telephone company. BSG “pre-screens” each service provider before it accepts them as customers. For example, BSG will obtain background checks of all the officers of potential service-provider customers and hires an outside vendor to perform an on-site inspection of the facility where the services will be provided.

Once the company has been thoroughly researched, BSG will allow the potential service provider to send in their first file. BSG will then test the file and will only submit it for billing if the service provider provides written or verbal documentation that demonstrates that the charges are valid. Once the service provider is allowed to start billing, BSG monitors the number of call center, regulatory, and local telephone company inquiries associated with each service provider on a monthly basis. If the number of inquiries exceeds any of BSG’s preset thresholds, then BSG will test the service provider to assist in identifying any performance issues.

What is the USF charge?

The Universal Service Fund (USF) is used to provide discounted telecommunications services to schools, libraries, and low income consumers. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has ruled that all carriers who provide telecommunications or cellular services to the public are required to contribute to the Universal Service Fund, and these costs may be passed back to the customers. These charges may be reflected on the bill on a call-by-call basis or on a summary of several calls.

How can I identify the name of the service provider/merchant that charged me for these services?

The name of the service provider is indicated on your local telephone bill. It will usually indicate “Billed on behalf of” on the bill page in which the charge is listed.

How can I stop these charges from appearing on my local phone bill?

You may contact the service provider and request that they cancel your service. BSG can also place a block on your telephone number to prevent any additional charges from being submitted on behalf of the service provider.

How long does it take to receive a refund on my local phone bill?

BSG submits credits to the local telephone company the day after they are added into our system. Due to the variation of each consumer’s billing cycle, it usually takes one to two billing cycles for the credit to appear on your local telephone company statement.

Why do service providers/merchants choose to process their charges through a third party billing clearinghouse?

Due to the cost associated with maintaining an independent billing agreement with the local telephone company, many service providers/merchants choose to outsource to a third party vendor such as BSG. This enables the service provider to keep the cost of their services low, which benefits you, as the consumer.