Donald had been with Verizon for almost 20 years, and he had never missed a payment. But the 82-year-old Bartonville retiree had no idea that getting a new phone would lead to a months-long hassle and Verizon slapping him with a $250 fee. That’s why he called CUB. Donald, who…...
Beware: Don’t fall victim to a Coronavirus scam
Fraudsters are using the public health emergency to steal our money and personal information. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has warned residents to exercise caution with phone, text and email solicitations for money or personal information that are tied to the COVID-19 pandemic. Protect yourself from scams by reading our…...
Quick poll: Robocall update
ROBOCALLS UPDATE: Major developments since April, when we sent federal regulators 2,900 petition signatures urging them to fight “spoofed” robocalls. (Robocalls that alter Caller ID to get you to pick up.) This summer, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposed its highest fine ever ($120 million) against a robocall scheme. Get this:…...
Debunking AT&T’s claims of “affordable, often cheaper” phone service
In its bid to end traditional home phone service in Illinois, AT&T also wants to abolish the low-cost “Consumer’s Choice” plans that CUB created under a legal settlement with the phone giant. CUB calls the plans the best local calling deals in the state, but the AT&T lobbyists have been circulating…...
Act now! Fight irritating, illegal robocalls
Today, CUB asked Illinois consumers to sign a petition to fight illegal “robocalls.” It’s the perfect time to take action, now that Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler has urged big phone companies to give customers free technology to block these computer-generated telemarketing calls. We’re all annoyed by these…...
Consumer sends heartfelt thank you after CUB saves her $60/month
By Samantha Vercellino Wanda Cunningham didn’t know how CUB could help her lower her high phone bills when she first called the consumer group. Now—one year later—the Olympia Fields resident credits her $60 a month savings to that fateful call. Wanda’s call was fielded by Bilingual Environmental Outreach Coordinator Ivonne Hernandez…...