A new state law aimed at companies who add charges to telephone bills without the consumer's consent was signed Monday by Governor of Illinois Pat Quinn,according to official sources.
The practice is known as "cramming," and it was already illegal in Illinois. However, it is still very common over the past year.
But the state is now requiring firms to disclose the additional charges up front and have an independent third party get confirmation from the phone customer.
Experts say internet related add-ons or enhanced voice mail services are the most common types of unauthorized charges in the state.