Free FCC Consumer Protection Questions and Answer — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What should you do if you receive unwanted robocalls?
- Register your number with the National Do Not Call Registry (Correct answer)
- Report the robocall to the FCC (Correct answer)
- Block the number using your phone's settings or third-party apps (Correct answer)
- Ignore the call and do nothing
Correct answer: Register your number with the National Do Not Call Registry
The National Do Not Call Registry, managed by the FTC, allows consumers to reduce unwanted telemarketing and robocalls by registering their phone numbers. While ignoring calls may be a coping strategy, it does nothing to reduce future calls or address the underlying problem. Registration is the recognized, effective consumer remedy.
Question 2: What is the FCC's role in protecting consumers from unauthorized charges on their phone bills?
- The FCC does not get involved in billing disputes
- The FCC prohibits "cramming" practices (unauthorized charges) (Correct answer)
- Consumers can file complaints with the FCC if they find unauthorized charges (Correct answer)
- The FCC automatically refunds consumers for unauthorized charges
Correct answer: The FCC prohibits "cramming" practices (unauthorized charges)
The FCC prohibits 'cramming,' the practice of placing unauthorized or misleading charges on consumers' phone bills. The FCC does engage in billing dispute oversight and enforcement—it does not simply stay out of billing matters. However, the FCC does not automatically issue refunds; consumers typically must pursue refunds through their provider or formal complaint processes.
Question 3: How does the FCC ensure internet service providers (ISPs) provide fair service to consumers?
- By requiring ISPs to be transparent about their services and fees (Correct answer)
- By limiting the internet speed ISPs can offer to consumers
- By enforcing rules that prevent ISPs from blocking or throttling lawful internet traffic (Correct answer)
- By making ISPs offer only one type of internet plan
Correct answer: By requiring ISPs to be transparent about their services and fees
The FCC ensures fair service by requiring ISPs to be transparent about their pricing, speeds, and service terms so consumers can make informed choices. The FCC does not cap internet speeds or mandate that ISPs offer only a single plan—those restrictions would contradict market competition principles that the FCC generally aims to support.
Question 4: What actions can consumers take if they experience issues with their internet or phone service providers?
- Contact the service provider to resolve the issue (Correct answer)
- File a complaint with the FCC if the issue isn’t resolved (Correct answer)
- Immediately cancel their service without addressing the issue
- Report the issue to local law enforcement
Correct answer: Contact the service provider to resolve the issue
The recommended first step when experiencing service issues is to contact the provider directly, as many problems can be resolved through customer service, and providers are often required to have complaint resolution processes. Canceling service immediately forfeits the right to a resolution, and local law enforcement has no jurisdiction over telecommunications service quality disputes.
Question 5: What consumer protections does the FCC provide for people with disabilities?
- Ensuring that telecommunication services are accessible (Correct answer)
- Providing financial aid for telecommunication devices
- Requiring closed captioning on TV programs (Correct answer)
- Blocking all unsolicited communications
Correct answer: Ensuring that telecommunication services are accessible
The FCC's disability access mandates require that telecommunications and related services be accessible to people with hearing, vision, or other disabilities—for example, through captioning, TTY compatibility, and accessible equipment. The FCC does not provide financial aid for devices or block unsolicited communications as a disability-specific protection.
Free FCC Consumer Protection Questions and Answer
What should you do if you receive unwanted robocalls?