(MONEY Magazine) – The Federal Communications Commission is taking stronger steps to prevent companies from changing your phone carrier behind your back, a.k.a. slamming. Come mid-April, a firm can legally switch your service only if you sign an authorization letter, call a special toll-free number or give the go-ahead to a third-party operator over the phone. And starting in mid-May, if you're slammed, you won't have to pay for the first 30 days' charges. Meanwhile, if you want, your old phone company must switch you back and refund extra costs you incurred.

--KYRA ALFORD