FraudNews
06-19-2010, 07:20 AM
Not all 800 number telephone services are free. Some 800 numbers access information or entertainment that costs money. These companies must ask for a credit card payment, or make billing arrangements with you before providing the service.
It is illegal for 800 number calls to be transferred to 900 or 976 pay-per-call numbers, or international numbers with prefixes like 011 or 809.
Before arranging to be billed for an 800 number service, request the companys name and address, its rates and a personal identification number (PIN) to obtain their services.
Children are encouraged to ask for permission before calling advertised services on television and/or print.
For unauthorized charges, follow instructions included on billing statement for file a dispute.
900 numbers are called pay-per-call services because you are charged for the call itself, and information or service provided. Charges are determined by the respective companynot the government or telephone companiesand are often costlier than regular long-distance rates.
When you dial a 900 prefix number you should hear the following:
the 900 number company's name
the cost of the call
a description of the information, goods or services to be provided
a notice that you can hang up and not be charged for the call within 3 seconds of hearing a certain tone or signal
a warning that kids under 18 need their parents' permission to stay on the line
You cannot be billed for listening to the aforementioned message.
Transfers from toll-free 800 numbers to 900 numbers are illegal. Never accept a servicers request to accept collect calls. Bills for 900 numbers should tell you who to contact if you suspect there is a problem, as well as provide a local or toll-free number to dispute charges. If you dispute a 900 number charge, put the dispute in writing. Local and long-distance phone service cannot be shut off if you refuse to pay disputed 900 number charges. Deduct the disputed charge(s) and pay the remaining balance of the bill by the due date.
You can ask your telephone provided to block outgoing 900 number calls.
Source (http://myfloridalegal.com/pages.nsf/main/f0e34764bd10c5c085256cc90071bbaf!OpenDocument)
It is illegal for 800 number calls to be transferred to 900 or 976 pay-per-call numbers, or international numbers with prefixes like 011 or 809.
Before arranging to be billed for an 800 number service, request the companys name and address, its rates and a personal identification number (PIN) to obtain their services.
Children are encouraged to ask for permission before calling advertised services on television and/or print.
For unauthorized charges, follow instructions included on billing statement for file a dispute.
900 numbers are called pay-per-call services because you are charged for the call itself, and information or service provided. Charges are determined by the respective companynot the government or telephone companiesand are often costlier than regular long-distance rates.
When you dial a 900 prefix number you should hear the following:
the 900 number company's name
the cost of the call
a description of the information, goods or services to be provided
a notice that you can hang up and not be charged for the call within 3 seconds of hearing a certain tone or signal
a warning that kids under 18 need their parents' permission to stay on the line
You cannot be billed for listening to the aforementioned message.
Transfers from toll-free 800 numbers to 900 numbers are illegal. Never accept a servicers request to accept collect calls. Bills for 900 numbers should tell you who to contact if you suspect there is a problem, as well as provide a local or toll-free number to dispute charges. If you dispute a 900 number charge, put the dispute in writing. Local and long-distance phone service cannot be shut off if you refuse to pay disputed 900 number charges. Deduct the disputed charge(s) and pay the remaining balance of the bill by the due date.
You can ask your telephone provided to block outgoing 900 number calls.
Source (http://myfloridalegal.com/pages.nsf/main/f0e34764bd10c5c085256cc90071bbaf!OpenDocument)