|
Background
A pre-paid phone card is a card you
purchase to make long distance phone calls. Many people use a
pre-paid phone card because of the card’s convenience - it can
be used anywhere and, because you pay in advance, there is no
bill. Pre-paid phone cards are popular among travelers,
students, people who frequently call overseas, and those who
haven’t selected a preferred long distance telephone company.
The cards are sold in stores everywhere.
|
International Calls
Rates for international calls using
pre-paid phone cards can vary dramatically, based on the
country that you call or the way that you make the call.
Pre-paid phone cards may offer rates that are much lower
than a telephone company’s basic international rates.
How Do I Use a Pre-Paid Phone Card?
A toll-free access phone number and a
personal identification number (PIN) are usually printed on
each phone card. To make a phone call, you dial the access
number and then enter the PIN.
An automated voice will ask you to enter
the phone number you are calling, and tell you how much time
you have left on your card. It might also give you other
information or options.
|
Tracking Time
Phone card companies keep track of how much
of a card’s calling time is used by the card’s PIN number. You can
add time to some pre-paid phone cards, and the added cost can
usually be billed to a credit card. Other cards are designed to be
discarded once you have used all the time. Also, pre-paid phone
cards often have expiration dates. Make sure to keep track of the
date your card expires so you don’t lose unused minutes.
Who Makes Your Pre-Paid Phone Card Work?
-
Telephone Companies are responsible
for the telephone lines that carry calls;
-
Resellers buy telephone minutes from
the telephone companies;
-
Issuers set the card rates and
provide toll-free customer service and access numbers;
-
Distributors sell the cards to the
retailers; and
-
Retailers sell the cards to
consumers, but may have no control over the quality of service.
Common Complaints Associated with Pre-Paid
Phone Cards
As pre-paid phone cards are increasing in
popularity, some common complaints are:
-
access numbers and/or PINs that don’t work;
-
service or access numbers that are always
busy;
-
card issuers that go out of business,
leaving people with useless cards;
-
rates that are higher than advertised, or
contain undisclosed fees;
-
cards that charge you even when your call
does not go through;
-
poor quality connections;
-
cards that expire without the purchaser’s
knowledge; and
-
per-call fees deducted from the time.
How Can I Avoid Any Problems?
Make sure you understand the rates in effect
for your particular phone card. Also check the expiration date,
look for a toll-free customer service number provided with or on
the card, and make sure you understand the instructions on how to
use the card. You may also want to ask your friends and family to
recommend cards they have used and liked.
What Should I Do if I Have a Problem with My Pre-Paid Phone Card?
First, try calling the customer service
number provided with the card. If that doesn’t work, call or write
your local Consumer Affairs or Better Business Bureau or state
Attorney General. (These phone numbers are often found in the blue
pages or government section of your local telephone directory.)
You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission
(FTC). You can file a complaint with the FTC on-line at
https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/.
You can also submit a complaint by calling the FTC toll-free at
1-877-382-4357 (voice) or 1-866-653-4261 (TTY), or writing to:
Federal Trade Commission
CRC-240
600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20580.
|
For More Information
For information about other telecommunications issues,
visit the FCC’s Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau Web site at
www.fcc.gov/cgb, or contact the FCC’s Consumer Center by
e-mailing fccinfo@fcc.gov; calling
1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) voice or 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) TTY;
faxing 1-866-418-0232; or writing to:
Federal Communications Commission
Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau
Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20554. |
|
Federal Communications Commission
