What You Need to Know about 800 Numbers

What You Need to Know about 800 Numbers

Generally, you cannot be charged for 800 numbers. However, there
are two exceptions. Charges for an 800 number can be made only if:


o you have a "pre-subscription arrangement" with the company (for
example, with an information service). This means you already have
an agreement to accept charges before you called the 800 number; or


o you agree to a credit card charge.

Your Rights and Recourse

o If you question 900-type number charges which appear on your
phone bill, you can dispute the bill. Your local and long
distance telephone service cannot be disconnected for disputed pay-
per-call charges.

o In most cases, the charge for a pay-per-call service is
collected by the local telephone company on behalf of the service
provider. Follow the instructions on your bill immediately to
dispute the charges. Keep a record of whom you talked to, and the
date and copies of any letters you send. Pay the undisputed
portion of your phone bill.

o Even if the telephone company removes the charges, the debt
might be turned over to a collection agency by the service
provider. Send the collection agency a letter explaining why you
dispute the debt. (See the section on Credit, page 19.)

o To avoid problems with 900-type numbers, you can request
"blocking" from your local phone company. Blocking prevents 900
numbers from being dialed from your phone.

o If you suspect a violation of pay-per-call rules, contact your
state or local consumer protection agency and the Federal Trade
Commission. If the ad for the number came by mail, write to the
U.S. Postal Inspection Service or call the Postal Crime Hotline at
1 (800) 654-8896 (toll free). If you are not satisfied with the
way the phone company handled your complaint, contact the Federal
Communications Commission. (See page 105 for information on how to
contact Federal government agencies.)