Scams involving 800 phone numbers
Companies using 800 phone numbers provide the impression of a reliable business. Some con
artists have used this to swindle unsuspecting callers. Here are few tricks to be aware of prior to
dialing a toll free number.
Cramming
Cramming takes place once you see monthly charges on your telephone bill that you simply
didn't authorize, like paging, voicemail, a "monthly club fee" or a 900 service.
800 phone numbers (numbers with 800, 888, 877, 866 and 855 prefixes) are toll-free, but not
always. Businesses might charge you for dialing an 800 number if they offer audio and
information services. Your call is routed to a 900 number in case you choose to use the service,
which is a pay-per-call service. Companies are allowed by law to complete this; nonetheless,
they need to follow the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) 900-number rule. Under this rule,
businesses might promote 900 number services within your toll-free call, but you would need
to hang up and dial the 900 number to avail of the service.
Also, you must enter into a presubscription agreement with the company before it can charge
you for the 800 phone numbers call. You have the right to understand the relevant information
regarding the agreement, such as:
- the business telephone number
- rates and possible rate changes
- the company's name
This presubscription agreement should be in place before the business can charge your credit
card for your call to 800 phone numbers. In the event you decide on other payment
arrangements, the company has to provide you with a PIN number to prevent unauthorized
charges to your bill.
Some companies, nonetheless, would provide you with a choice to press a digit during a toll
free call, automatically forwarding and charging you for a 900 service. Do not be conned by this
tactic. Hang up instantly and report that company to the FTC, the Federal Communications
Commissions (FCC) or your state Attorney General.
Call the crammer and demand that they cut the service in the event you discover any extra
phone bill charges for services you didn't avail of. Remember to inform your telephone
company of this. If the crammer doesn't agree, dispute the unauthorized charges along with
your carrier and subtract them from your phone bill. Your telephone service should continue
while the dispute is on-going.
E-mail Fraud with 800 phone numbers
Some swindlers would send you an e-mail from a reliable company you transact with. The e-
mail could let you know that the business is updating their service and is supplying new bank
account details in which you are able to make your payments. To give the message an air of
validity, the company's so-called toll free number is included, together with their website.
Bear in mind though, that 800 phone numbers are easy to subscribe to. Double check all facts
with the company itself before making any money transfers.
What you can do
To minimize the risks for scams utilizing 800 telephone numbers, keep in mind to check your bill
for unfamiliar charges, and dispute them if necessary. You can also make a toll free call to the
FCC at 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) voice or 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) TTY.