Page 57 - Book4E

CHAPTER 11
Using the Telephone Responsibly: Beware of 900 Numbers and Toll- Free Telephone Number Scams
As explained by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC), pay-per-call services are a particular type of information service that has grown more popular in recent years. Such services are offered through 900 numbers and always carry a fee greater than the cost of simply transmitting the call. The fee may be a per-minute charge or a flat fee. As you’ve undoubtedly noticed by viewing “infomercials” or other ads on television, pay-per-call services can include “adult” services, “chat” lines, and psychic advice. Fees are typically charged to the telephone number from which the call was placed and appear on the monthly telephone bill.
The FCC cautions consumers not to confuse 900 numbers with 800 or 888 numbers. Again, you always pay for a 900 number call while you do not have to pay for most 800, 888, or other toll-free number calls.
The FCC regulates United States tele-
phone companies that are involved in
transmitting and billing interstate pay-
per-call (“900 numbers”) and other information services. To help protect yourself and your family from unwanted and typically exorbitant pay-per-call charges, consider the following advice:
• Talk with your children. Make sure they understand they shouldn’t call 900 numbers without your permission. You can
The ability to focus atten- tion on important things is a defining characteristic of intelligence.
—Robert J. Shiller
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