Page 60 - Book4E

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service usually makes money on a per-minute basis, so there’s an incentive to keep you on the line.
Let’s Review__________________________________
Be on your guard when it comes to 900 numbers and remember these tips:
• If you dial a 900 number, even if you are calling to claim a “free prize,” there will be charges. Listen to the introductory message and hang up if you decide you are not interested in the program or do not wish to pay charges.
• Information services are rarely free, even if they are provided over toll-free numbers. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Not all advertisements for information services disclose the charges.
• Be cautious when calling an information service that advertises “ordinary toll rates apply” or “international toll rates apply.” Be aware that the toll rates applied by some telephone companies involved in transmitting information services may be higher than the rates of your own primary long distance company and that international rates—even those of your own long distance carrier—may be more than you might expect.
• Caution children or other individuals who make phone calls from your telephone line about charges for calls to information services.
• Consider obtaining a 900 number block if you do not wish
to call any 900 number. Contact your local and long
distance telephone companies about the availability of blocks for international or toll calls if you are concerned about securing your phone line against these calls.