Direct dial all calls whenever possible.
Charges for station-to-station calls are usually less expensive
than for credit call, collect, or operator-assisted calls.
Use a calling card with an 800 number to
access your preferred long-distance company when placing calls
from a motel/hotel or payphone. Motels and payphones may charge
higher rates to use their service providers. With an 800-number
calling card, your calls will be placed by your preferred long-distance
company at its calling card rates, which are typically lower than
the rates charged by the motel or payphone service provider. However,
you may be required to pay a small surcharge for each use.
Long Distance Call And 809 Phone Scam
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
has become aware of a long distance phone scam that may lead consumers
to inadvertently ring up high charges on their phone bills.
The Scam Works Something Like This
You get an e-mail, voicemail or page telling you to call a phone
number with an 809 (or some other three-digit) area code to
collect a prize, find out about a sick relative, engage in sex
talk, etc.
You assume you are making a domestic long distance call - as
"809" (and other three-digit area codes involved in
this scam) appear to be typical three-digit U.S. area codes.
When you dial the "809" area code, however, you're
actually connected to a phone number outside the United States.
You don't find out about the higher international call rates
until you receive your phone bill.
To Minimize
the Risk of This Happening to You
Check any area codes before returning calls.
If you do not otherwise make international calls, ask your local
phone company to block outgoing international calls on your
line.
Filing a Complaint with the FCC
There is no charge to file an informal complaint
with the FCC. Your letter should include your name, address, telephone
number or numbers involved with your complaint, a telephone number
where you can be reached during the business day, and the name
of your long distance carrier. Your complaint letter should also
provide as much specific information as possible, such as:
An explanation of the circumstances that led to your complaint;
The names of all telephone or other companies involved with
your complaint;
The names and telephone numbers of the telephone company employees
that you talked to in an effort to resolve your complaint;
The dates that you talked with these employees; and
Any other information that would help the FCC to process your
complaint.
Your local telephone company also often
has records that are essential to the processing of your complaint.
You should
mail your complaint to:
Federal Communications Commission
Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau
Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554