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Background
A pre-paid phone card is a card you
purchase to make long distance phone calls. Many people use a
pre-paid phone card because of the card’s convenience - it can
be used anywhere and, because you pay in advance, there is no
bill. Pre-paid phone cards are popular among travelers,
students, people who frequently call overseas, and those who
haven’t selected a preferred long distance telephone company. In
addition, pre-paid phone cards are sold in convenient places,
such as newsstands, post offices, and stores.
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International Calls
Rates for international calls using
pre-paid phone cards can vary dramatically, based on the
country that you call or the way that you make the call.
Pre-paid phone cards may offer rates that are much lower
than a telephone company’s basic international rates.
How Do I Use a Pre-paid Phone Card?
A toll-free access phone number and a
personal identification number (PIN) are usually printed on
each phone card. To make a phone call, you dial the access
number and then enter the PIN.
An automated voice will ask you to enter
the phone number you are calling, and tell you how much time
you have left on your card. It might also give you other
information/options. |
Tracking Time
Phone card companies keep track of how much
of a card’s calling time is used by the card’s PIN number. You can
add time to some pre-paid phone cards, and the added cost can
usually be billed to a credit card. If you cannot add time to your
card, you will need to buy a new one when all the time has been
used. Also, pre-paid phone cards often have expiration dates. Make
sure to keep track of the date your card expires so you don’t lose
unused minutes.
Who Makes Your Phone Card Work?
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Telephone Companies are responsible for the
telephone lines that carry calls.
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Resellers buy telephone minutes from
from the carriers.
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Issuers set the card rates and
provide toll-free customer service and access numbers.
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Distributors sell the cards to the
retailers.
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Retailers sell the cards to
consumers (though it is important to remember that a store may
not have control over the quality of the card or the service it
provides).
Common Complaints Associated with Pre-paid
Phone Cards
As pre-paid phone cards are increasing in
popularity, some common complaints are becoming evident.
They are:
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access numbers and/or PINs that don’t work;
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service or access numbers that are always
busy;
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card issuers that go out of business,
leaving people with useless cards;
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rates that are higher than advertised, or
contain undisclosed fees;
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cards that charge you even when your call
does not go through;
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poor quality connections; and
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cards that expire without the purchaser’s
knowledge.
How Can I Avoid the Problems Associated
with Pre-paid Phone Cards?
Make sure you understand the rates in effect
for your particular phone card. Also check the expiration date,
look for a toll-free customer service number provided with or on
the card, and make sure you understand the instructions on how to
use the card. You may also want to ask your friends and family to
recommend cards they have used and liked.
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What Should I Do if My Pre-paid Phone Card Doesn’t Work?
First, try calling the customer service number provided
with the card. If that doesn’t work, call or write your local Consumer Affairs
Department or state Attorney General. (These phone numbers are often found in
the blue pages of your telephone book.) You can also file a complaint or
research the company through your local Better Business Bureau, or contact the
Federal Trade Commission (FTC). To To contact the FTC, call 1-877-FTC-HELP
(1-877-382-4357). |
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