Prepaid Phone Card Scam

If you are having problems with your prepaid telephone card, they probably fall into a number of different categories. These might include:

• Access numbers or PINs that don’t work. Each card usually has printed on the back an access number and personal identification number (PIN). You need to enter both to make a phone call.
• When you dial a service or access number, they are always busy.
• Your card issuer — the company that sets the rates, provides toll-free customer service and access numbers — has gone out of business. This leaves you with a useless card.
• Your rates are higher than the advertised rates.
• Your charges include undisclosed fees.
• You get charged for calls that do not go through.
• The quality of you connection is always poor.
• Your card expired without your knowing it.
• Per-call fees have been deducted from your allotted time.

Some Solutions

If you have any of these problems, first you should call the card issuer (usually listed on the back of the card. You might also find the issuer by calling the customer service number written on the card).

If that approach doesn’t work, next file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC). You can choose from among a number of ways to do this.

• Use an online complaint form — esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm
• Email the FCC’s Consumer Center — fccinfo@fcc.gov
• Call 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) for voice
• Call 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) for TTY
• Fax 1-866-418-0232, or
• Write to:

Federal Communications Commission
Consumer & Government Affairs Bureau
Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20554

Another issue you might face is the place where you bought the card is causing problems. The solution is to call or write to the local Consumer Affairs or Better Business Bureau or State Attorney General. Phone numbers or addresses for these are usually in the government pages of your telephone book.

The best way to avoid problems in the first place is to:

• Make sure you understand the rates
• Check the card for an expiration date
• Find the toll-free number that was provided with or is printed on the card
• Make sure you understand how to use the card
• Ask your family or friend to recommend a card

For more information or to speak with a Central Florida attorney about your experience, contact McBride, Scicchitano & Leacox, P.A. today.

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