900 Numbers
by: Developed from materials provided by the Federal Trade Commission
Sweepstakes & Federal Programs
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has made a rule about 900 numbers.
This rule says that 900 numbers have to tell you about their services.
The rule does other things too. It can help you if
- You are billed for a 900 number call you did not make
- You find extra charges on your bill
Sweepstakes
One area covered by the rule is 900 number services which try to get you to enter contests.
For instance, some 900 numbers offer the chance to enter a contest and win a prize. All you have to do is dial a 900 number and maybe enter a code.
- these ads for contests must tell you the odds of winning. Or, the ads must tell how the odds will be figured.
- The ad or the message on the phone must tell you how to enter the contest for free. Or, the ad must tell you where to get information about free entry.
- This rule does not apply to contests where you have to show a skill, such as answering questions correctly.
Federal Programs
Other 900 numbers provide details about federal programs even though they are not government agencies.
This could mislead some people.
Under the Rule, the ad or the message on the phone must state that the services offered on the phone are not endorsed or approved by the government.
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[More information on 900 numbers]
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