About 900 numbers
by: Developed from materials provided by the Federal Trade Commission
The Basics
Before you make a 900 number call ........
Know these things:
- how much the call will cost;
- what you will get for your money;
- what happens if you have a billing dispute
The 900 Number Rule
Advertisements
All print, radio, and t.v. ads for 900 numbers must include:
- the total cost of the call (either a flat fee or the per-minute rate) and the initial cost of the call;
- if known, the total cost of the complete program;
- the range of fees if there is more than one rate;
- the cost of any other 900 number to which you may be transferred;
- any other fees the service might charge including a minimum charge
These details can't be hidden in small print.
The cost of the call must be next to the 900 number.
In a t.v. ad, the cost must be told to you.
What You Should Hear First When You Dial
If you dial a 900 number that costs more than $2, the first thing you should hear is a message saying that you can't be charged for the message.
- The message must tell you about the service you will get on the call, the name of the company offering the service, and the cost of the call.
- It also must state that anyone under age 18 needs their parent's permission to make the call
- You must then be given three seconds to hang up before you will be charged.
Exceptions to the 900 Number Rule
- The 900 Number Rule doesn't apply if you have a contract with an information service.
- The Rule does not protect calls charged to a credit card.
- However, the bills for such calls would be covered by the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA)
See [Credit Card Billing Fixing Mistakes Parts I, II, & III]
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See [More information about 900 Numbers]
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