Phone cards offering great prices for hundreds of minutes in calling time can often be deceiving.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns that some prepaid phone cards have hidden fees and services charges, and end up delivering far fewer minutes than what was advertised. According to a 2007 survey by the Hispanic Institute, on average prepaid phone cards delivered only 60 percent of the minutes promised, ripping off consumers by an estimated $1 million per day.
“Phone cards continue to be a popular way to stay in touch with friends and family out of state and overseas,” said Carrie A. Hurt, President and CEO of BBB serving Central, Coastal and Southwest Texas. “Consumers need to read the fine print on phone cards to be aware of cleverly hidden fees or conditions.”
Here are some BBB tips for your next phone-card purchase:
• Research the disclosures about expiration dates, surcharges, maintenance fees and any conditions that might vary based on where you are calling to and from.
• Find out the rates for both domestic and international calls. Be wary if the rates aren’t posted on the card or with advertising and displays.
• Compare rates, but don’t be immediately sold by a low rate. Very low rates may be enticing, but they should also serve as a red flag that the card may not deliver the number of promised minutes.
• The card should come in sealed packaging that has not been tampered with. Each card should also have a personal identification number (PIN) that is not visible. Cards and packaging that have been tampered with run the risk of having the PIN numbers stolen and used before a buyer can use the card.
