Avoid Phone Scams by Using Phone Cards

To save money with international long distance phone calls the customer needs to realize that getting the lowest price doesn't mean saving money. Gimmicks, hidden fees, and surcharges cloud the truth behind advertised rates. Even if you ask the service provider for full disclosure, they may not reveal all of the surcharges.

There are several ways that long distance providers can advertise low prices - but never provide.

"Slamming" is when along-distance telephone service is switched to another company without the customer's permission. If your fees are higher then look on the bill for a different long-distance company's name. If you find one, call the local phone company and ask to be switched back with no fee and demand to be re-billed at the original long-distance company's rates.

"Crammed" means that charges pop up on a telephone bill for services the customer never authorized such as voice mail, paging. Like slamming, it may happen by filling out a contest entry form, hanging up on a telemarketer, or calling a 900 number. A crammer may pick random number and claim that you agreed to purchase the services. This can not happen if you do not have long distance on your phone service.

"Toll Fraud" occurs when a stranger charges their long-distance calls to your number. This cannot happen if you use a pay-per-use calling card.

Prepaid phone cards are sometimes more expensive. Beware of cards that do not come with clear information about the rates for the calls. Comparison shop for the best rates and read all the fees and surcharges that apply.

All the above problems can be avoided by buying a long distance card from one of the web sites that sell these cards - not the local corner store.

Comparison Shopping for Phone Cards can save money by eliminating the monthly fees and surcharges applied whether a call is made or not. The best
international phone card are difficult to find. The best way to shop for them is visiting a comparison site. Make sure you buy one with no hidden charges.