"900" PREFIX TELEPHONE NUMBERS
(PAY-PER-CALL TELEPHONE NUMBERS)

"900" numbers are called "pay-per-call" services because you pay for the call as well as the cost of the information or service provided during the call. Charges for the 900 number calls are set by the 900 number companies, not by the government or by the telephone companies and often are much higher than regular long-distance rates.

Obtain and use a cellular phone to call for help. Dialing 9-1-1 anywhere in the state from a cellular phone will connect you with the nearest law enforcement agency.

TIPS FOR CONSUMERS
When you dial a 900 prefix number you should hear.

• The 900 number company's name;
  
  
• The cost of the call;
  
  
• A description of the information, goods or services to be provided;
  
  
• A notice that you can hang up and not be charged for the call within 3 seconds of hearing a certain tone or signal;
  
  
• A warning that kids under 18 need their parents' permission to stay on the line.
  
  

You cannot be billed for listening to this beginning message.

It is illegal to be transferred from a toll-free "800" number to a "900" number. Do not permit an "800" number servicer to con you into hanging up and accepting a collect call.

Bills for "900" numbers should tell you who to contact if you think there is a problem and provide a local or toll-free number that you can call to dispute charges.

If you dispute a "900" number charge, put your dispute in writing within 60 days. Your local and long-distance service cannot be shut off if you refuse to pay a disputed "900" number charge. Deduct the charges you are disputing and pay the rest of the bill by the due date.

You can ask your local telephone company to block your phone so that children or other people in your household cannot make "900" number calls.