1-800, 1-888, 1-900 and 976 Calls

Consumers can access a variety of services by dialing 1-800, 1-888, 1-900, and 976 numbers, including sports scores, betting services, psychic hotlines, weather forecasts, dating services, and more. But there may be high, per-minute charges or flat fees for using these services.

Calls to 800 and 888 numbers are free, but you can be charged for information or entertainment services provided through such numbers, if you agree in advance.

Some service providers have tricked customers into calling by leaving them urgent voice mails, pages, even e-mails, about a prize or family emergency, and urging them to call a 900 or 800 number where they are solicited or charged for services or get a recorded message. These telephone calls can cost a lot, and the prizes, if there are any, are usually worthless.

Be careful when responding to pages, voice mails, e-mails or postcards urging you to call an unfamiliar number about a family or business emergency or a prize. Be especially cautious if the call back number is in an unfamiliar area code - it may turn out to be an international number in the Caribbean. Unlike most international calls that begin with 011, calls to the Caribbean are dialed like long distance calls in the United States, 1+area code+number. Caribbean area codes linked to scams include 809 in the Dominican Republic, 758 in St. Lucia and 664 in Montserrat. If you are not sure if the area code is for an international call, dial "0" and ask the operator.

Protect Yourself From Unwanted Charges

To prevent 900 or 976 number calling charges, get 900 and 976 call blocking from your local telephone company. The service is free.

If you decide to use a 900 or 976 service, be sure you know the cost of the call and the nature of the service. Federal regulations require 900 and 976 service providers to disclose this information upfront.

Set clear rules in your home for the use of 900, 976 or other services. Make sure your children, the baby sitter and others in your home understand the rules.

Be careful when calling an 800 number. You may be asked to provide a credit card number or enter into a subscription agreement under which services are billed to your telephone account. Do not do so unless you are certain you want the services and know the costs.

Beware of requests to dial activation numbers that will link you to 900 or international numbers.