Toll-free telephone numbers are used by businesses across the world. These numbers allow customers to call companies without incurring any phone charges. These toll-free numbers will typically start with specific three-digit codes, including 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833.
In some situations, scammers will exploit these phone numbers to trick unsuspecting people into costly traps. This is often done in Texas, and in other states, by manipulating the 900 number rule.
This rule, contrary to the toll-free numbers, charges a caller for services provided over the phone. A scammer will mask their actual phone number and make it appear to be a toll-free number.
When the individual calls the phone number back, they will unknowingly call a 900 number instead of a toll-free number, which will result in unexpected charges. There are also some telephone scams that involve international numbers, which may result in even higher called rates as well as additional fees.
Pre-Subscription Agreements and Texas Consumer Protections
In order to protect Texas consumers, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires that there be a pre-subscription agreement prior to a customer being charged for calling a 900 number. This agreement is meant to provide transparent information regarding the cost of the call as well as the nature of the services provided.
With pre-subscription agreements, service providers are required to disclose:
- The cost of the call per minute or the total cost
- The types of services provided
- Whether or not the program is available to minors
- Information about refunds or cancellation policies
The customer must provide a verbal acknowledgment or sign a written agreement for a pre-subscription agreement to be valid. A Texas lawyer can provide residents with more information about pre-subscription agreements and the protections they provide to Texas consumers.
What Is Prohibited Under Texas Telemarketing and Fraud Laws?
The FTC provides that there are several prohibited actions, which are intended to protect consumers from 900 number scams, including:
- Masking a 900 number as a toll-free number
- Misrepresenting the nature or the cost of the services that are offered by the 900 number
- Charging consumers who have not knowingly agreed to use the service
- Using 900 numbers for an unsolicited service, for example, a collection agency or unsolicited promotion
Masking a 900 Number as a Toll-Free Number
A company that provides services via a 900 number, which charges callers by the minute, cannot advertise services using a toll-free number that redirects consumers’ calls to a 900 number that charges them for their call.
Misrepresenting the Cost or Nature of Services Offered via a 900 Number
A company cannot advertise the cost of their services on a 900 number being $1 per minute when the actual cost is $10 per minute. In addition, the company cannot misrepresent the nature of the actual services that they are providing.
Charging Consumers Who Have Not Knowingly Agreed to Use the Service
A company cannot offer what is advertised as free phone support using a 900 number when calling the 900 number will cause the customer to incur charges.
Using 900 Numbers for Unsolicited Services, Such as Collection Agencies or Unsolicited Promotions
A collection agency cannot use a 900 number to contact debtors without telling them the call is being charged. In addition, 900 numbers cannot be used for unsolicited promotional calls for potential customers when the individual called does not know they are incurring charges.
In all of the above scenarios, the companies acted in violation of FTC rules. The regulations and guidelines provided by the FTC are designed to prevent deceptive practices as well as to protect consumers from unfair and unexpected charges.
If an individual believes they have been a victim of any of these practices by a company or have incurred unfair or unexpected charges, they should schedule a Texas lawyer consultation.
How Can Texans Avoid Toll-Free Telephone Scams?
There are several different steps Texas can take to avoid toll-free telephone scams, including:
- Not returning calls to unknown toll-free numbers
- Not providing personal information over the phone unless they made the call and trust the company
- Being cautious when asked to dial a 900 number
- Confirming any costs before making the call
- Using a blocking service or tool to prevent receiving calls from certain phone numbers
- Registering on the National Do Not Call Registry
If an individual receives a phone call from a number they do not recognize, especially a toll-free number, it is often best to ignore the call. If they request a call back, an individual can search for the organization’s official contact number and call that number to verify if they received a legitimate phone call from the company.
Scammers commonly pose as representatives of companies, banks, government agencies and other organizations to try and obtain an individual’s personal information. If an individual receives an alleged call from a company asking for personal information, they can always hang up, call the company’s official phone number, and verify that the information is actually needed.
An individual should always exercise caution if they are asked to dial a 900 number and verify the cost before they dial. This can often be done by checking the company website, conducting an online search, or asking an operator.
If an individual is receiving a large amount of undesired and unsolicited phone calls, they can use a blocking service or tool to block unwanted calls as well as register their number on the National Do Not Call Registry. Registering a phone number also gives an individual the right to report the calls if they do not stop after a certain period of time.
How Do I Stop Toll-Free Numbers From Calling in Texas?
If an individual in Texas continues to receive unwanted calls from toll-free numbers, there are steps they can take to stop those phone calls, including:
- Registering their phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry
- This may not stop all calls, but it will likely significantly reduce the number received
- Register on the Texas no call list, as texasnocall.com
- Report any unwanted calls to the FTC
- Use call-blocking services provided by cell phone carriers
- Install third-party applications that block unwanted calls
- Block individual phone numbers
If an individual receives calls after their phone number has been registered for 31 days, they can report those calls at donotcall.gov or to the Texas Attorney General.
Do I Need a Toll-Free Telephone Scam Lawyer in Texas?
If you believe you have been a victim of a toll-free number scam in Texas or if you have incurred unjust charges from a 900 number, it is important to reach out to a Texas fraud lawyer. Your fraud attorney can help you navigate the legal aspects of the fraud issue, which can include filing your complaint with the FTC, contesting the charges you incurred, and filing a lawsuit against the service provider that violated FTC regulations.
There are laws in place to protect you from these types of deceptive practices. There are Texas fraud lawyers ready to help you who are licensed and prescreened on LegalMatch. With guidance from a LegalMatch member fraud attorney, you can take the necessary legal steps to resolve your current fraud issue and prevent them from happening again in the future.
All you have to do is take about 15 minutes to fill out the online submission forms on the website, explain your issue, choose your location, and input any preferences you have, such as language needs. Within about a business day, you will start to receive responses from Texas fraud lawyers in your area who are ready to get started on your fraud issue. This can be a stressful situation and LegalMatch lawyers are here to help, so get started today.
