Avoid Deceptive Prepaid Phone Cards

        Prepaid calling cards may seem like a great value, claiming to provide hundreds of minutes for a few dollars. Buyer beware, not all phone cards are created equally. Many phone cards are so filled with fees and service charges that they deliver far fewer minutes than advertised. The Better Business Bureau offers advice on how to get the most out of a prepaid phone card while avoiding getting ripped off.

        Prepaid phone cards are widely available at drugstores, department stores, newsstands and online. Some cards are meant for one-time use and can be thrown away when the minutes are used up. Others can be recharged and have more minutes added by using a credit card.

Many people rely on prepaid phone cards as an inexpensive and easy way to stay in touch with loved ones here and in other countries

        As part of a national crackdown on the prepaid phone card industry, the FTC has already gone after several companies for deceiving customers. Allegations against companies include lying about the amount of minutes available on cards and failing to disclose the cost of maintenance fees.

        BBB offers the following advice for getting the most for your money when buying a prepaid phone card:

        Read the disclosures about expiration dates, surcharges, maintenance fees, find out the rates for both domestic and international calls. The card should come in sealed packaging that has not been tampered with, or should have a personal identification number (PIN) that is not visible or revealed, Cards and packaging that have been tampered with run the risk of having had the identification numbers stolen and used before a buyer can use the card and always check out the phone card company with BBB first.

        For more advice from your BBB to help you save money and avoid being ripped off, visit www.bbb.org or call us at 337-981-3497.