10 Steps for Avoiding a Calling Card Scam

1. Don't buy cards in retail stores, except from known name brands

Much calling card fraud occurs with cards sold thru retail outlets. This is because it is hard for consumers to comparison shop in retail stores and it is easy for calling card vendors to hide fees given the limitations of packaging.

The better option is to buy cards online where you can compare vendors and cards, read the fine print on rates and fees, etc.

2. Look for vendors and cards that provide full disclosure of all rates and fees

Even online, many vendors do a terrible job revealing all applicable rates and fees - usually on purpose.

Buy only from vendors that fully and prominently disclose all rates and fees. The most responsible vendors prepare a nice table showing all fees - even ones that don't apply to a particular card.

Click here for a good example of calling card fee disclosure. If your vendor doesn't provide complete disclosure, find another vendor.

3. Buy 'clean' calling cards

Simple pricing is better pricing. So we strongly recommend buying 'clean' calling cards - clean cards are cards that have few or no extra fees. Even if that means paying a slightly higher per minute rate, you should buy the cleaner card.

That means you should avoid cards with lots of extra fees and surcharges, even if they are all fully disclosed. These extra fees can jack your costs up dramatically before you know it.

The closer you can get to working with just the basic advertised per minute rate, the easier it'll be for you to predict how much calls are really going to cost you.

4. Read the Terms & Conditions

Many vendors hide fees in their Terms & Conditions, User Agreement, or other similar document. Sometimes even these agreements themselves are hard to find.

If you see any new fees buried in these documents, then you should look elsewhere for a card.

5. Compare at least 2 calling card vendors

Every calling card vendor is different. You should compare at least 2 vendors by looking at the company's website, their pricing, card selection, and other factors.

If one seems noticeably better or easy to work with, then go with them.