The FCC regulates United States telephone companies that are involved in transmitting and billing interstate pay-per-call ("900 numbers") and other information services. Don't confuse 900 numbers with 800 or 888 numbers. You pay for a 900 number call. You do not have to pay for most 800, 888, or other toll-free number calls.

You may not be charged for a 900 number call unless:

1. you have a written agreement with the information provider; or

2. if you are using a credit card, prepaid card, debit card or calling card, you must be given introductory information that:

1. clearly states that there is a charge for the call;

2. clearly states the service’s total cost per minute and other fees for the service or for any service to which the caller may be transferred;

3. explains that the charges must be billed on either a credit, prepaid, debit, charge, or calling card;

4. asks the caller for the card number;

5. clearly states that the charges for the call begin at the end of the introductory message; and

6. clearly states that the caller can hang up at or before the end of the introductory message without incurring any charge whatsoever.

To help protect yourself:

• Talk with your children. Make sure they understand they shouldn’t call 900 numbers without your permission. You can have the phone company block 900 number calls from your phone. The FCC requires local phone companies to make blocking available — where technically feasible — for a "reasonable" fee. However, any subscriber with a new number can request free blocking within 60 days after service begins.

• Deal only with reputable companies. Some companies or organizations sponsor 900 number services for opinion surveys, information, entertainment or other services. Before you call a 900 number, be sure you understand the cost of the call and the nature of the information or service you'll receive.

• Think twice before calling a 900 number for a "free" gift. Television ads, postcards and telemarketers may urge you to call a 900 number to get a "free" prize. But you pay for the so-called free gift by making the 900 number call. The provider of the service usually makes money on a per-minute basis, so there's an incentive to keep you on the line.

Read our fact sheet on 900 number pay-per-call and other information services...