Free Pager Scams

There was a message on the answering machine that stated a call to an 800 number would result in a free Motorola pager.

I'm Shirley Rooker for the Federal Trade Commission.

I called the 800 number and reached Voice Power Telecommunications in Austin, Texas. The representative stated that I was eligible for a free pager. "Why?," I asked.

Well, the response was, "Because you have a telephone." So much for the exclusive offer.

But how could I complain? After all, it was free, right? Well, not exactly. In fact, I'd have to pay $8 shipping and handling, a $19.99 activation fee, and $8.95 a month.

Any offer that is advertised as free must be just that, free. And the message left on the answering machine didn't specify there would be any charges.

Oh well, my office will just have to figure another way to get in touch with me.

I'm Shirley Rooker, director of WTOP radio's Call For Action for the Federal Trade Commission.

January 2002