900 Scams
CRTC
improves safeguards for 1-900 users
The 900 scams are a variation on a prize scheme. The consumer
is encouraged, usually through an offer in the mail, to
call a 1 900 number in order to find out how much money
he or
she has won. The implication is that you have won a large
prize - cash, cars, boats etc., and your brief phone call
will confirm which prize is yours.
The offer usually states the cost of the call per minute
- around $4.99 - and the average length of the call,
which is usually
7 or 8 minutes. Most of these numbers are linked to a voice
response system (a computer), which prevents you from
speeding up the
call. More often than not, the prize available is minimal
(one or two dollars), and you will lose $35.00 for every
call you
make.
You must
take the time to read the offer carefully and understand your
odds of winning.
The CRTC advises
that some telephone companies offer free services that will
block access to all 900/976 numbers.
For example blocking
services for residential customers are usually free, but customers
who change their mind may have to pay a $10.00 fee to remove
the block and reactivate 900/976 services.
Some companies charge
a fee to block 900/976 services. Offers vary and customers
should check with their telephone provider for details. |
