After she suggested (generously, apparently) that they go halvsies (my word, not theirs) with them and pay just half the charges, I told her that I was simply calling to register a complaint at their exorbitant scheme, and that they would hear from my credit card company, the FCC, my Senator and whoever else I could rally to my side. (Kidding about the Senator, but I will phone his office to discuss pay phone regulation!)
Never mind the deregulated and dubious legality of charging $15 to connect to another line via pay phone (I can’t even begin to think that this is in any way ethical practice.) There was no warning (which I know they are supposed to give), no caveat emptor; just a “bong” and a request to tap in my credit card information.
Legalized mugging, is what it’s been called by other victims at websites like the Ripoff Report. Preying on the weak, desperate and cell-phone deprived, who often are making an emergency call home, they await the next innocent victim. It’s a racket, and its worthwhile stopping. For me, it’s an expensive annoyance; an $80 argument. For other victims, this practice is predatory and completely indefensible. My next stop? The Federal Communications Commission. And the appropriate House and Senate subcommittees. Something simply has to be done.
For now, should you find yourself in a similar situation, make sure you ask for the operator directly and have that person clarify all charges. Because they're not necessarily posted on the phone's small-print instruction placard. And it's the only way to protect yourself.
Article comments
1 - Tourist
I once used a blue tourist phone in Mexico to make 6 calls, totalling 15 minutes. The phone only worked with a credit card. I was billed $440. I disputed the charges and my credit card company backed me up. It was traced back to a New Jersey company (Jimmy Hoffa anyone?)