Not all 800-number telephone services are free. Some 800-numbers access information or entertainment that costs money. Those that charge must ask you to pay with a credit card or make billing arrangements with you before providing the service.

TIPS FOR CONSUMERS

You may call an 800 number and be referred or transferred to a 900 or 976-number (pay-per-call) or to international numbers that have prefixes like "011" or "809." This is illegal.

Blocking calls to 900 or 976 numbers will not prevent calls to 800 numbers or international numbers.

Before making advance arrangements to be billed for 800-number service, make sure the company tells you its name and address, its rates and a personal identification number (PIN) for you to use in obtaining services.

Tell children in your household to get permission before using the telephone to call telephone numbers advertising services on television or in print.

Check your phone bill for 800-number charges. If your bill includes charges for 800 numbers that you did not prearrange to be billed, follow the instructions included with your billing statement for disputes.

Do not permit an 800-number servicer to con you into hanging up and accepting a collect call.