Toll Free 800, 888, 877, and 866 Phone Numbers: March 2007

Monday, March 19, 2007

Is it illegal to sell a toll-free number on eBay?

According to the FCC's rules that govern toll free phone numbers, you are not allowed to hoard numbers in order to sell them for profits.

If you have a bundle of toll free phone numbers (that you specifically obtained because of your preference for certain combinations of digits) and you are trying to auction these numbers off to the highest bidder, with the starting price adjusted based on your personal appraisal of the value of the combination of digits; then YES - THAT IS A CRIME AND THE PENALTIES ARE STIFF.

In fact the penalties could reach as far as into the buyers of the auction whose toll free numbers could be revoked by the FCC and SMS/800 since it was purchased through an illegal means.

Of course all of this is up in the air until the courts have a trial.

800 number portability

f your company uses 800 service, you are probably aware that you can move your service to another carrier without losing that all-important 800 number. That's what we call "800 portability."

As part of its efforts to promote competition, the FCC endorsed the idea of portability in 1991. The provision of 800 service by carriers other than AT&T dates back to 1985. The goal was to stimulate competition in this $7.5 billion industry by removing a major technical barrier. Perhaps increased competition would level the playing field, said the FCC.

Further, if it is possible to reuse one's 800 numbers when changing carriers, so the logic went, then consumers will benefit from lower rates and improved service stimulated by competition. Yet another example of "We're from the government, and we're here to help you."

The problem was getting the technology in place to support this feature. Number portability requires that local exchange carriers (LECs) screen 10 digits on 800 calls, rather than six. Next comes a lookup function using a master database, which verifies the user of that 800 number.

After that, the call is routed to the appropriate long- distance carrier for final completion.

One of the major problems for LECs was satisfying the FCC's mandates for "post-dial delay." This is the time it takes from when you push the last number on a touchtone pad to when you hear ringing at the other end. The FCC's original goal was for no more than five seconds of post-dial delay on 97% of calls by March 1993 (the original date of introduction).

The second part of that mandate was for 100% of calls to have less than five seconds post-dial delay by March 1995. At the time, the FCC's goals were considered very optimistic. As such, the LECs requested waivers extending the first deadline of March 1993. It simply was too much at that time. The FCC subsequently extended the deadline to May 1993.

Developing a large enough data-base wiht information on all 800 service users was a major problem, but that was eventually resolved. On May 1, 1993, 800 number portability became a reality. To date, the service has worked well. In fact, the only thing that seems to change regularly is the number of claims by long-distance carriers of their success at moving 800 customers over to their camps.

Today, almost a year after 800 portability entered the market, 800 service continues to thrive. All three major carriers--AT&T, MCI and Sprint--have aggressive marketing programs to 1) retain existing 800 customers, 2) attract new 800 service customers, or 3) lure existing 800 customers away from their current service provider.

So why, after all of this, would you want to change carriers for 800 service? Price is certainly one reason. If you're onn a special agreement (e.g., Tariff 12) for 800 service, you may have the option of switching to another carrier, but check your contract carefully.

Service assurance is another important point. If 800 service is essential to your company, you'll want to make sure your carrier can keep it operational in an emergency.

Availability of certain features is another possibility. However, some features, e.g., time of day routing, have existed for several years. Not much incentive there. But the provision of "intelligent" services, including those that look suspiciously like ACD functions, are quickly emerging as new deciding factors. Som eof these new features include interactive voice reponse (IVR), network-based voice messaging, and call routing to the next available agent. You could say that network 800 service is fast becoming the ACD of the 1990s, especially if it can be justified in lieu of expensive ACD premises equipment.

Service is another element in the decision process, since price competition is so aggressive. Get an idea of the support oprganization in place for you current carrier, as well as the other operators.

Talk with other 800 service users. That will provide valuable real-world insight on a carrier's service/support capabilities. It's often a good weay to cut through a carrier's marketing "bull." Find out what they had to go through before, during and after changing carriers. Hiring a consultant with portability experience is yet another option.

From a service assurance perspective, use of more than one IXC makes sense. It also makes for more paperwork and headaches. However, it can give you important bargaining power when dealing with IXCs. It also provides you with alternate service in the event one carrier experiences an outage.

Should you change your existing 800 service carrier? If you're basically satisfied with the service and pricing--NO. If you feel your carrier takes you for granted, is not respnsive to your service requests or inquires, and doesn't try and work with you to optimize 800 service uage--YES.

Don't plan to make 800 transitions a regular event. It gets expensive and can be time-consuming.

Wikipedia - Toll Free 800 Numbers

A toll-free telephone number used in most of the world (or toll-free number in North America, and Freecall number in Australia) is a special telephone number, in which the calling party is not charged for the call by the telephone carrier. Instead the called party pays all of the charges for the call to the telephone operator, usually based on factors such as the amount of usage the number experiences, the cost of the trunk lines to the facility, and possibly a monthly flat rate service charge.

they charge the calling party in another way, such as for technical support calls.
they make a sale following the call to the toll-free number.
previous sales were enhanced with the inclusion of toll-free support.

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[edit] History

Toll Free numbers were introduced to the telecommunications industry by AT&T in the 1960s.

[edit] Toll-free fax telephone number

A toll-free number that is used for faxing purposes. It can be used with internet faxing as well as traditional fax machines.

[edit] International Universal Freephone numbers

A universal international freephone number (UIFN) is a worldwide toll-free "800 number" issued by the ITU. Like the 800 area code issued for the NANP in the U.S. and Canada, the call is free for the caller, and the receiver pays the charges. UIFN uses ITU country code 800, so that no matter where the caller is, only the international access code (IAC) and the 8-digit UIFN need to be dialed. Currently, about 30 countries participate in the UIFN program.

[edit] Freephone around the world

Countries around the world use different area codes to denote toll-free services in their own networks. Some examples are:

In Australia, the prefix is "180x" (where x is currently 0 but allows for future expansion), for Freephone (or free call) numbers and are often referred to as "1800 numbers". They used to be called "008 numbers". 1800 numbers in Australia are 10 digits long 1800 XXX XXX, and are routed through to normal land line numbers. This is all about to change again now with the introduction of PHONEWORDS which will include 13, 1300 and 1800 numbers that translates to words or more commonly known as phonewords .
In Argentina, the prefix for toll-free numbers is "0800", followed by seven digits. These numbers are called "0-800" (cero ochocientos) or "líneas gratuitas" (free lines).
In Brazil, the prefix is "0800" - although phone numbers are 7 or 8 digits - it is followed by 6 digits. Toll-free numbers in Brazil can be accessed from any telephone (by default) in Brazil, with many exceptions. They can be accessed from outside Brazil only with a calling service (such as Vonage internet phone or MCI Worldcom calling service) that access numbers from within the called country. Many toll-free numbers are not available from cell phones (usually blocked by the cell phone provider rather than the provider of the toll-free number in an effort to prevent low-price competition from calling card providers). Some toll-free numbers are not available from phones listed by the owner of the number, including many payphones. For example, the MCI Worldphone calling service blocks usage from the payphones in international airports (Rio and São Paulo) and many downtown pay phones due to "excessive fraud" from those phones (July 2003). In addition, Brazil has a system of regular and international pay phones (designated with the symbol "DDD"). Toll-free numbers to international calling plans can be reliably used from non-DDD payphones, as of 2005.
In Bulgaria, the toll-free prefix is "0800" followed by a five-digit number (up to now, only 1XXXX and 20ххх numbers have been allocated). These numbers are called "Зелен номер" (Green Number) by BTC and "Зелена линия" (Green Line) by M-tel.
In Chile, the toll-free prefix is "800" followed by a six-digit number. These numbers are called "número 800" (800 number). These numbers can not be accessed from abroad.
In China, the prefix is "800" for toll-free numbers and often referred to as "免付費电话".
In Colombia, toll-free numbers start with 018000
In Denmark and Norway most telephone-numbers have eight digits (some exceptions). The toll-free numbers all begin with "80" followed by six further digits.
In Dominican Republic, it's 1-200-xxxx (in addition to the area code).
In Egypt, it starts with (800) followed by the number.
In the European Union, there is a freephone number, working only inside the Union, called "Europa Direct", that provides information about Europe. The number is "00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11" (+800 can be used from cellular phones). This is an ITU UIFN, i.e. +800 6789 1011.
In France, and also in Belgium, the "0800" prefix is used for toll-free numbers. They are also known as numéros verts (green numbers).
In Finland, the toll-free prefix is "0800".
In Germany, the toll-free prefix is "0800" followed by a seven-digit number. The "0801" prefix is already reserved for future use. The prefix was formerly "0130". Deutsche Telekom calls these numbers "freecall 0800", most Germans refer to it simply as Servicerufnummer (service number).
In Greece, the toll-free prefix is "800" followed by a seven-digit number. The seven-digit number can be either "800" followed by a four-digit number, or "11" followed by a five-digit number.
In Hong Kong, toll-free numbers have "800" prefix.
In Hungary, toll-free numbers have "80" prefix.
In Iceland, the toll-free prefix is "800" followed by a four-digit number.
In India, toll-free numbers used to begin with "1600" now the same numbers should be called using "1800".
In Indonesia, the toll-free prefix is "0 800" followed by a seven-digit number.
In Ireland, 1800-xxxxxx numbers are freephone, with some sub-sections reserved, such as 666xxx being reserved for police services, and 111xxx being reserved for so-called 'snitch' lines, including insurance fraud and breaching of the workplace smoking ban.
In Israel, the toll-free prefix is "1800" followed by 6 digits.
In Italy, toll-free numbers are dialed with the "800" or "803" prefix and are commonly referred to as "Numero Verde" (green number). Back in the days, the "Numeri Verdi" used to begin with "1678" and later with "167".
In Japan, the prefix "0120" is used for toll-free numbers and is often referred to as "free dial" (フリーダイヤル).
In Mexico the prefix is 01-800.
In New Zealand, both "0800" or "0508" prefixes are referred to variously and interchangeably as "free phone" or "toll-free". Originally these "Oh-eight-hundred" numbers were provided by Telecom NZ and "0508" by rival company Clear (now TelstraClear), although now both numbers can be provided by either company. Some older toll bar services designed to restrict toll calls (including long distance or calls to mobile phones) will also block calls to these free phone numbers, although this has become less common since the mid 1990s. A limited number of companies utilizing toll-free numbers will not accept calls from mobile phones. Some other free phone services exist, such as "*555" ("star five five five"), which can be dialled from cellular phones to report traffic conditions and incidents of dangerous driving.
In the Netherlands, the prefix "0800" is used for toll-free numbers.
In Pakistan,toll-free numbers have the following format "0800-xxxxx".
In the Philippines, the prefix for toll-free numbers is "1800" followed by either one, two, or four digits (examples include 8, 10, and 1888) followed by either a four- or seven-digit phone number.
In Poland, toll-free numbers have the following format "0800 xxx xxx".
In Portugal, the prefix is "800" so the 9-digit number is "800 xxx xxx". It is referred as "Chamada Gratuita" (Free Call) or as "Número Verde" (Green Number).
In Romania, the prefix is 08008 is used for toll-free numbers. The service is referred to as "Telverde".
In Russia, the prefix is "8" "800", so call is 8-800-XXX-XXXX.
In Serbia, the prefix "800" followed by a 6 or 7 digit number is used
In Slovenia, the prefix "080" is used for toll-free numbers, followed by four more digits.
In South Africa, the prefix "0800", followed by 7 digits is used. It is referred to as a "toll-free" or "0800" number (Afrikaans: tol-vrye).
In Spain, the "900XXXXXX" or "800XXXXXX" numbers are always toll-free (800 numbers are not usually used), "909XXXXXX" is used for dial-up Internet service and toll-free dialup Internet service (under subscription). Also "1002", "1004", "14XX", "15XX" and "16XX" are free and are used for the telecommunication providers call centers. However, in Spain with most providers, the calls from landlines to landlines are free so you might call to "9XXXXXXXX" or "8XXXXXXXX" for free (except "90X" and "80X" when "X" is not 0)
In Sweden, the prefix is "020" for toll-free numbers. (Additionally, 0800 is reserved for future use.)
In Switzerland, the toll-free prefix is 0800; previously it was 155. These numbers are called « grüne Nummer / numéro vert / numero verde » (green number).
In Taiwan, the toll-free prefix is 080 or 0800.
In the UK, numbers starting "0500", "0800" or "0808" are free. The range 0808 1570xxx is set aside for fictitious uses in TV and radio. Additionally, numbers in the range 0808 80xxxxx are reserved for not-for-profit helplines. Since Orange UK introduced charges for dialing freephone numbers in December 2005, all British mobile networks now charge for calls to freephone numbers, with certain limited exemptions (notably Childline).
In the USA and Canada, see section below.

[edit] North America

Toll-free numbers in the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) are sometimes called "800 numbers" after the original area code which was used to dial them. They include the area codes 800, 888 (since 1996), 877 (since 1998), 866 (since 2000), 855 (since 2000 although not yet in use), 844, 833 and 822 (the last three are not yet active but reserved). When they first appeared toll-free numbers were often referred to as in-WATS numbers (see WATS lines). When a NANP telephone number is written or printed as an international number, the number should be prefixed by a "+1" and a space, e.g.: +1 555-555-5555. The groups of digits within the NANP number should be visually separated by dashes, spaces or periods per ITU-T Rec. E.123 to make them easier to recognize and remember. However when writing toll-free numbers that are not accessible from other countries, in order to make it clear that the initial 1 is not a country code, the plus-sign (+) and space should not be used, e.g. 1-800-555-5555. Restrictions (such as the number is not available from pay phones, cell phones, Canada, or other countries) should also be stated with any listing, but often are not. Some sources still say that the phone company can charge for some 8xx numbers. These sources recommend always checking with the telephone company before making any call. However, phone companies are generally not cooperative with this procedure, and it is cost-prohibitive anyway. Although phone companies do not charge the caller for any toll-free number, charges may be billed by the recipients of these calls by some other method.

Some regular area codes may be deceptively similar to toll-free prefixes, such as 801 (Central Utah), 860 (Eastern and Northwestern Connecticut), 814 (Western and Central Pennsylvania), and 818 (Los Angeles, California). This similarity has also been exploited by fraudsters in international locations that can be direct dialed with what appear at first glance to be domestic area codes such as 809 (Dominican Republic). Toll-free numbers are also sometimes confused with 900-numbers, for which the telephone company bills the callers at rates far in excess of long-distance service rates for services such as recorded information or live chat.

The toll-free numbers can only be called from certain phone numbers, depending upon the preferences of the customer (and sometimes the provider) who has the phone numbers. The default is that these numbers are available from any phone in Canada or the USA. However, many US toll-free numbers cannot be accessed from Canada, and many Canadian toll-free numbers cannot be accessed from the USA. Some are not accessible from pay phones (which the provider passes as an ANI code). Calls from payphones assess the toll free owner an additional fee in the USA as mandated by the FCC. Although toll-free numbers are not accessible internationally, many phone services actually call through the USA, and in this case the toll-free numbers become available. Examples of these services are the MCI Worldphone international calling card, and Vonage internet telephone. However, many calling card services charge their own fee when their toll-free numbers are used to make calls, or when their toll-free numbers are used from pay phones.

From many countries (e.g. the UK), US toll-free numbers can be dialed, but the caller first gets a recorded announcement that the call is not free, and perversely, on many carriers, the cost of calling a 'toll-free' number can be higher than to a normal number.

US toll-free numbers could at one time be accessed from certain other NANP countries on a paid basis by replacing the 800 by 880, 888 by 881, and 877 by 882. Thus, to reach 1-800-xxx-yyyy from a NANP country where it was blocked, 1-880-xxx-yyyy could be dialed. Areas codes 880, 881 and 882 have since been recovered.

A limited number of US toll-free numbers may be accessed internationally free of charge to the caller by dialing through the AT&T USADirect service. This is one way in which US companies may provide toll-free customer service to their international clients.

In addition, US toll-free numbers may be accessed free of charge regardless of the caller's location by some IP telephone services.

[edit] How Toll-Free calls are handled by operators

In the US, both interexchange carriers (IXCs) such as Sprint/Nextel, AT&T, and Verizon, and Local Exchange Carriers (LECs) such as Verizon and AT&T offer toll-free services.

The format of the toll-free number is called a non-geographic number, in contrast to telephone numbers associated with households which are geographic. (Since the advent of cell phones (1985) and internet phone services such as Vonage (2002) households can have any area code in the USA--it is still geographic in the sense that calls from that area code are considered local, but the recipient can be physically anywhere). In the latter case, it is possible to determine an approximate location of the caller from the dial code (e.g. New York or London). Toll-free numbers in contrast could be physically located anywhere in the world.

When a toll-free number is dialed, the first job of the telephone operator is to determine where the actual physical destination is. This is achieved using the intelligent network capabilities embedded into the network.

In the simplest case, the toll-free number is translated into a regular geographic number. This number is then routed by the telephone exchange in the normal way. More complicated cases may apply special routing rules in addition such as Time of Day routing.

[edit] Technical Description of toll-free number routing in the U.S.

The IXCs generally handle traffic crossing boundaries known as LATAs (Local Access and Transport Areas). A LATA is a geographical area within the U.S. that delineates boundaries of the LEC. LECs can provide local transport within LATAs. When a customer decides to use toll-free service, they assign a Responsible Organization (RESPORG) to own and maintain that number. Usually the RESPORG is the IXC that is going to deliver the majority of the toll-free services.

Taking a closer look, when a toll-free number is dialed, each digit is analyzed and processed by the LEC. The toll-free call is identified as such by the service switching point (SSP). The SSP is responsible for sending call information to the signal transfer point (STP). The STP asks the service control point (SCP) where to send the call.

The LEC will determine to which IXC that number is assigned, based on the customer's choice. Toll-free numbers can be shared among IXCs. The reason a customer might do this is for disaster recovery or for negotiating a better price among the carriers. For example, a customer may assign 50% of their traffic to Sprint and 50% to AT&T. It's all up to the customer.

Once the LEC determines to which IXC to send the call, it is sent to the IXCs point of presence (POP). The IXCs SCP must now determine where to send the call. When it comes to routing, the SCP is really the brains of the long distance network. The protocol used in this call control is known as Signalling System 7 (SS7). SS7 is a digital out-of-band method of transmitting information in the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). SS7 is the protocol used to separate bearer control (the payload of the telephone call) from signaling control (setup and tear down of the call and services) in the AIN services network. Once the final determination of where the call is supposed to go is completed, the call is then routed to the subscriber's trunk lines. In a call center or contact center environment, the call is then typically answered by a telephone system known as an automatic call distributor (ACD) or private branch exchange (PBX).

The subsequent routing of the call may be done in many ways, ranging from simple to complex depending on the needs of the owner of the toll-free number. Some of the available options are:

Time-of-Day (TOD) Routing. One of the simplest ways to influence the destination of the call is by using time-of-day routing. An example of using TOD routing would be a company with a call center on the east coast and a call center on the west coast. TOD routing would enable Follow the Sun routing. The east coast center opens first and calls are sent to that destination earlier in the day. As the time changes across the country, expanded coverage would be offered by the call center in the west.
Day of Week (DOW) or Day of Year (DOY) Routing. Depending on the day of the week and business practices, not all call centers operate 24x7. Some centers may be closed for weekends or holidays. DOW routing allows alternate routing for calls that arrive on specific days. DOY routing allows for alternate routing on fixed holidays (example December 25th).
Area Code or Exchange Routing. Toll-free traffic may also be routed depending upon the location of the caller. For instance, if a company has call centers in the north and in the south, they may express a preference to have their southern callers speak with people in the southern call centers. Companies may also wish to take advantage of the difference in interstate rates versus intrastate rates. For example, the cost of a telephone call across multiple states may be less expensive than a call within a state, and as a result, the ability to route a call originating in Michigan to a call center outside of Michigan can save a company substantial amounts of money.
Percentage Allocation Routing. If a company has multiple call centers, the company can choose to route calls across a number of call centers on a percentage basis. For example, an airline with ten call centers may choose to allocate 10% of all incoming traffic to each center.
All-Trunks-Busy Routing. If at a given time, a company's trunk facilities can no longer handle the incoming traffic, an alternate destination may be chosen. This assists companies handling unexpected call volumes or during crisis times.
Ring No Answer Routing. Some carriers have the ability to pull a call back into the network if the call is not answered. This provides for contingency routing for calls that ring and are not answered at the final destination.
Emergency or Disaster Routing. Companies usually have some type of disaster plan to deal with both natural (e.g. floods, fires and earthquakes) and man-made (e.g. bomb threats) emergencies. IXCs can provide alternate destinations should any of these situations occur.
Take Back and Transfer / Transfer Connect / Agent Redirect. If a company uses an ACD to facilitate the transfer, the ACD will remain in the call as long as the parties are on the phone. The drawback is that this uses up trunk capacity on the ACD (or VRU). This is called by a number of names including hair-pinning or tromboning. IXCs have the capability to allow a company to answer a call, provide a level of service, and then transfer the call to another location. These IXC features provide a level of transferring that is different from what is available via the ACD. There is usually a feature charge associated with this offering.

All of the above routing features are sometimes referred to as static routing features. These routes are put in place and are not usually changed. If changes are required, a customer usually has several options to make changes. A customer can call the IXC directly via a special toll-free number to make changes, or a customer may be able to make changes through direct access to the network via a dedicated terminal provided by the IXC.

AT&T and Cingular may block access to your Toll-Free Phone Number

AT&T/cingular were talking today about the high cost of transmitting calls to some phone numbers. I suspect that in the future, as they attempt to leverage their power to cut off VOIP, they will start restricting access to some toll free 800 numbers that are ran on any type of VoIP service.

This means that many of these cheaper toll free phone companies that cut costs by using VoIP may end up being dissolved within the next few years as the toll free industry squeezes them out.

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AT&T/Cingular has begun blocking access to a free conference calling service last week, claiming that such services are costing the wireless giant millions in rerouting and "termination fees." AT&T/Cingular users have been reporting that they no longer can dial into some free conference calling services, and Cingular spokesperson Mark Siegel told Ars that the reason the company has decided to start blocking these services is because high volumes of calls to similar services are costly, and the cost for those calls aren't passed on to the customer. "We have to pay terminating access for every minute the person is on the line," Siegel explained. "Typically these companies run them through local exchange companies that charge high access rates, so we end up paying high access charges."

OUTLAW "toll-free" companies stealing your call records.

Not many people are talking about it yet, but thieves are sophisticated enough that they can easily set up a small website claiming to have a good deal for you to get a 1-800 phone number. but what you don't know is that these shabby companies are actually stealing your calling records and recording your phone calls so that they can sell your private info to other data thieves.

It's important to buy from a company that does not ONLY advertise in the "Sponsered Ads" section of the search engine... Anybody can advertise there and you should not trust just anybody. Cheap websites are a key indicator of cheaply ran service.

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Crooks behind a wireless debit card skimming operation in Edmonton are likely linked to players in Calgary, cops say, as one expert warns of the growing sophistication of these scams.

Organized crime section Det. Colin Harper said groups behind a number of cases in Calgary may have fled this city after several recent arrests here offered high-profile proof of the police crackdown on the crime.

“We believe the incident in Edmonton is likely elements of the Calgary group,” Harper said today.

“They simply moved up there because there was too much awareness among the public and police here.”

On Friday, Edmonton cops said they suspected an unnamed organized crime group from Quebec had installed wireless Bluetooth chips in debit machines at the 8427 112 St. Wendy’s restaurant.

The fraud saw over 400 bank accounts compromised.

Police allege cons rigged the PIN pads sometime in February and passed account information to counterparts in Quebec, where duplicate cards were pressed and used.

Tom Keenan, a professor at the University of Calgary’s Centre for Information Security and Cryptography, said organized crime groups, including outlaw biker gangs, have set up their own highly sophisticated IT departments to develop these scams, adding he has no doubt IT expertise among organized crime is on par with legitimate business.

“From a criminal perspective getting a Bluetooth chip into these machines isn’t easy, but it’s very smart,” he said.

“And worth the payoff — they no longer have to go back to retrieve and replace their skimming machines.”

The number of skimming incidents discovered in Calgary has dropped in recent months — likely due to the arrest of about 20 alleged players in skimming-related crimes in the last four months of 2006, Harper said.

As a result, identified skim sites has gone down, he said.

Last year, an average of about one was discovered each week whereas there have been just four so far this year, Harper said.

And criminals are easily buying what they need to start up an illicit skimming operation on the Internet or in local stores and reaping the rewards.

“Not only are they manufacturing counterfeit credit cards and debit cards but driver’s licenses and government-issued ID,” Harper said.

“We haven’t cut the head off the monster yet.” Theft and fraud is costing Canadian retailers $8-million a day or more than $3-billion a year, according to the Retail Council of Canada.

Toll free number for crime offices

Crime victims have rights too! If you are a victim of crime, you have many rights and services available to help you. Use the following contact list to find additional information or get help. An online Directory of Crime Victim Services is also available.

Information and Referrals About Victims� Rights, Services, and Criminal & Juvenile Justice Resources

Battered Women's Justice Project	800-903-0111
Bureau of Indian Affairs Indian Country Child Abuse Hotline	800-633-5155
Child Welfare Information Gateway	800-394-3366
Childhelp USA National Hotline	800-4-A-CHILD
Family Violence Prevention Fund/Health Resource Center	888-RX-ABUSE
Mothers Against Drunk Driving	800-GET-MADD
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children TDD Hotline	800-843-5678 800-826-7653
National Center for Victims of Crime TTY Helpline	800-FYI-CALL 800-211-7996
National Children's Alliance	800-239-9950
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information TDD Hotline Hearing Impaired	800-729-6686 800-487-4889 800-735-2258
National Criminal Justice Reference Service (Provider of Juvenile Justice Statistics and Information and Victims of Crime Resources)	800-851-3420
National Domestic Violence Hotline TTY Hotline	800-799-7233 800-787-3224
National Fraud Information Hotline	800-876-7060
National Organization for Victim Assistance	800-TRY-NOVA
National Resource Center on Domestic Violence TTY Hotline	800-537-2238 800-553-2508
National Violence Against Women Prevention Research Center	843-792-2945
Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center TTY Telephone	866-OVC-TTAC (866-682-8822) 866-682-8880
Parents of Murdered Children	888-818-POMC
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network	800-656-4673
Resource Center on Domestic Violence, Child Protection and Custody	800-527-3223
VALOR	703-748-0811

2007 Toll Free Health Phone Numbers

These selected toll-free numbers for organizations provide health-related information, education, and support. These organizations DO NOT diagnose or recommend treatment for any disease. Some of the organizations use recorded messages; others provide personalized counseling and referrals. Most offer educational materials; some charge handling fees.

Organizations that provide crisis assistance are listed under the heading of Crisis Intervention.The Rare Disorders category includes diseases and disorders that affect less than 1 percent of the population at any given time. Groups in the professional Organizations section offer consumer information.

Unless otherwise stated, numbers listed operate on Eastern Standard Time and can be reached within the continental United States 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Numbers that observe Eastern Daylight Saving Time when in effect are annotated as "(Eastern time)."

Inclusion of an information source in this publication does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

This document is available from the Internet at www.health.gov/NHIC/Pubs/. To order printed copies of this publication, contact the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) Communication Support Center, P.O. Box 37366,Washington, DC 20013-7366; fax (301) 468-3028.

This publication may be reproduced without permission. Please provide an appropriate credit line in any reproduction of this information, whether print or electronic: "Source: 2007 Toll-Free Numbers for Health Information, National Health Information Center, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC."

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What is a Toll Free Number? How does it work?

Background

Toll-free numbers are numbers that begin with one of the following three-digit codes: 800, 888, 877, or 866. Toll-free numbers allow callers to reach businesses and/or individuals without being charged for the call. The charge for using a toll-free number is paid by the called party (the toll-free subscriber) instead of the calling party. Toll-free numbers can be dialed directly to your business or personal telephone line.

Toll-free numbers are very common and have proven successful for businesses, particularly in the areas of customer service and telemarketing. Toll-free service provides potential customers and others with a “free” and convenient way to contact businesses.

Toll-free numbers are also increasingly popular for personal use. For example, parents can obtain toll-free numbers to give to a young adult who is away at college, allowing that young adult to call home anytime without having to make a collect call or pay for the call.

Toll-Free Codes - 800, 888, 877, 866, …

Today, there are four toll-free codes: 800, 888, 877, and 866. Although 800, 888, 877, and 866 are all toll-free codes, they are not interchangeable. 1-800-234-5678 is not the same as 1-888-234-5678. Calls to each toll-free number are routed to a particular local telephone number.

Toll-Free Directory Assistance

Toll-free directory assistance for some toll-free numbers can be obtained by calling 1-800-555-1212. The service is free. Not all toll-free numbers are listed – only those for subscribers that choose to list them. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plans to address how to promote competition among multiple providers of directory assistance, including directory assistance for toll-free numbers. In the meantime, 1-888-555-XXXX numbers are not being assigned to subscribers.

How Are Toll-Free Numbers Assigned?

Toll-free numbers are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Toll-free service providers (sometimes referred to as “Responsible Organizations” or “RespOrgs”) have access to the SMS/800 database, which contains information regarding the status of all toll-free numbers. RespOrgs are certified by the SMS/800 database administrator, which manages toll-free service.

Contact a toll-free service provider if you want to obtain a toll-free number. Toll-free service providers can access the database and reserve a number for subscribers. There are several hundred toll-free service providers in the United States. You may find a list of all toll-free service providers on the SMS/800 Web site, www.sms800.com/ or you may call the SMS/800 Help Desk at 1-888-SMS-3300.

What Is the FCC's Role?

The FCC regulates or sets the rules under which toll-free numbers can be used or obtained. The FCC requires that toll-free numbers be portable, meaning that a toll-free number subscriber can “port” his or her number to a new provider when changing toll-free number service providers. The FCC’s rules designate the criteria for determining the status of each toll-free number, and prohibit “warehousing” and “hoarding” of toll-free numbers.

The FCC, however, is not involved in the day-to-day assignment of toll-free numbers, does not have direct access to the toll-free number database, and cannot provide any information about the status of a toll-free number or a request for a toll-free number. A telephone industry standards-setting organization establishes guidelines for toll-free numbers, and the guidelines must comply with the FCC’s requirements.

What Is A "Vanity" Number and How Can I Get One?

A “vanity” number is a toll-free telephone number that also spells a person’s or company’s name or spells a word or acronym that is chosen by the subscriber, such as 1-800-FLOWERS or 1-888-NEW-CARS. To find out whether a specific toll-free number is available, contact any toll-free service provider.

"Warehousing/Hoarding" Toll-Free Numbers

“Warehousing” by toll-free service providers is prohibited by the FCC’s rules. A toll-free service provider may not legally reserve a toll-free number without having an actual toll-free subscriber for whom the number is being reserved. Toll-free service providers who warehouse numbers are subject to penalties.

“Hoarding” by subscribers is similarly prohibited and illegal. A subscriber may not acquire more toll-free numbers than the subscriber intends to use. Hoarding also includes “number brokering” – it is illegal for a subscriber to sell a toll-free number for a fee.

What If I Have A Problem or a Complaint?

If you have a problem or a complaint about a company providing toll-free numbers or services, you should first try to resolve your complaint with that company or the company that bills you for the service.

If you are not successful in resolving the problem, you may file a complaint with the FCC by e-mail - fccinfo@fcc.gov, the Internet www.fcc.gov/cgb/complaints.html), by telephone1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) voice, 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) TTY, or by mail.

If you are mailing in a complaint, send the complaint to:

Federal Communications Commission
Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau
Consumer Inquiries and Complaints Division
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554

Your complaint letter should include:

name, address and telephone number where you can be reached during the business day;
telephone number involved with the complaint;
as much specific information about the complaint as possible;
a description of the steps you took to resolve the complaint;
names and telephone numbers of the company employees that you talked to in an effort to resolve the complaint, and the dates that you talked to these employees;
copies of bills listing the disputed charges (circle the disputed charges on the copies of the bills); and
relief that you are requesting (such as an adjustment of charges).

Toll free telephone number scams

Calls to 800 and 888 numbers are almost always free, but there are some exceptions. Companies that provide audio entertainment or information services may charge for calls to 800, 888 and other toll-free numbers, but only if they follow the Federal Trade Commission’s 900-Number Rule.

This Rule requires a company to ask you to pay for entertainment or information services with a credit card or to make billing arrangements with you before they provide the service. If you don’t use a credit card, the law says companies also must provide you with a security device, such as a personal identification number (PIN), to prevent other people from using your phone to charge calls to these services.

Presubscription Agreements
For a company to charge you for a call to an 800 or 888 entertainment or information service, it must obtain your agreement to the billing arrangement in advance. The company must tell you all relevant information about the arrangement, including the company’s name and address, rates and rate changes, and business telephone number.

The company also must use a security device, like a PIN, to prevent unauthorized charges to your telephone. The "presubscription agreement" must be in place before you reach the entertainment or information provided by the service. If you authorize a company to charge your credit card for an 800 or 888-number call, the company has met the Rule’s requirements.

Prohibitions and Unlawful Practices
Certain practices relating to 800 and 888 numbers are prohibited by the 900-Number Rule. For example, a company can’t charge you for dialing an 800 or 888 number unless you have entered into a valid presubscription agreement. Also, if you dial an 800 or other toll-free number, the company is prohibited from automatically connecting you to a 900-number service, and from calling you back collect. However, the law allows a company to promote a 900-number service during the 800-number call, as long as you would have to hang up and dial the 900 number to reach the service.

Some companies break the law by charging improperly for entertainment and information services that you reach by dialing an 800 or 888 number. For example, some services ask you during the course of a call to simply "Press 1" to be charged automatically. Others advertise a service as "free" but then unlawfully charge for calls placed to that service. Still others may charge for calls you place to 800 or 888 numbers by billing you for calls to a different type of service — such as calls to an international number. Some will charge a "monthly club fee" on your phone bill after you call an 800 or 888 number. Other services fail to take adequate precautions to prevent the unauthorized use of your telephone to make these calls; they may charge you for 800-number calls you didn’t make or approve.

Minimize Your Risk
Here’s how to minimize your risk of unauthorized charges:

Remember that dialing a number that begins with 888 is just like dialing an 800 number; both are often toll-free, but not always. Companies are prohibited from charging you for calls to these numbers unless they set up a valid presubscription agreement with you first.

Recognize that not all numbers beginning with "8" are toll-free. For example, the area code 809 serves the Dominican Republic. If you dial this area code, you’ll be charged international long distance rates.

Make sure any 800 or 888 number you call to get entertainment or information that costs money provides security devices — including PINs — before you enter into a presubscription agreement with them.

Check your phone bill for 800, 888 or unfamiliar charges. Calls to 800 and 888 numbers should be identified. Some may be mislabeled as "long-distance" or "calling card" calls and are easy to overlook.

Dispute charges on your phone bill for an 800 or 888 number if you don’t have a pre-subscription arrangement. Follow the instructions on your billing statement.

Realize that if the telephone company removes a charge for an 800 or 888-number call, the entertainment or information service provider may try to pursue the charge through a collection agency. If this happens, you may have additional rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

For More Information
The following organizations can provide additional information and help you file a complaint.

Your state Attorney General usually has a division that deals with consumer protection issues.
The Federal Communications Commission’s National Call Center at 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322). The Center answers consumer inquiries relating to communications law and policy, matters pending before the FCC, and any possible violations of FCC law or policy.

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit www.ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

Toll Free 800, 888, 877, and 866 Phone Numbers