Prepaid Calling Card Industry Rife with Abuse, Advocates Say

Certain segments of the $4 billion a year prepaid calling card industry are scamming customers with cards that deliver far fewer minutes than promised and multiple hidden fees, government officials and consumer watchdog groups say. Advocates say that elements of the industry prey on immigrants, soldiers and those with relatives overseas. In response to the fraud, state and federal regulators have begun to develop regulations to crack down on deceptive practices. Joe Tessler, USA Today 10/05/2008