If you would like to become a merchant of Prepaid Phone Cards

You will want to be familiar with California Business & Professions Code Section 17538.9 that became effective on July 1, 1999. Of special interest to Merchants is 17538.9 (3) which states: The company shall print legibly on the card or packaging, and the vendor shall make available in a prominent area at the point of sale of the prepaid calling card or prepaid calling services, the following information:

(A) Any surcharges or fees, including monthly fees, per-call access fees, or surcharges for the first minute of use that may be applicable to the use of the prepaid calling card or prepaid calling services within the United States;

(B) Whether there are additional or different prices, rates, or unit values applicable to international usage of the prepaid calling card or prepaid calling services;

(D) The charge for calls that do not connect, if any;

(E) The definition of the term “unit,” if applicable;

(F) The billing decrement;

(G) The name of the company;

(H) The recharge policy, if any;

(I) The refund policy, if any;

(J) The expiration policy, if any;

(K) The 24-hour customer service toll-free telephone number required in paragraph (4).