County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer Affairs New Consumer Laws 2009

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PHONE CARDS – FASTER REFUNDS, BETTER DISCLOSURES

AB 2136, Business & Professions Code 17538.9

This new law requires that extra charges and conditions on phone cards be clearly disclosed near the beginning of the advertisement in a box with a bold label that says "Other Charges."

This new law also requires that the required information printed on a phone card or its packaging be readable without having to open the packaging. The information has to be current at all times, and companies that sell phone cards must provide a voice prompt at the beginning of each call that tells the caller the number of minutes available.

If the calling card or service does not work, the company has to give the consumer a refund within 30 days for the amount remaining on the card. The refund can be in cash or as a replacement calling card.

For more information:
County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer Affairs
B-96 Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
500 W. Temple Street * Los Angeles, CA 90012-2706
Telephone (800) 593-8222 (within the County) * (213) 974-1452
Web site: dca.lacounty.gov