Finding phonecard dealers at major shows is a difficult thing, it really was refreshing to see no less than 8 tables set up with phonecards! The next show is set for February, and as usual, I suggest that phonecard collectors attend. It was nice to meet a few collectors/readers of this newsletter as well. I look forward to seeing everyone again in February.
Roslyn, NY -- One of the hottest young actors in television and film today – Jonathan Taylor Thomas (Better known as "JTT") – is now available to all his fans through a unique new collectible phonecard that allows them to connect with him through their home telephone. The popular actor who stars weekly in one of the top sitcoms in the country, Home Improvement, now has a vehicle whereby all fans can hear directly from him over the telephone via their very own "Fan Club By Phonecard".
"Fan Club By Phonecard", is a convenient way for many fans of JTT to keep up with the exciting and hectic schedule of the 15 year old star who has recently appeared in the motion picture "Wild America" following his roles in "Pinocchio", "Tom and Huck", "Man of the House" and "The Lion King". Its also a terrific way for his fans to hear directly from him as he talks about the issues that are personal and important to him.
The limited edition "Fan Club By Phonecard" is printed in full color on a durable plastic card which features three personal photos of JTT. Each card has a printed menu on the back describing the many topics which Jonathan speaks about. The 10 minute card is available in a velvet display case to commemorate this inaugural offering from one of America’s favorite teenage stars. The product will be offered for a limited time though print advertising or by ordering directly from GTS via a toll free order number (800) 929-4301. The card is available for $9.95 plus shipping & handling.
The suit, which stems from several consumer complaints submitted to Fisher's Bureau of Consumer Protection, was filed against HSS Telecommunications, 601 Fourth Ave., Coraopolis, Allegheny County. The complaint also names Richard G. Hersperger, owner of HSS Telecommunications, as a defendant in the suit.
According to the complaint, HSS set up booths at public events across the country offering applications for a $96,500 sweepstakes. Instead, the complaint alleges, unsuspecting applicants actually signed up for a telephone calling card. According to information supplied by the company's attorney, there could be as many as 200,000 people across the country who filled out entry forms for the sweepstakes, only to find out they had purchased a calling card.
"The application states -- in bold letters -- that this is a sweepstakes entry and that no changes would be made to an applicant's phone service," Fisher said. "The true nature -- that this was actually an application for a calling card -- was printed in small letters on the back of the entry forms. Clearly, this was meant to deceive consumers."
A few weeks after signing an application, entrants received a calling card in the mail from HSS Telecommunications. A $4.95 activation fee and a $6 monthly service fee would then be charged to their regular telephone bill -- even if they never used the calling card.
"It's conceivable that many people threw these cards away, because they hadn't asked for them," Fisher said. "And unless they scrutinized their monthly phone bill, these applicants may have paid for a service they never knew they were receiving -- and they may still be paying."
Fisher's Bureau of Consumer Protection received complaints from consumers in Pennsylvania, California, Illinois, Florida and North Carolina. Fisher believes that Pennsylvania is the first state to file a lawsuit against the Allegheny County company. However, the FBI has contacted Fisher's office to discuss the case.
In addition to the initial "bait and switch" deception, Fisher's investigators determined that HSS never contracted with the sweepstakes company for a February 1997 drawing, worth $96,500 in prizes, as promised on the entry form. As a result, no one who filled out an HSS application was included in that contest.
"This is just insult to injury. Not only were the consumers deceived into buying a calling card, they never had a chance to win any sweepstakes prizes in that drawing," Fisher said.
Also, the complaint alleges, the company said it would donate a percentage of the usage fees -- charges for anyone who actually used the calling cards -- to the United Way of America. However, the complaint alleges that no contributions were ever made to the United Way or any other charity.
In the complaint, the Attorney General alleges that HSS Telecommunications violated the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law and the Solicitations of Funds for Charitable Purposes Act. Fisher is seeking restitution for all applicants who applied for a calling card without their knowledge. He is also seeking an injunction that prohibits HSS from continuing these deceptive practices and has asked the court to penalize the company up to $1,000 per violation under the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law.
Fisher said his office plans to contact attorneys general in other states to inform them about the suit against HSS. The complaint was filed in Commonwealth Court by Deputy Attorney General Michele Kondrad of Fisher's Bureau of Consumer Protection.
SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General
CWI's latest application of prepaid card technology features a sealed plastic bubble which can be filled with miniature promotional items. Promotional insert examples include miniature computer chips (for a computer company), beach sand (for a travel company) or play money (for a bank). Thousands of miniature items are available from CWI, or the customer can provide their own.
CWI has produced 3,000 of the oversized oval-shaped Show cards, which feature a constellation theme and the words, 'Cable & Wireless Prepaid Calling Cards/Imagine the Possibilities/A Universe of Promotional Stars!' and list CWI's customized prepaid programs to date: loyalty programs, novelty items, interactive greeting cards, and interactive surveys/sweepstakes. The display bubble contains star and moon confetti in silver and gold.
Stated Gian Dilawari, general manager, Specialized Calling Services, "We are excited to debut Cable & Wireless, Inc.'s newest promotional concept in prepaid phone cards at the shows in Chicago. The advent of the Display Card illustrates that the possibilities are endless. CWI will continue to experiment with the latest in prepaid technology to create unique up-to-the- minute applications, giving our customers the competitive edge they require to succeed in today's aggressive marketplace."
From: Rob van Voorst
From: Andrew Henderson
From: Theresa McCandless
From: Andrew Henderson
From: Lis McKibben
From: Mike Ingram
Eckerd's in at least one of the new South Florida stores is giving away a 60 min phone card pitching customers shopping a pharmacy. GTI did the card and to get it a customer has to transfer a prescription or have a new prescription to qualify. My card is nice primarly done in red, white & blue.
From: Joseph Koger
The turkey store is offering an interesting prize. Specially marked packages will include a Quick Cash Card. You dial the number and call toll free to see if you have won. There is a $10,000 grand prize, with three $5,000 prizes, and fifty $1,000 prizes. The card may be made of paper, but it is an interesting promotion nevertheless.
Until Next Week,
Alan
2) Direct e-mail. Send a message to: phoneline@cardmall.com
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