1. PREPAID CALLING CARDS
ISSA ASAD ON PHONE CARDS, VOIP, SCAMS AND TRENDS

2. PREPAID CALLING CARDS VS. VOIP:
WHICH IS BETTER?
Advantages:
There are many advantages to the prepaid calling card,
the first being that you can have as little or as much as
you want on a single card, and they are very
convenient to buy. Add as much as you need, or add
even more for that extra security in case of
emergencies. The small, slim design of cards make
them convenient to buy and carry, and are easily
concealable for safe keeping. Calling cards are
designed so that you can make a call from any phone
at any time, making this option extremely
versatile. Additionally, cell phones with no talk time
can use calling cards to place calls. The major
advantages of these cards are that they are readily
available, convenient to buy and carry, and can be used
anywhere.
Disadvantages:
Because these cards are so small and slim, they have a
greater potential of being misplaced, causing you to
lose the amount that was on the card, which can be a
lot considering the diversity of price options. Losing
hundreds of dollars from a single card can be a major
setback—be sure to securely place the card
somewhere and know where it is at all times. Another
disadvantage is dependent on the card you
choose. There are many scams that happen with these
cards, and the providers can often charge you more
than they should for their services. Always do your
research before choosing a calling card provider.
Phonecards

3. PREPAID CALLING CARDS VS. VOIP: WHICH IS BETTER?
Advantages:
The main draw to VoIP services is the low cost. This
method has a relatively low cost per month and per
minute charge, so those looking to save money should
look to this option. Another advantage is that VoIP
includes features such as caller ID and call waiting for
free, whereas phone providers sometimes charge extra
for those services. With advances in technology, video
phone calls are now available, and are a great perk to
VoIP services.
Disadvantages:
Though the cost of VoIP is less, there is also a decline in
call quality. Also, VoIP requires a high speed internet
connection, which adds additional costs if you do not
already have it. You also have to buy the adapter for
the phone service, which again boosts costs. As it is
connected to your internet, it is dependent upon the
quality and reliability of your internet and power; no
power equals no phone, and the same goes with
internet—without it, you can’t make calls.
VoIP

4. ISSA ASAD’S TIPS TO AVOID PHONE CARD SCAMS
 Everyone likes to save money, and look to do so any way they can. According to Issa Asad, one way many can
save is on their phone bill. Plenty of consumers choose to avoid long term contract phones with fancy features
and unnecessary expenditures. A great way to have a phone and pay relatively little is with prepaid phone
cards, or pay as you go phones. Instead of spending upwards of $1200 a year, buyers can drastically reduce
costs by buying phone cards, and some plans are as little as $400 a year.
 However, it is important to research what you are getting into without a contract plan; the big name phone
providers protect you from scams and cons. When you do it yourself with phone cards and prepaid plans, it is
sometimes easier to be scammed into spending money without needing to or even realizing it.
 The main phone providers usually do have a prepaid plan, so if you can, try to stick to those—but generally they
can be more expensive than prepaid exclusive companies. Here are some of the better ones I’ve found that you
can trust:

5. ISSA ASAD’S TIPS TO AVOID PHONE CARD SCAMS
 iWireless- this prepaid phone service, offered through Kroger, is relatively cheap and very reliable. Plans start
at $25 a month, which includes unlimited texting and 200 talk minutes a month. Compared to the cost of a
contract plan, which can be well over $100, this is a great deal. For those who mainly text and rarely use talk
minutes, this can be a great way to reduce costs on phone bills.
 Straight Talk- a prepaid service offered through Walmart, Straight Talk is another trusted prepaid phone service
that helps reduce phone bills while offering great service and features. Featuring varying plans with lots of
options at great rates, Straight Talk is a great choice for prepaid services.
 Boost Mobile- ranked as one of the top prepaid services, Boost Mobile is a solid choice of prepaid
services. Many features, phones, and plan options are available to choose from. It offers monthly, daily, and
pay as you go plans, making this a highly flexible phone company that can greatly reduce phone costs.
Where people run into trouble is with the untrusted companies and third party retailers. Often times when
someone buys a card, only half of the advertised minutes are available. In fact, one study found that some of the
worst cards only allow you to use 13% of the minutes you purchased. The scam occurs in fees that are hidden or
hard to understand. For example, charging in high minute increments when the phone was only used for a mere
thirty seconds. Or charging for calls placed that weren’t even connected. Some even charge weekly or monthly
maintenance fees that boost the costs of your prepaid cards. It may not seem like much to lose a few cents or
dollars at a time, but for those who are finding times are tough with money, every penny counts.
They key is research; look for companies that are widely trusted. Read the fine print carefully to understand any
fees that may occur. Prepaid cards can be a great money saver if you know which companies to trust and which
ones not to.