New Jersey § 56:8-176
Full text of New Jersey New Jersey Statutes § 56:8-176, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 56:8-176.
a. Prepaid calling service providers and prepaid calling card distributors shall disclose
the following information on cards or their packaging, as prescribed by the director
by regulation, and in any advertising for the service or cards, including any Internet
web site used to promote or distribute the service or cards: (1) The name of the prepaid calling service provider; (2) The provider's 24 hour customer service telephone number; (3) The amount and frequency of any permitted fee that may be applicable to the use
of the card or service for calls originating within the United States; (4) Notice that additional or different per minute rates, charges or fees may apply
to use of the card or the service for calls to or from international telephone numbers,
international cellular and international wireless telephone numbers; (5) Notice that per minute rates may be higher for calls made via toll-free numbers; (6) The value of the card or service, in dollars or minutes; (7) Any applicable policies relating to refund, recharge, decrement and expiration;
and (8) Such additional information as the director may prescribe by regulation, including,
but not limited to, information concerning the notice and disclosure of any rates,
charges or fees for the use of the card or the service for calls. b. Prepaid calling service providers and prepaid calling card distributors shall make
available through the customer service number, a website or other electronic medium,
packaging, if any, or in a clear and conspicuous poster or other writing in plain
language at the point of sale such information as the director may prescribe by regulation. c. All minutes or rates, or both, promoted or advertised on any prepaid calling card,
any point of sale material relating to that card or otherwise relating to any prepaid
calling service, shall be available and achievable by the customer, and there shall
be no limitations on the period of time for which the promoted or advertised minutes
or rates, or both, will be available to the customer unless those limitations are
clearly and conspicuously disclosed in the same location on the card, advertising
or point of sale material where the minutes or rates, or both, are promoted or advertised. All minutes promoted, advertised or disclosed on any voice prompt given to a customer
at the time the customer places a call with the card, whether or not required by regulation
to be given to the customer, shall be immediately available and achievable by the
customer on that call. The customer shall not be charged for any busy signal or unanswered call. d. A provider may not charge, apply or deduct from a card's balance any fees, taxes,
surcharges or other amounts for use of the card, except: (1) the rate per minute
for the particular destination called; (2) any permitted fees; and (3) any rate
per minute, fee or charge permitted pursuant to paragraph (4) or (5) of subsection
a. of this section. e. If a language other than English is predominantly used on a prepaid calling card,
its packaging, or in point of sale advertising or promotion for the prepaid calling
card or prepaid calling service, then the disclosures required by this section shall
be disclosed in that language on that card, packaging, advertisement or promotion. f. In the case of a prepaid calling service provider, the company's 24 hour customer
service telephone number shall enable the customer to obtain, at no charge, any and
all applicable information regarding the rates, any permitted fees, charges and minutes
available and remaining on the card for use in a single, uninterrupted call to a single,
requested destination through the card and prepaid calling service. Customer service may be provided by a combination of a live operator, interactive
voice response, and electronic voice recording of customer inquiries and complaints,
but live operator service shall be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If an electronic voice recorder is used, the provider shall attempt to contact the
customer no later than the next day following the date of the recording. g. Providers and distributors shall conspicuously display the applicable access numbers
for the use of the card on the body of the card itself or on its packaging. h. A company shall not impose any fee or surcharge that is not disclosed as required
by this section or that exceeds the amount disclosed by the company.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey § 56:8-176
What does New Jersey Statutes § 56:8-176 cover?
Section 56:8-176 is part of the New Jersey Statutes, the codified statutory law of New Jersey. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite New Jersey § 56:8-176?
A common citation format is "New Jersey Statutes § 56:8-176" (New Jersey). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of New Jersey law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Jersey official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Jersey attorney.
How does New Jersey § 56:8-176 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Jersey can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New Jersey.