Legislation affects Dominicans

[NewsWhore]

The US House of Representatives has passed legislation aimed at combating the use of fraudulent calling cards. Campaigners estimate that Dominicans waste US$30,000 per day in misleading phone cards, which only contain 60% of the minutes advertised after the hidden charges and fees. The legislation declared that the calling card industry is "plagued by fraudulent and deceptive business practices," and this new legislation is an attempt to combat that. The bill passed with an overwhelming majority. The legislation came after the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) launched an investigation into the industry. The investigation concluded that card companies only deliver an average of 60% of the minutes promised due to charges that are hidden from the consumer. National Consumers League Executive Director Sally Greenberg stated in testimony to the FTC, "[The calling card industry] is a 'Wild West' of sellers and merchants who too often prey upon the most vulnerable consumers by promising minutes they don't deliver and loading up on hidden or undisclosed charges and fees." The bill has yet to be passed in the Senate. The bill, HR3042, was sponsored by Rep. Eliot Engel, D-NY, who represents one of the largest Dominican communities in the US. Since Dominican-Americans make up a sizable percentage of international callers, this legislation will have a profound effect on them.

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