Calling 555-1212 will cost you $1.99 a pop

[jmz768]

I just noticed a $1.99 charge on my bill for using Verizon's 411 search service. I thought it was strange since I know for a fact I've never called 411. Going over my bill, I found a call to information, 555-1212 which was then listed as a 411 search call and charged as such.

Reading Verizon's FAQ's about 411 search, it says that in order to reach 411 search, dial 411 from your cell phone. Nowhere does it say anything about calls to another number being redirected.

Anybody have any idea when this crap started?

 

[Rachel A]

I'd been under the impression that the 555 code doesn't really exist which is why you always see telephone numbers in the movies etc. use it.

 

[euph_22]

I'd been under the impression that the 555 code doesn't really exist which is why you always see telephone numbers in the movies etc. use it.

Directory assistance - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

You're right that MOST 555 numbers don't exist. But this one does, and connects to directory assistance for whatever area code you dial (IE, 218-555-1212 will be a directory assistance call for North-Eastern Minnesota).

To the OP, this is basically been how it's ALWAYS worked. Unless you're dialing to a specific 3rd party directory assistance service, your service provider forwards you to their center and charges you for it.