How to Accept Calls From Jail For Free
Published May 6, 2022
A collect call is a method by which someone can reverse the charges associated with a telephone call, causing the recipient to pay the bill. A network operator’s removal of collect call acceptance has made this process a lot more difficult for landlines.
Nowadays, the majority of cell phone networks would not allow users to accept collect calls, much less for free — but there are alternatives. While it is impossible to take a collect call for free, there is a possibility to reduce the cost. Today, we’ll look into that.
Collect Calls Rate
Your cell phone’s plan will play a major role in whether or not you can receive collect calls. If your cell phone plan allows for collect calls, you’re partly there – but it won’t be free.
You’ll receive a call informing you that an inmate is attempting to make a collect call; it will then ask if you are willing to accept the charges. If you accept, the call charges will appear on your following cell phone bill.
Different networks will make use of various different charging systems. For instance, one telecommunications company costs approximately $10 for 20 minutes of collect calls, but these calls can’t be done from a payphone to a cell phone.
The best way to determine if your cell phone provider supports collect calls is to contact your provider or look at your plan. Third parties provide services that allow callers to make collect calls and bill you accordingly. However, they are significantly more expensive.
Try Google Voice Option or Call Apps
This method is possibly the only way how to accept calls from jail for free. If both you and your prospective caller have Google accounts, you can communicate for free using your respective phone numbers. However, it’s a challenge, as most jails ban cell phones from inmates’ cells.
While each correctional facility has its own set of rules, if they allow it, you can potentially join up for several call apps and communicate with your chosen inmate.
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By Using a Calling Card
You may find calling cards in most convenience stores and many other stores. Calling cards work similarly to prepaid cards in that they enable someone to contact you. This is an excellent alternative if there is someone you wish to communicate with on a regular basis. Typically, you may load the calling card between $1 and $20 and choose from an international or domestic card.
Calling cards are an excellent choice because they are really convenient to use and pay for. You can save more by shopping around for low-cost calling cards that feature cheaper call rates, rather than paying for a collect call every time.
Debit Account Option
A debit telephone account enables an inmate’s family or friend to purchase prepaid phone services on his or her behalf. A debit telephone account is not the same as a prepaid telephone account. Prepaid accounts restrict the inmate’s ability to call anyone other than the phone number authorized by the holder of the account.
This will vary depending on the inmate’s location, but if approved, credit can be acquired via the commissary. The inmate can then call the numbers listed on their debit telephone account.
Cut Cost of Calls from Jail
While it is almost impossible how to accept calls from jail for free, there are ways to cut the costs by doing some of the methods listed above.
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About The Author
Krizzia Paolyn is an SEO Specialist with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. It has always been her passion to share her voice, and at the same time, to encourage other people to speak up.