Have questions about 1-800-FREE411?
Here are some popular ones.What is 1-800-FREE411?
The name says it all. 1-800-FREE411 is free nationwide directory assistance. And it’s free from any phone. Cell. Home. Work. Wherever. Of course, you may get charged minutes on your cell phone (like most calls), but we won’t charge you a penny.
Here’s how we do it. Our sponsors cover the service cost by playing short advertising messages (about 15 seconds) – ads usually based on your search request. Say you’re looking for a local pizza place. We might play you a special offer from Dominos. And we’ll even connect you for free. Of course, you can always just get the original number you requested. Best part is, a typical call to us lasts about the same amount of time as a paid 411 call.
Is it really free?
Yes.
Will I be charged anything if I call from my cell phone?
No, our service is free. But you may get charged minutes, depending on your cell phone plan.
How do I dial 1-800-FREE411?
It’s easy: just dial 1-800-373-3411.
How do I sign up?
You don’t need to. Just dial 1-800-FREE411 from any phone and you’re good to go.
Why am I receiving text messages after using 1-800-FREE411?
1-800-FREE411 offers text message options when a caller uses a mobile device. Text messages are only sent to those who opt-in to receive the text message, and depending on your telephone plan, standard text messaging rates apply. You will not receive a text message from us unless you request one.
There are three Text Message (or SMS) scenarios with 1-800-FREE411:
1. 1-800-FREE411 offers callers the option of receiving their requested information (phone number) via SMS Callers opt-in to receive a text message of their requested number by pressing the “3” key when prompted. They will then have an option to bypass that prompt in the future and automatically receive the number they request texted to them.
2. If an advertiser on 1-800-FREE411 chooses to include this in their ad, the caller can select to receive more information about the advertising offer via SMS Callers opt-in to receive advertiser’s text message by pressing the star (*) key.
3. 1-800-FREE411 is advertising “1-800-FREE411” in SMS ads In this instance, we are not sending the text messages, but are a paid advertiser promoting our service via other companies. For example, if you receive a text message similar to “Don’t pay for 411! Call 1-800-FREE411” this is an advertisement and we are not the actual SMS provider/sender. You will only receive such SMS if you opt-in to receive messages from the sender company.
It’s important to listen to all of the prompts before pressing any keys. Some callers do not listen to the whole prompt, press the opt-in key and don’t realize that they have just requested a text message.
Do I have to pay for text messages received from 1-800-FREE411?
Opting-in to receive a text message with more information about an advertisement, or with your requested information, do not initiate a subscription service and don’t have costs associated except for the standard text messaging rates of the callers phone provider.
Check with your phone provider if you aren’t sure what your plan allows for text messages.
Text messages from 1-800-FREE411 are compatible with most major wireless service providers, including (but not limited to): Alltel, AT&T, Sprint Nextel, T-Mobile, US Cellular, Verizon Wireless, Virgin Mobile.
If I request a text message, am I agreeing to pay for any services?
We require double opt-in for those Advertisers promoting a fee-based offer or service. If the caller requests an SMS for more information they have to actually take action on the offer within the SMS to be a “subscriber” of that offer or service, and thus to be charged the associated offer fees from the advertiser. This is known as a double opt-in. Not all advertisers/ads have associated fees or charges and those are solely associated with the actual advertiser and not 1-800-FREE411.
How can I stop receiving text messages from 1-800-FREE411?
Callers can opt-out of receiving text messages to any of these options by replying with a text message with the word STOP. STOP is the Mobile Marketing Associations standard opt-out phrase.
We also recommend that you listen carefully to the prompts on the system so that if you press a key you know what you are requesting.
If you have sent a STOP request and you are still receiving text messages, click here.
I’d like directions to the number I requested, is that something I can get from your service?
YES! We provide callers using mobile phones the option of receiving driving directions via text message. Simply stay on the line after your requested number is read back to you and wait for driving directions option to be offered. Follow the prompts and wait for your directions to be sent to your phone!
Depending on the complexity of your request you may receive multiple text messages to complete the directions.
If I ask for driving directions via text message, will you charge me?
No. 1-800-FREE411 will not charge you for receiving driving directions but standard text messaging rates apply from your wireless carrier.
What does “standard text messaging rates apply” mean?
It means that we don’t charge for sending you a text message, but your wireless carrier may. Charges depend on your cell phone plan. Some plans include text messaging for free, but some plans don’t. If you aren’t sure call your phone provider and they will tell you what is covered by your plan.
How can I correct/change/add my listing with 1-800-FREE411?
Updating your listing isn’t as easy as calling 1-800-FREE411 for free directory assistance. There is a National Directory Assistance (NDA) database, that’s the easy part. Where that information comes from and how it is maintained is not so easy.
The information that becomes part of the NDA database goes something like this…
You get a new phone, or change your address, or start a new business. Your local phone provider sends your new/changed data to the regional phone provider who sends it to the NDA database. The NDA then licenses their database information to Directory Assistance Providers, like 1-800-FREE411.
Why the directory assistance lesson you may ask?
Because it’s important that you understand that any changes we submit to our data providers on your behalf will not be immediate (changes take up to 90 days) nor will they remain active unless you follow up with your local phone provider.
Remember, the incorrect information came from your local phone provider, who sent it to the regional provider, who sent it to the NDA, who sent it to our providers! Even though we request our providers change the information in their system the next time they receive an update from the NDA the incorrect information will be back in their system – unless you correct it at the local level.
Make sure when speaking with your local phone provider you tell them the information is incorrect in directory assistance and they should check the database for you. Remember, just because it’s right in the phonebook doesn’t mean it’s right in the database.
Now that you know more than you’ve ever wanted to about directory assistance, please click here so we can facilitate getting your information to our data providers. We will be able to give out the correct information while you are in contact with your local provider.
Will you share my phone number or personal information with telemarketers?
Never. Take a look at our privacy policy.
I’m receiving telemarketing calls. How do I get added to the Do Not Call list?
Because we don’t share your information, those pesky telemarketer calls have nothing to do with us (we swear). To block them, visit the National Do Not Call Registry at https://www.donotcall.gov or call 888-382-1222. While we strongly support this national government service, we have nothing to do with it.
Do you provide international directory assistance?
Not yet. We’ll announce our plans for international support sometime in the future.
How do I obtain a client login name and password?
This section is for advertisers only. For free listings, just dial 1-800-FREE411. Should you wish to join our elite group of incredibly amazing advertisers, click here.
What if I’ve been charged for Directory Assistance?
We receive numerous calls from people who have been told by their phone company that 1-800-FREE411 has charged for directory assistance. In 100% of those cases, it’s determined the charge was not as a result of calling 1-800-FREE411.
To confirm that we have not charged you, we recommend you take the following steps:
Review the call detail of your bill and look for our number, 1-800-373-3411. There should be no charge listed next to it. If you called us from a cell phone you should only see the minutes used.
If a charge appears in the summary section of your bill and you are not provided with the call detail, call your carrier and ask them to look up the calls you made to 1-800-373-3411. They will be able to tell you there were no charges for the call.
Even if your phone company tells you there is no such thing as “Free Information”, they’re wrong. They just haven’t heard about us… yet! Think of us as an 800# – no charge for calling our service. Period.
If you’d still like us to investigate the issue, fax your cell phone bill, including the detail pages if you have them, to 781-229-2411, to the attention of Customer Support.
If you’d like to contact a customer support representative click here.
How can I submit a comment about your voice recognition system or a general comment about my experience?
Thanks for asking! We welcome your feedback on your experience calling 1-800-FREE411. If it’s important to you, it’s important to us.
• To submit a comment about our voice recognition system. click
here.
• To submit a general comment about your experience, click
here.
I heard an ad, but I wasn’t able to connect at the time. How do I contact the advertiser?
We’re very pleased you found an offer that interested you. To help you track down the advertiser, we’ll need some additional information. Click here to give us the details.
Why can’t I reach an operator?
1-800-FREE411 is no longer supporting live operator service and is focused on offering an automated service that puts you, the consumer, in control — all by the command of your voice. Thanks to recent advances in our speech recognition technology we are able to transition to a fully-automated service.
In addition to the automated system, adding new voice-activated features like driving directions are key in the ongoing success and growth of the company. We are continually working to improve your call experience by listening to your feedback and expanding our service features.
How can I get a job with 1-800-FREE411?
For a list of available employment opportunities with 1-800-FREE411, please visit the Careers section of our Web site.
My magicJack installation mentions 1-800-FREE411, what is the relationship there?
1-800-FREE411 is magicJack’s preferred directory assistance provider. magicJack product questions or issues are handled through magicJack’s customer support.
Still have unanswered questions?
Use our Contact Us form to submit your question. Click here to go to the form.
