International calling cards - warning

[a0]

I bought one of the popular international calling cards.
I called a family member in Poland.
At some point during my phone call I noticed that the person I was talking to was saying the same things over and over again.
I realized that I was no longer talking to that person but to a recording of her voice (everything she said in the first few minutes of our conversation).
So basically, this card company recorded her voice and disconnected her, while I was still wasting my minutes not knowing that.

Isn’t it a scam? Are they allowed to record phone calls?
Has anyone else experienced this? I remember reading on the internet about someone having this issue some time ago, but I can’t find it anymore.

 

[steaky]

Why are you making phone calls (when you can use whatapps or other Social media platforms)?

 

[a0]

Why are you making phone calls (when you can use whatapps or other Social media platforms)?

I use phone cards to call elderly family members who don’t use the internet.

 

[RookieMistake]

I'd suggest against using calling cards (too many cases of scams and misuse).
There are so many major players in the market to get a virtual phone number (with pay-per-use & monthly rates) like Skype, Google Voice etc..

 

[a0]

I’m glad I posted here regarding phone cards. I always thought they are widely used. Now I know it’s not the case anymore. This might explain why these companies are trying to squeeze as much money as possible from those who still buy them.

I guess I’ll have to try and take a closer look at other options.