Why Your Phone Number Might Be Blocked from Inmate Calls (and How to Fix It) — Camille Graham Visitors

Sometimes the problem isn't on your end or the incarcerated person's - it's a billing issue between phone companies. If your local phone provider doesn't have a billing agreement with the inmate phone service, collect calls simply can't go through to your line. The fix? Set up a PrePay account, which bypasses that billing gap entirely.

There's also a simpler explanation: the number might be blocked intentionally. In the SCDC system, the person receiving calls can request a block. If you're not sure why your number is blocked, call the inmate phone help line - they can tell you.

Need to block your number from SCDC inmate calls? Or trying to figure out why you're already blocked? Call 1-866-230-7761. This is the number to use when you need answers specific to your phone line.

Calls coming through fine, then suddenly stopping? You may have hit a "courtesy limit" - a fraud-prevention cap the vendor places on accounts. The good news: this limit can be adjusted based on your payment history. Call 1-866-230-7761 to request a change.

If your phone company won't accept correctional facility collect calls, PrePay is your workaround. It lets you receive calls even when there's no billing agreement in place. To set up a PrePay account - and get a discount on inmate calls - call 1-800-483-8314.

Phone Features Disconnect

• ✓ Call forwarding
• ✓ 3-way calling
• ✓ Call transfers
• ✓ Remote pickup/remote call features
• ✓ Cordless phones
• ✓ Picking up the phone in another room during the call

1. Check whether collect billing is even possible on your line - If your local phone company doesn’t have a billing and collection agreement with the inmate phone provider, your calls may be restricted until you arrange PrePay.
2. Remove call features that trigger disconnections - Avoid call forwarding, 3-way calling, transfers, remote pickup, cordless phone issues, and anyone picking up another handset in the home during the call.
3. Set up PrePay if collect calls aren’t going through - Call 1-800-483-8314 to set up PrePay (this is the alternative when collect billing isn’t available, and it can come with discounted rates).
4. Call the vendor line for blocks, unblocks, or account-limit questions - Call 1-866-230-7761 if you need to request blocking/unblocking, ask why you’re blocked, or get help with courtesy-limit issues.

• ✓ Make sure call forwarding, 3-way calling, and similar features are off before the call comes in
• ✓ Keep the call on one phone - don’t pick up another handset in a different room during the call
• ✓ If collect calls won’t bill through your local provider, consider setting up PrePay