It is reported that an international company selling calling cards, located in Queens, which allegedly deceived hundreds of its customers, for the past 10 years, has been closed down and fined penalties.

On May 24, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) charged Diamond Phone Card $500,000 in penalties due to the fraudulent commerce of calling card minutes and hidden surcharges to its customers. 

In addition, Diamond Phone Card received a work-stop order from the FTC and asked to refund its customers at par value. 

According to the FTC, the card company has sold 1 million pre-paid telephone cards to immigrants in New York and New Jersey regions since 1997. Its main targets are those from Central and South American countries including the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Colombia, El Salvador, Panama, Guatemala, and Asian countries like Pakistan.

"Oops," one of the company's cheap card brands, advertised 50 minutes for $2; however, the card delivered only 20 minutes.

"N," another brand Diamond Phone Card, advertised 400 minutes for $2 card, but provided 106 minutes only and charged a hidden fee. 

According to a company spokesperson, Nasreen Gilani, the founder of Diamond Phone Card, has not been seen in public for a while; however, the company will follow the FTC order and give refunds to customers who request one and provide a receipt.