If You Don’t Want to Be Dialing Away Dollars . . .

What can you do to protect yourself?

* Inquire. Before you make a call, ask the operator about the cost of calling your destination. The Federal Communications Commission does not prohibit carriers from charging high fees, but it does require that they disclose what they charge.

* Listen. If you think you’re dialing through your preferred carrier because you’ve asked an operator to connect you to a specific long-distance carrier, make sure you were indeed connected to it before you continue with your call. (With most major long-distance companies, you’ll hear a familiar sound--a bell or bong, for example--and a “Thank you for using XYZ.”) If you don’t hear it, it’s possible you’re getting gouged.

* Reject. If you’re on the receiving end of a collect call, inquire about the price before you accept. If the rate is excessive and it’s not an emergency, refuse the call.

* Plan ahead. If you’re going to make a trip abroad and think you may need to call home while you’re away, consider purchasing a prepaid phone card that gives you international access. That allows you to limit the charges to an amount you’ve already determined you can afford. Note, however, that some phone cards are limited to domestic use.

* Complain. If you get gouged on an international call, call your local phone company immediately. The phone company will not reverse the charges, but it generally will help you dispute the charges with the long-distance carrier.