Description:

This collectible 5-minute prepaid phone card from 1997 features a Halloween-themed safety promotion starring McGruff the Crime Dog, the iconic canine mascot of the National Crime Prevention Council. The card’s design is set against a deep purple night sky filled with tiny white stars, capturing the eerie yet festive atmosphere of Halloween. Prominently positioned in the upper right corner is a luminous full moon, serving as a glowing backdrop for the silhouette of a witch flying on a broomstick. This classic Halloween icon complements the seasonal message printed in vivid orange, which reads, “HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN!” in a curved, banner-like format—an inviting and friendly call for safety during holiday celebrations.

In the foreground stands McGruff the Crime Dog, depicted in his signature trench coat with a serious, contemplative expression. His anthropomorphic figure points directly at the viewer, reminiscent of wartime recruitment posters, emphasizing his role in promoting community vigilance and crime prevention. Beneath him, the well-known motto “Take a bite out of crime” appears boldly in solid black font, reinforcing the card’s dual purpose as both a functional phone card and a public safety message. The visual interplay between McGruff’s determined gaze and the motivating text encourages users to be proactive and responsible, especially during Halloween—a time often associated with pranks and mischief.

This 5-minute prepaid card was produced by Ameritech, a leading telecommunications company. Their logo appears in the bottom right corner, underscoring the card’s practical use for making calls while also serving as a collectible keepsake. The card’s technical details and branding are subtle yet clear, with “5 MINUTE PREPAID PHONE CARD” printed in simple white type below the main message. This blend of utility and public education exemplifies how phone cards in the late 1990s were used not only for communication but also as platforms for important social messages. The inclusion of the National Crime Prevention Council’s affiliation with McGruff highlights the collaboration between corporations and civic organizations to promote safer communities.

Overall, this McGruff the Crime Dog Halloween phone card artfully combines holiday charm with public safety awareness in a compact collectible. With its vibrant colors, seasonal motifs, and iconic mascot, it serves as a nostalgic reminder of 1990s American culture—when phone cards were both valuable communication tools and promotional canvases. Featuring the classic witch on a broomstick, this card captures the spirit of Halloween while advocating for community safety.

Since we have the world's largest inventory of USA phonecards for collectors, you will not necessarily receive the identical serial/batch/PIN number that we have scanned/pictured.