Shelly-Ann Thompson, Freelance Writer

Men say they are tired of being bugged by female prepaid cellular phones users who call to beg credit.

"It's like women nowadays don't buy them own credit," said Omar Reid.

Reid said within a few weeks of meeting a woman he was asked for credit.

"A no mi alone have that problem. I hear other men complaining about it," added Mr. Reid.

Features of cellular companies, like Digicel Jamaica's 'Please Call Me' makes them often squirm whenever they get this text.

Men told Flair that some women have realised that 'Please Call Me' does not help them receive credit from men so now they call.

"Last week, one girl called me. Before I could finish saying "Hello" is, "send me a credit no" and she hung up," lamented Fitzroy, a taxi driver.

Men also told Flair that these women seeking credit are not only their girlfriends, but someone they might have had a relationship with or with whom they are just friends.

"My wife does not really beg me credit. Those who really beg me are just the women them who know that I check for them," said Phillip Johnson of Kingston.

Credit begging by women is being regarded as a big turn off. "If the next girl I meet regularly buys her own credit or has a straight (post-paid) phone, that would be a big plus," laughed Oniel, another taxi driver of Kingston.

Flair hit the streets and asked men how they feel about women requesting phone credit from them.

Roy Fraser:

I am married so I don't have that problem. But if a woman begs a credit it should not be a problem, suppose they need to keep in touch. I do, however, hear men complaining about it.

Sometimes you hear some man phone go 'beep, beep' when they get a text message. They look at their phone and hiss their teeth. Then they utter, "is a please call me for a credit that again!"

Allan (refused to give surname):

The begging credit thing is just an easier way for women to save. My female friends have begged me for credit; some I buy, some I don't. For some men, it is turning them off. They say women trying to use their heads on them. But, I guess, women will do it because they say, as females, the men will sympathise with them.

Castro Campbell:

Normally, if I get a 'please call me' I don't respond. However, I do not think it is a bad idea for a woman to ask her man for a credit as some men like to be in constant communication with their women. So, I guess, they have to be able to financially provide for the cost.

Simon Thomas:

Yes, I have been asked occasionally to buy a credit. To me, it is not a problem if it is someone I am dating. However, even with my girlfriend it should not be like I am expected to do it regularly. I should buy her some credit because I want to, not that I am obligated. That is a big turn off for me.