Complaint Review: AOL

Just another report of AOL making unauthorized charges: They claimed I "signed up" for AOL in Jan. 2005, but this does not correspont to any action whatsoever that I can determine. I have broadband Internet access through Adelphia, and I have NOT contacted AOL or had ANY dealings with them since July 2004. In July 2004, I signed up for free dial up access using the credit card in question. After 2 weeks I canceled the dial up free trial.

It was VERY difficult to cancel that, but I insisted that the they cancel when I called even though the operator insisted that I keep the account for the entire 30 day trial period. They claimed I could only cancel the last day of the trial period. I insisted that they cancel NOW, and they finally did with a very cryptic reply. But now I get a charge. They claimed that I am a victim of credit card fraud. Presummably, someone stole my credit card to charge $14.95 for AOL Broadband access and NOTHING else!!! I think that's laughable to say the least! I suspect that they kept my credit card from last July and charged my account in March. Once I notified AOL today, they claimed they would reverse the charge and not allow further charges to my credit card. We'll see. Add mine to the list of AOL complaints.

I don't understand why a company like AOL is spoiling their reputation for a few bucks, if that's what is happening. Is it a subsidiary company that might be committing this fraud or theft?

Daniel
Blacksburg, Virginia
U.S.A.