Complaint Review: AOL

A few months ago my regular internet carrier service was running out so I decided to use a "free trial" with AOL just to
see what it was like. We have two computers so I let the children
set the AOl up on their computer because they use the instant messenger all the time.
I checked the childrens computer and realized that they had used up all the free hours and that we were getting charged for the service. I found the package that the disc came in and it said that the service was $9.95 a month. I didn't think that that was too bad until I tried to cancel the service. When I called to cancel they informed me that thier was a $396.00 bill for the usage. When I told them what was on the disc they told me that was for the first five hours of service and that all this was spelled out in the agreement during setup.To make things worse they somehow charged my TARGET/RETAILERS NATIONAL BANK VISA(another ripoff story)and put it over the limit.
AOL claims on these disc that no credit card is required but it will not let you set up an account without a number.One of my children thought it would be o.k. to give my credit card number since the service was free.
as of today I've had to deal with a credit card company that will not stop harrassing me for the over the limit charges.

Charles
Natchez, Mississippi
U.S.A.