Complaint Review: AT&T

This is an original letter sent to the state of NJ consumer affairs. Oct 2001 with this complaint. They resolved the problem so we thought. In 2004 and closed the case with both AT&T. and Verizon agreeing to back off.

On or about Aug. 2000 I contacted Verzon to put a long distance block for unauthorized calls on my phone. They installed it and assured me it would do the job.
After a while, I received a bill from AT&T for $500.18 for unauthorized calls. This was for the time between Sept. 29th and Oct. 28th 2000. These charges occurred after the block was in place. I was able to resolve the matter. Verizon admitted they had installed improperly and the bill would be taken off.

Then I received a second bill from AT&T for $1100 dollars. These calls occurred between the time I reported the problem and Verizon correcting it. Again after many hours, many phone calls and being bounced from dept. to dept. It was explained to me that a Verizon operator bypassed the block, placed the calls with AT&T [who was not my long-distance carrier] When overridden each call cost ten dollars plus 1.00 per minute. Again many hr. and many phone calls and after explaining it each and every time with every new contact over and over again. These were three way calls between me Verizon and AT&T.

AT&T advised me the charges would be taken off. They gave me a Ref NO [S7BL0226] To give any bill collectors bothering me about this bill to show it was taken off. Shortly after,I begain receiving calls from bill collectors. Believe me this was no easy chore contacting either of these companies and getting anything resolved. Not only are you dealing with totally different people with each and every call but the situation must be explained every time you call and you must be able to have a three way conversation with each operator. You not dealing with the same people. This in itself is a fraud in my opinion. Plus you are bounced from dept. to dept. every time.

I consider, selling Mr. a system that doesn't work then trying to charge me for it's failure and the collusion between AT&T and Verizon to defeat it Bate and switch tactics. I wonder how many more consumers find themselves in this same situation. It seems to me the resolution departments of both these companies are in the business of non resolution, delay, confuse, stall and basically play the percentages that the consumer will just give up.

Since the problem began with an improper block. I would like AT&T and Verizon to remove the bill,,any adverse credit reports, get a real resolution department and call off the dogs [Bill collectors] I am listing some of the people's names I had to deal with at AT&T and Verizon are listed below

1. Debra Watts 11. Miss Denison
2.Shirley Jones 12.J sanders
3. Linda Hall 13.Mr sakes
4.Mr Liberman 13.Bonnie
5.Jill 14.Bonnie
6.Miss Lions 15.S Herron
7.Caroline 16.Chris
8.Damon Wand Ford 17.Carol Bialy
9.Laura
10.Miss moukazis

Now after almost 4 years have passed and I thought this was over AT&T has sent the dogs [Bill collectors and bad credit reports]after me again. I have Just filed with the State of NJ again but have heard nothing on it yet.

Stephen
Berlin, New Jersey
U.S.A.