AT&T - SBC fraudulent billing ripoff Saginaw Michigan
Recently, I shut off my phone. When I went to pay the bill off, I suddenly was confronted with a letter stating that I owe $45.87 on a phone bill from 2001! I told these people that I'm sure that I paid it off, and I probably did. Since 2001, I've moved a couple of times and sadly, my proof was probably accidentally thrown out.
At the time I paid off this 2001 phone bill, I remember thinking about how I should keep it in case they try to charge me for it again, later. Well guess what? That's exactly what they are doing. Charging me twice! So now, of course, I can't get another phone until they get this $45.87, that was paid off long ago.
Interesting, isn't it? People need to be very aware of these illegal tactics and I sure wish they'd be forced to go to court over this so they can't ripoff the poor as they are attempting to do with me. What's even more interesting is when I wrote to them and said it didn't come up on my credit report, which I checked on 2 years ago, they stated that's because they didn't turn it over to collections. Now how much sense would that make?
This all sounds very, very fishy to me. How many other people do they try and pull this on? Probably a lot, especially if they think they are losing business, how else will they make their money?
Lissy
Toledo, Ohio
U.S.A.
3 Updates & Rebuttals
Cinnamon
Cincinnati,Ohio,
U.S.A.
TIPS I HOPE MAY HELP
#4UPDATE EX-employee responds
Thu, June 22, 2006
Lissey,
I am an ex-employee of SBC/AT&T (ironically at different times) and was out just before the merger went through.
In any case - it's not a scam or a way to make extra money it's that they totally and COMPLETELY do NOT have their business (using nice word, please interpret appropriately) together.
They used to have, and anyone will give it to you (or should) what is called the "Executive Complaint" line. If the 1st person you speak with does not have it (or will not give it to you) escalate. Ask for his/her manager, if the same happens, ask for the next level manager... escalate escalate escalate...
I understand your frustrations and I know it isn't much but I hope it helps.
You may also wish to ask for what is called the "carrier line #" from the folks you talk to. This is the actual line is paid for to another carrier for use of the line for service.
Again, I wish I could offer you more assistance but not having been there for some time impedes me from being able to make calls and get more accurate information for you.
They lose track of accounts and payments all of the time. And according to Sarbanes Oxley, they are indeed outside of the law on that issue.
Thanks,
Cinnamon - Cincinnati OH
Lissy
Toledo,Ohio,
U.S.A.
More ripoffs from AT & T
#4Author of original report
Tue, June 13, 2006
Well, I paid off the illegal phone bill that AT & T charged me for. This time I made sure to keep the money orders that I paid that mess with. When I went to call them today, to try and get a phone, they now try to claim that I owe a balance on my most recent phone number, 419-867-0264. I know, for a fact, that I owe nothing on this and wrote them about the proof that I have showing as such. I'm going to continue to nail them since they continue to do illegal practices such as this. It almost asppears to be a form of discrimination, as well, since I'm a low income parent. What they do is try to say that I can't get phone service until this money is paid. This is the second time they've done this in the past month! Help!
Lori
East Alton,Illinois,
U.S.A.
Report them to the FTC and AG.
#4Consumer Comment
Fri, June 02, 2006
The only way that "we (the consumers)" are going to put an end to these "crooked creditors" is to report their illegal tactics to the FTC and the AG.
Tell them you story and let them investigate the
matter.
Do you have any proof (like a copy of an old canceled check might be at the bank) that the debt was already paid????
YOU got lucky that they didn't report your debt...... yet! They waited almost 3 years to report my paid account (probably reported b/c it was alot larger allged unpaid debt).
ANYWAY.....GOOD LUCK!