charter communications ripoff, deceptive billing practices, monopoly chicago Illinois
Charter Communications is the only cable company available in my area. Since they bought out Cross Country Cable 5 years ago, they have raised their prices almost monthly.
In 1997, I was paying $22.00 per month. In 1998, it went up to $25.00 per month, now I am paying $36.95 per month and my service has not improved at all.
Now they are trying to sell me digital cable which would require me to purchase a box for every vcr I own (4). The price of this is $45.00 per month and they have alerted me that by October, everyone will be required to switch to digital. It is no longer an "option" but will be required. Since this is the only cable company, I am forced to abide by their constant price increases.
One month last year, they made everyone's (that I talked to)bill $10.00 higher than usual. When I phoned them, they told me that it was an error and to disregard the increase. Some of my friends did not call, and paid the extra $10.00 and were never credited for it. It was like a scam to see how much extra they could make.
Also, just about every month, they tack on a $5.00 late charge regardless of when payment was made. My bill was due on February 25th and I paid it on Feb. 6th, my check was cashed on the 10th, and they still applied the late fee until I called and had it removed. It's like a scam they do to see how many people don't pay attention to their bills and they can rip them off of an extra $5.00 per month. They are horrible and should be punished!
Thank you for your time.
shari
whitehall, Michigan
3 Updates & Rebuttals
Daniel
Rochester,Minnesota,
U.S.A.
I only lasted six because of all the B.S.
#4UPDATE EX-employee responds
Fri, May 16, 2003
I was a CSR for about six months for Charter Communications. I needed evening work for about 18 to 24 months and I only lasted six because of all the B.S. Everything Jack says above is correct. He failed to mention that the 's' doesn't stand for 'service' but 'sales'. They teach/tell you in training that you are a 'sales' representative. If you don't 'sell' enough of the digital and modems, you don't get commissions. I spent most of my time fixing bills (after about 2 weeks on the phone you understand these people are telling the truth and I just credited their accounts because of all the inconvience) and apologizing for a tech not there. I could go on but I'm running out of space/
Jack
Maryville,Illinois,
You usually do not have to switch to digital
#4UPDATE EX-employee responds
Fri, November 08, 2002
I worked are Charter forover two years. (Not the most enjoyable experience of my life.) You NORMALLY do not have to switch to digital, unless you have premium movie channels. The satellite for the older boxes was no longer functioning to send out those signals. So only if you have premium movie channels (like HBO or Starz) do you need digital.
Also, if anyone offers you a package deal & tells you that the price is good forever....don't beleive it. When have you ever heard of a package price for a 'so called' utility being good forever. Doesn't happen!! These people calling you are telemarketers. They are not employed directly by Charter & have no idea what they are selling. That was, Charter doesn't ahve to be responsible for them.
Trash
San Diego,California,
Charter is always pulling stunts like this
#4Consumer Comment
Sat, April 06, 2002
Charter is always pulling stunts like this I was offered a package which included certain channels for a set price approx $50 a month due to also having high speed mach 2 cable internet access for another $60+ a month about 6 months into it I receive a bill for almost double the TV cable normal price when I called up they flat out denied I was offered the $50 service and stated that package is no longer offered and still made me pay the suprise double figure.
Its quite clever what they do they give you the deal and then when your set and comfortable hit you with a suprise bill 6 months into the service.
And Charter read this: If you are going to offer a package deal stick to it, you are just relying on the fact other options are restrictive sooner or later other companies will pop up and you will lose.