Complaint Review: Cingular Wireless

Over three years ago, I got 3 phones through cingular wireless for my personal business. Because I was a new business, I had to leave a $500.00 deposit on each phone. That deposit was to be held for about a year, or I wouldn't receive the entire amount (a penalty fee). Needless to say I stopped doing the business, called them up and canceled the account. I told them to subtract what I owed from the deposit for the last bill. They did, but I never received the rest of the deposit. Not only did I have multiple problems turning on the phones initially (that should have been the first hint), but now I couldn't get my money back. Intially they claimed I had only put $500 down when I got the phones. I had to not only go back to a bank I was no longer a member of, but make them reprint all of my old debit/credit card purchases. Now since both of these are old/ unworking accounts, it takes double the time to investigate or get info on them. So I finally got the information and faxed the info, not once but twice. They told me they would contact me, when they received the info proving I had put $1500, not $500 deposit. I waited a while for their response and never received one.

Unfortuanately with Cingular, their customer services department is the worst. Everytime I call I have to tell them old info, they don't understand and get transferred about 4 times. Each call can be between and hour to 2 hours. So when I called, they said that I was right and they would send me the money. I clarified to them the right address, name, etc. and asked them why they hadn't contacted me. Two months past by and I called again. This time, they said they had sent it, but now they would have to cancel the check, investigate it and get back to me or send a new check. I verified everything (address, name, etc.) and of course I was on the phone for about an hour and half. They told me it takes about a month to investigate and reprocess. I waited another couple months and did the exact thing. I did it one more time and the exact thing happened. Now I havent been on them probaly like I should be, but it takes so long to even find the supposed right person to talk to. I am owed about $800 from what is left on the deposit. I even told them once, that they should pay interest on what is owed. They said no. I dread calling them, dealing with, getting the same response. If anyone knows who to contact, what exactly is the next step(small claims court, etc.), or even where I should start to contact them, please let me know. I almost think I am entitled to interest and time spent. By the way everytime I call them, they have when I call them on record. Any advice would be great.

JB
Long Island, New York
U.S.A.