Complaint Review: MCI Worldcom Wireless

MCI/WorldCom is my first experience with a wireless telephone. Never owned one in my life (age 57). I bought the plan as a safety feature for my son who was traveling cross country - alone - Florida to California. This cell phone was sold to me by Marathon Communications in Seattle, WA (206)505-1800 who explained the $59.99 plus plan to me. The only reason I purchased this plan was for the freebies extended to me - 450 anytime minutes, free long distance (nights after 8:00 p.m. and all weekend), free regional roaming and free national roaming. But when I called WorldCom to find out about my billing, they told me that my free long distance was being deducted from the 450 anytime minutes for the month.

I told them this wasn't my understanding from the representative of Marathon Communications. WorldCom said they were sorry but to expect a hefty bill since my son used the phone for 38 hours (calls placed after 8:00 p.m. and weekends to get the free long distance) and any minutes over 450 were being billed at $.35 per minute. I was so upset I could hardly speak.

WorldCom could destroy my outstanding credit history. I will be sending a letter to the credit bureau also. Their customer service people are RUDE, that is when you finally get off eternal HOLD and to a live person. As of February 13, 2002 I emailed WorldCom to cancel out this phone. NO RESPONSE AS YET. I have been advised by my attorney not to pay because they did not hold up their end of the contract.

I will never put my credit at stake for a cell phone again. I'm sure I haven't heard the last of MCI/WorldCom, but I will fight this with everything I have. WORLDCOM - is definitely ripping me off.
Karen Duke
Tampa, Florida