Complaint Review: ILD Teleservices

My August, 2002 phone bill from Verizon showed a charge of $59.84 for a "set-up" fee for voice mail. We had no idea what this was as we have an answering machine and no need for voicemail. When I called the number listed for ILD Teleservices, I was told the number on the bill was only a clearinghouse and was given yet another number to try. At that number, I was told that "M" had authorized the account. "M" is my 11 year old child. We were told there was a tape, but ILD refused to play it.

We informed them that "M" was a minor and IF permission was given, it is invalid by law. We then called Verizon who said they would try to help. We then called the PUC and lodged a formal complaint. This brought a refund of the $59.84. We thought it was over, but no. The September bill has a charge of $19.95 for the monthly service fee!!

I called ILD and spoke ot one Christopher (ID#4222) who claimed he was a supervisor (since when do supervisors take incoming calls directly?) and refused to help me. He gave me the address I listed in this complaint but refused to give me the name of the person to whom I was to send my complaint letter stating, "I am not permitted to give out her name. Her job description does not require her to speak to customers". When I tried once more to get a name out of him, I was told "Do you want this address before I terminate this call or not?"

He was the most rude "customer service" underling to whom I have ever spoken. I will not pay this bill, now or ever and my next move, should I ever hear from these people again will be my attorney.

Brian
Erie, South Carolina