Complaint Review: SBO-Online

We immediately noticed an unauthorized charge on our March Qwest phone bill because our phone bill is the same every month, and this bill was $50 higher. On the last page titled 'ESBI' for 'Enhanced Telecommunications Services' were two unidentified charges: Orbit Telecom Monthly Fee of $14.95 and SBO-Online SBO Survival kit of $29.95. This report is about the SBO-Online charge of $29.95.

I called the Qwest representative who graciously agreed to remove these fraudulent charges. She stated this occurs all the time and that I should contant SBO-Online to make sure that there are no recurring charges. I asked why Qwest allowed this charge to occur and they stated they have no authority to prevent this due to some legislation where as long as someone enters your telephone # via the internet, these services can be charged...and that I need to be vigilent with the said companies to make sure these charges are removed. WHAT???

So first I contacted SBO-Online about this 'SBO-Survival Kit' that was charged. The representative 'Louisa' told me that this was charged on the website www.smileymedia.com. Guess what? Not in my browser and I never went to this site. 'Louisa' spoke pretty good English and was friendly and canceled the charges without out much fight (unlike Orbit Telecom). However, this month the same d**n kit is on there with an April date charge. How many times can this company charge for the same 'service'.

Why is this illegal action allowed to continue? I am writing my representatives and possibly future President (McCain) about this issue. This is fraud, it's illegal and should be prosecuted. I feel sorry for those that may not understand (elderly, spanish speaking) and pay these illegal charges.

Azjohnson
Tucson, Arizona
U.S.A.