Complaint Review: USBI Mainstreet Telephone

03/02/2005
I contacted my local telephone company regarding an increase in my phone bill. I found out that USBI Mainstreet Telephone had added there long distance service to my account. The weird thing is that I still got to keep my original long distance provider, they just added another long distance service on top of that (so not a SLAM, but called CRAMMING). Anyway, they gave me a contact number for the company.

I called them and after speaking with a preliminary "customer service" rep, they put me on hold and someone named John came to the phone. I explained to him that they were charging and had been charging me for several months for a service I never requested. He stated someone signed up via an email requesting the service. Well I knew this was not true, as I work for a long distance company, and my service is free. At any rate "John - Agent 1" as he called himself issued a 4 month credit but said I couldn't receive a full credit for all month's charge. This was a "use it or lose it" service.

You can imagine my anger at this point. As a result, I had my local company issue me a credit on my account, I also filed a complaint with the IFCC (Internet Fraud Complaint Center), the FCC, and plan to contact my state's attorney general's office. I was advised by my local telephone provider that USBI may try to re-bill me for the credits to my account. All I can say is it will be a cold day. Anyway, I will update as future actions occur with this company.

Lesson learned: What your telephone bill closely, even if you receive you bill electronically!

Kelton
Kansas City, Missouri
U.S.A.