Complaint Review: Vonage

I wanted to port my number in November, 2007 from Bellsouth (new AT&T) to Vonage. Bellsouth would not allow my number to be ported so I called them, the same month and requested that they stop the process and return my fee which was $49.95 which included services for $29.99 & equipment for $14.95. I spoke with an account manager who told me that the money will be returned to my account no later than 7-10 business days and of course my service would be cancelled, since I never actually received any service anyway. I waited and waited.

I called back in January, 2008 and spoke with another account manager because now I was charged $31.02. No money was charged in December. I explained that my account is cancelled and I should not be charged anything. He said, it must have been a mistake because the automated system is saying that it is cancelled but it is showing in their computers that it is not.

I requested it be done immediately and my money return to my account immediately. He started pitching me his sales pitch about sending me a device that I could actually do the port myself and I would get two months free in the space for those months that I was charged.

I became furious. I wanted my money and I wanted it back NOW! He insisted that I speak to my husband about his idea I said, "NO". I told him I did not give him or his company permission to go into my account and withdraw any money. I need a cheque, so I can deposit it myself.

He said he would cancel immediately and he would send me a confirmation by email and also post (mail). I was not satisfied so I asked for a cancellation #, he told me that was not possible as it was not posted yet. All crap. He supposedly got disconnected and could not be reached when I tried to call him back.

I have called every month to cancel the service. It is now 10 months and $361.97 later. I finally got them to disconnect the services today and was charged a fee of $39.95 and was told that they do not give refunds and I should call my bank and have them dispute it thru them.

This may sound dumb but I feel violated (they took my money w/out my permission). We have had our account for over 11 years and never has this happened to us. They were not given permission and they believe that they have the right to delve into people's account and basically steal their money. This company must be taught a serious lesson and possibly forced to close their doors .

Jujumar
Riverdale, Georgia
U.S.A.