Binary
Chicago,#2Consumer Suggestion
Thu, September 25, 2003
James, Call SBC and have them remove the charges by saying you never agreed to let SBC bill you on any other companies behalf. They do this by default, but if you ask them they can remove the charges, and no longer allow another company to bill you through them. I have had them do this for me, and it has saved many headaches and a lot of aggrivation. At worst you would be on record as disputing the charges (which I am sure you already are) and most likely you will get SBC to return your service and maybe offer you an incentive for your troubles (don't count on the incentive though). I don't have long distance service, so when I got slammed I asked SBC to just include the name of the company they returned the bill to so I could deal with it. They were quite helpfull in this, and (the rep. I talked to at least) understood that I didn't want fraudulant charges making it look like I didn't pay the legit ones.
Liz
Cleveland,#3UPDATE Employee
Fri, July 25, 2003
I'm very sorry to hear your situation, and I know its very easy to blaim the phone company that you're with, but remember, SBC didnt slam you, some other company did. Here's what happens. When someone slams you they do it one of two ways. 1: They hack into our computer systems and do it themselves (not even the federal goverment can stop this no matter secure their systems are 2: The slamming company contacts what we call the "middle man" which is usually a company hired by your local Public Utilities Commission, and they tell them that they got authorization from you to change to their company. If #2 happens, there is seriously nothing that SBC can do (hands are tied). This is why: When the company requests the information, it goes through the middle man. The middle man doesnt ask questions, just processes the request to SBC. SBC is not allowed to contact you at all to verify if this is correct because that would be considered "unfair practices" since they have "inside information" and would be able to contact you to give you a better offer. This is illegal to do because it wouldnt give the other companies a chance ever to win your business. So when SBC is told by the state appointed middle man to give up the lines, they have to, no questions asked. From that point in time, they must cease all conversations with you unless initiated by you. Now as far as the charges that are coming up on your bill. The reason that they cannot credit the money is because they are not the ones asking for the money from you. Yes, it may be on your bill (because the slamming company is too lazy to print up their own bills so they have SBC do it) but when you pay it, they are not putting it in their pocket. They are simply collecting on the part of the other company because that is what the law tells them they have to do. Its an unfortunate thing, but SBC's hands are really tied as far as these things are concerned. There is so much legal stuff they have to worry about, and they really dont have any say as to whats going on, but they are still required to be the ones with the LOGO on the bills even though its through another company (really sad). I would really considering finding out who slammed you and making a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, the FCC, and with the PUCO (public utilities commission of OHIO). Then contact the company that slammed you and make them aware (like they didnt already know) that slamming is against the law and that you demand your money back. If they refuse, simply go back to the PUCO and they will make sure that your complaint is followed and taken care of (they'll probably fine that company hundreds of thousands of dollars as well!)