I was a faithful customer of AT&T for over 7 years - even when they kept increasing my interest rate for any reason. So when it reached 29.99% I, in good faith, set up a payment program with AT&T and was paying on-time, as I have always done.Then in October, I combined all of my accounts into a Debt Management Program, Money Management International (MMI).I then cancelled my program with AT&T and set it up with MMI as I wanted to have all of my debt combined.But AT&T declined to accept the proposal.
In doing research to understand why AT&T declined the proposal, I was informed that a new regulation was created (that only representatives were aware of)between the time I cancelled the AT&T program and set up the MMI program (Oct 2-Nov 17; 1st payment was received on 11/27/10) and now I cant have this account be placed inanyprogram - internal or my debt mgmt program.
Now, if I had known this information when I was cancelling my program with AT&T during my conversations with the customer service rep, I would not have done so. The customer service rep did not have any idea of this as well orif she did, the information was not forthcoming. Its not that I was cancelling my account due to non-payment or late payments or bad payments; it was because I was setting it up with my combined MMI program.I WAS STILL paying on the account!
So, due to this issue and my account being ramped up to the 29.99% APR, my monthlyminimum due is outrageous. Why am I being punished for a miscommunication that customers were not privy to until after the fact?
I cant understand that if I am willing to pay, wanting to pay, and have paid, but due to miscommunication and my wanting to combine my monthly payments, that AT&T will not work with me.
No matter how much I write, call, or even talk with AT&T, I still get the same answer, "there is nothing they can do", that is a blatent lie.
Its amazing that as long as I'm paying AT&T, Iam a "good" and "loyal" customer,but when Ineed them to do something for me, their hands are tied!!!
Steve
Bradenton,#2Consumer Comment
Mon, January 03, 2011
It really makes no difference at this point, because the minute you enter into any debt management plan, your credit is trashed for 3 years as a minimum. You can't borrow 10 cents.
I bet they didn't tell you that either.
Just the fact that you entered into this program means that you were maxed out and/or clearly unable to pay anyway, so protecting your credit at this point is a waste of time.
Here's how you get them to talk to you, AND have the conversation on your terms.
Stop paying for at least 3 full billing cycles, and do not speak to anyone during that time. Change your phone# to an unlisted one.
When you hit the 4th payment cycle with no payments, they will change their entire attitude.
Then you TELL them what you are willing to do. Don't ask. TELL THEM it is a one time take it or leave it offer before you file bankruptcy.
Tell them to remove all fees and penalties and to reduce your interest down to 4.5%. Non negotiable.
If they refuse, simply hang up and go another 3 months with no payments or communication. They have to know that you absolutely mean business and have nothing to lose.
Power negotiating 101.
I've done this. It works.
YOU are always in control, and you need to remind these idiots of that fact.