Complaint Review: Brighthouse - Lecanto Florida

My mother has been with brighthouse for 23 years and has paid all her bills. Recently, an amount of $100.00 dollars was taken out of her account without authorization. When the company was made aware of this, they claimed it was a simple misunderstanding and that they will refund the extra $100.00. 

A letter was sent to my mother that said the $100.00 that was suppose to be sent back to her by Brighthouse (which Bright house never did because the bank put the money back into her account) did not go through and that a $25.00 reverse credit deposit will be added to the amount due.

My mother fought them and they dismissed the $25.00 charge. The $100.00 that was taken without authorization was then added to the next bill under the heading of "additional services". Initially my mothers bill was $157.63. They took $200.00 in $100.00 increments.

They are trying to charge her money that they illegally took out of her account.

Again, my mother upgraded the internet because a telemarketer from brighthouse said it was a "FREE" upgrade. When my mother got the bill they had charged her $30.96 for this upgrade that was suppose to be free. When I spoke with a supervisor he told me that he didn't know why we weren't told that it was not free. 

The people at brighthouse are manipulating and ripping off the people that make that company.  I never saw such gall. My mother is trying to find another service provider because this is a monthly thing with brighthouse. 

Here's something else to sink your teeth into. On 12-10-10 we ordered internet access. When they came to the house to install the cables, they destroyed the side of the house when they installed the cables through the wall. You could actually look through the holes they drilled and see inside the house. 

When my mother called and complained about it, they came out and put silicone in the four holes that were bored through the house. Even though they took off $60.00 from the bill it still isn't worth looking at the busted siding. 

Like I said, my mother has been with them for 23 years. They are treating her very badly and I wish I could do more to fix the problem.

EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back!

HERE IS WHAT RIP-OFF REPORT SUGGESTS YOU DO:

Go to your bank within 60 days of the charge, or as soon as you know about the charge, don't delay, and tell them that there has been fraudulent activity within your account. Explain that you wish to file a dispute, and demand that they assist you in accordance with Federal Regulation E.

According to the majority of victims interviewed by Rip-off Report, those who immediately called their banks to dispute the charges did not get very far. Many victims got the following responses from their banks: we could not do anything for you or you waited too long; it has been more than 60 days.

If the bank is says that you have waited too long, explain to them how you called their 800 number as soon as the charges were found, and were told by the bank that nothing could be done. Remind the bank that they failed to assist you properly at the 800 #, and instead, provided you with an inadequate explanation of your right to dispute. Tell the bank that it's their fault time has expired, and since they gave you the wrong info to begin with, they will just have to deal with it, take the loss and reverse the charges.

Tell them the truth; this was unauthorized and your account was NOT to be charged! Keep emphasizing how you never authorized anything! Direct them to the hundreds of victims reports that were filed on Rip-off Report.com. And if you're at the bank, walk them over to their computer and make them go to this site! If you are on the phone with them, tell them you will wait while they access this site! Either way, be persistent!

DO NOT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER!

Let them know nicely, that you were advised to Report them (the Bank) and this situation to the Banking Commission in your state. Since each state has a different name for the agency/controller over banks, find that name before you call or get to the bank so you can throw it in their face. The more knowledgeable you appear to be, the further you will get.

And just continue to demand the Federal Regulation E form! The bank CAN, MUST and WILL reverse the charge! But, you must be persistent; ask to speak to the supervisor or the area manager for all the branches in the state.

Let the bank personnel know you are meeting with the media later in the day, that you would much rather they do the right thing (as most other banks have) by looking at the complaints and immediately reversing the charge(s) to your account; no matter how long ago it was. Be sure to call the Media if necessary so you are telling the truth.

If you have to, be loud (but nice) in front of other customers. If you are just calling by phone, the above tactics should still work. The bank can easily fax or mail to you the Federal Regulation E dispute form.

CHARGES TO YOUR CREDIT CARD

If the charge was to your credit card (not debit card, check card, or checking account), contact the credit card company as soon as possible to request a dispute form. Consumers usually have a little longer to dispute fraudulent credit card charges (up to 6 months), but it is better to act right away. In this type of situation, credit card disputes are usually successful since fraudulent companies often won't contest the disputed charge. In rare cases, credit card companies will review disputes, but refuse to reverse the charges. If this occurs, complain to a manager and let them know you will be filing a report here.

Remember Don't let them get away with it! Make sure they make the Rip-off Report .. The more Reports filed on a Company or individual, the more likely it is that the authorities, media and attorneys will want to take action.

And good luck Let us know how you do!

ED Magedson Founder RipoffReport.com Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com

Rip-off Report PO Box 310, Tempe, Arizona 85280