Complaint Review: Opticom - One Call Communications - Carmel Indiana

Sir or Maam,

I received a bill from One Call Communications/Opticom for a phone call I didn't make. The service they claim they provided was on behalf of a company called Navicomm.

Apparently what happened was, while I was surfing the net, my phone connection was hijacked and reconnected using a phone number that I didn't authorize. (I'm not that educated on telecommunications so you data/comm jedi masters will have to bear with my if I say something wrong.)

This phone line shell game was done without my knowledge or permission. In other words, it was ILLEGAL!

First, I did my homework. I easilly found your site and many others championing the cause of people who got ripped off by these con men. I also looked on the BBB website and found that Opticom, despite having a satisfactory rating, has a long history of complaints just like ours. I also discovered that Navicomm has an unsatisfactory rating and may not even have a valid business liscence!

Then I called the customer service number for Opticom. Agent 8149 answered and her response to my complaint was predictable, no refund. But I was quite frank and sincere that I will not be paying them a dime. I had caught them in their BS and wasn't about to put up with it.

Finally, I filed a complaint with the BBB (pasted below). Time will tell if they actually drop this nonsense.

BBB complaint filed:

Company Information

Opticom

801 Congressional Bouleva

Carmel, IN, UNITED STATES, 46032

Complaint Information

Complaint Type: General Complaint

Date Received: 8/29/2005

Primary Complaint Classification: Selling Practices

Secondary Complaint Classification: Credit or Billing Disputes

Complaint:

I received a bill from my regular phone service provider (SBC/Pacific Bell) in Jan 2005 with a charge of $8.67 listed for a 3 minute call that I did not make. After alerting SBC to the problem they removed it from my bill. They also explained that the number was probably dialed by a server or website while I was surfing the net. I did not ask for the service that was listed on my bill. I was unaware that any phone line shell game was taking place and I certainly did not give anyone permission to redirect my internet connection.

On July 28th, Opticom/One Call Communications Inc. sent me a bill for the $8.67, insisting that I pay for service rendered on behalf of Navicomm. (Navicomm has an unsatisfactory rating with the BBB.)

After researching Opticomm, One Call Communications and Navicomm on the internet I discovered that they have a long pattern of complaints from "customers" who have had their comminications hijacked and overcharged.

On 29 August 2005 I contacted One Call's customer service line to re-settle the dispute I thought was over 8 monthes ago. Agent 8149 provided no helpful information regarding the charge. When I explained that this call, if made, was done without my knowledge and consent, she only said that I am not due any refund.

I feel that since this call was made without my knowledge or consent that charging for it is illegal, and that I am under no obligation to pay.

Thank-you,

Adrian C.

Desired Settlement: Other (Requires Explaination)

Desired Settlement Explanation :

I request that this bogus charge be forgiven and that this account be immediately terminated.

Adrian

Albany, Georgia
U.S.A.

STOP! ..before you think about using the Better Business Bureau (BBB)... CLICK HERE to see how other consumers were victimized by the BBB's false or misleading information. Don't be fooled! It has been reported, when there are thousands of complaints and other investigations underway by authorities, the BBB has no choice but to finally give an UNsatisfactory rating to a BBB member business that is paying the BBB big membership fees every year. When a business is reported that is NOT a BBB member, BBB files WILL more likely show an UNsatisfactory rating, then reportedly shake down that company to become a member of the BBB. One positive thing about the BBB is, either way, if a business has an unsatisfactory rating with the BBB, you can be sure, the business is bad. But what about all those BBB member businesses that had complaints filed against them? Consumers never get to hear about them. What about the BBB advertising to the public? Is this a false and misleading perception they are giving about consumer confidence when dealing with a business? Click here to understand more of what consumers and business alike are saying about the BBB. You decide. ..Remember. The BBB membership is not earned, it's paid for!