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  • Report:  #197123

Complaint Review: Vonage - Internet

Reported By:
- Howell, Michigan,
Submitted:
Updated:

Vonage
Internet, U.S.A.
Phone:
800-860-5491
Web:
N/A
Categories:
Tell us has your experience with this business or person been good? What's this?
WHAT WAS I THINKING????? VONAGE RIP-OFF! $660 TO CANCEL VONAGE - I AM JUST SICK!!!! GOD HELP US ALL!

My experience with Vonage was a disaster right from the beginning. I missed the 'red flags' until I gave my credit card number for billing purposes. As soon as I gave my credit card number to them...the lack of customer service, honesty and credit charges began.

I followed the rules for cancellation. I was nice, polite and business-like. I told the truth. I was patient.

I spent over 12 full hours (16 calls altogether)on the phone with various incompetent Customer Service Representatives from all over the world!!!!!

I was lied to. Everytime I talked with someone, the pricing changed, I was transferred, told to call back in a few days/hours/minutes, cut off and left in the Land of Vonage and not allowed to talk to anyone above the Account Manager Level. I could go on and on..... Other reports at this site tell even more of my story and there is no use being repetitive.

I am being charged for 3 rotors but 3 rotors were not shipped via DHL. Doesn't matter, Vonage records show they were shipped. DHL records show one rotor shipped and returned by me - that's true. DHL has no record of other two rotors being shipped. Doesn't matter - cha-ching.... Each rotor $73.99 - then changed to $77.99 each....times three.....cha-ching!

I never received the Letter authorizing Vonage to switch my phone service from SBC/ATT. SBC/ATT did not receive notice either. I did not authorize switch by any other method (email, phone, pony-express). Vonage acknowledged that was true but not their fault because THEY had incorrectly recorded my email address and they ARE NOT responsible for such clerical errors...REALLY?????

I called Vonage last evening after opening my credit card bill to once again report the cancellation of my accounts. I was advised to call Customer Service ASAP. I thought I just did...WRONG!

The BIG FINANCIAL HIT happened this AM. I called VONAGE at 8:30AM - at the opening bell for Customer Service. Got right through - oh my! Spent 1 1/2 hours on the phone while the Account Manager tried to find out why my account was still active after I cancelled it on May 8th.

At the end of the 1-1/2 hour ordeal, the bottomline is: I owe Vonage over $660....and 'that is the best I can do for you...!"

The amount is in dispute with my credit card company. Wish I had been cleaver enough to closed my credit card account on

May 8th instead of trusting Vonage!

What was I thinking?????? I have been a small business owner for over 21 years and I have never in my entire life experienced such a blatant rip-off.

Illegal, Immoral and Unethical! I told the Account Manager, Steve, to quit his job immediately and find an join an honest company! He hung up. OH MY!

....and by the way, I still have to pay my regular SBC/ATT service.....looks like tomato soup for din-din tonight!

Good thing I am a strong Christian woman with a clean mouth because I am really 'provoked'!

Lois

Howell, Michigan
U.S.A.


5 Updates & Rebuttals

Karen

Englewood,
Colorado,
U.S.A.
Just the Facts

#2Consumer Comment

Mon, August 14, 2006

Having been a satsified Vonage customer for some time, I would like to clarify a few things as some of the "facts" posted here are not true. 1. To my knowledge, all Vonage advertising has stated that a broadband internet connection is required. Besides, we are talking VoIP, how can that be accomplished without an internet connection? 2. Vonage DOES have a custtomer service phone number. You can speak to Vonage customer service by calling 1-866-243-4357. 3. A "seperate" internet connection is not needed. I have Vonage service using the same internet connection I have had for the last 4 years. No additional internet cost and significantly lower phone costs. ANd guess what, I can talk on the phone and work on the internet at the same time, with ONE internet connection! I understand your frustration, and feel for you, but feel it is important that the facts are correct!


Lois

Howell,
Michigan,
U.S.A.
Update re RipOff with Vonage

#3Author of original report

Thu, August 10, 2006

I am just sick about this! American Express has sided with Vonage regarding Vonage Billing for services cancelled as I was directed. I never could or did use Vonage services. American Express informed me that the total amount charged to my credit card is for 'cancellation terms' that I agreed to - I did not. Did you know that Vonage does not have a customer service telephone number any longer? Everything must be done through email. I do now! Did you know that Vonage is a customer of American Express? I do now! Did you know that there are hundreds of similar cases to mine on the internet? I do now! Did you know that only a few claims have been settled in favor of the customer vs Vonage? I do now!


Sherri

Piedmont,
California,
U.S.A.
WHAT PROMOTIONAL RATE?

#4Consumer Comment

Wed, June 21, 2006

I've had Vonage for almost three years and for the unlimited plan, plus a fax line, I pay $39.06 per month, including taxes and fees. It has never gone up, in fact, my monthly service went down $5 a month quite some time ago. I did have to pay activation fees and shipping on my router than I ordered, but that was under $60. All of this was done online. How in the world did they come up with $660?


Steve

Bradenton,
Florida,
U.S.A.
FTC and FCC violations here too!

#5Consumer Suggestion

Tue, June 20, 2006

They are required by both FTC rules and FCC rules to have either a recorded voice authorization or a written authorization to change providers. Vonage is a scam. Only recently on the advertisements do they sneak in very quickly.."High Speed Internet Connection Required". You must have a separate high speed internet connection to use Vonage. This is called "VOIP" or "Voice Over Internet Protocol". Vonage compares itself to other phone companies who offer stand alone services and brag of big savings. Well, how does this work? $24.99 minimum Vonage charge per month $14.99 6 month promotional fee for broadband/monthly Thats $40+ taxes the way I do my math. And thats based on the 6 month promotional price on the required broadband that goes up to $34-$39/month after the 6 month promotion. Now we are at $70 per month + taxes +special equipment. I can get a package from several major providers including unlimited long distance for $39.99 a month, and have high quality consisent service WITHOUT buying special equipment like routers at $79 each, etc.. I'm still not seeing the bargain here! Run fast if Vonage approaches you, or another Vonage customer trying to get a "referral credit" at your expense.


Jim

Flagstaff,
Arizona,
U.S.A.
Lois, time to give what they gave

#6Consumer Suggestion

Mon, June 19, 2006

Lois, They are fraudlently billing you. First contact your local DA and file a complaint - chances are they can't/won't do anything, but that's okay you've started a paper trail. Next contact your Attorney General's office (fraud dept) and file a complaint. Next contact the AG's office in the state where they have their home office and file a complaint with THEIR fraud unit. If the bank denies your claim, take all your copies or notes - you need to keep copious notes of everything that has/will happen - to your bank and explain in person to your branch manager and chances are they will disallow the charge. Finally, if all else failes, see a good CONSUMER Law attorney - make sure the attorney is well versed in consumer law or they won't have a clue. Good luck and God Bless

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