BBG Communications charges ridiculously exorbitant fees to take advantage of travelers using their credit cards at pay phones throughout the world. The fact that this company is even operating is unbelievable.
It happened to my daughter and this is what we did:
1). Called the credit card company.in our case, it was unfortunately a debit card where the $ was taken from her acct within hours of the calls. Bank of America suggested filing a dispute; the agent recognized BBG immediately, saying she'd filed several similar disputes. Bank of America got a 3 way conversation going between BBG, B of A and my daughter. BBG explained the charges were: $15 to connect $5.99 per minute w / a 5 min minimum = $45 for one minute. My daughter explained the operator said it would be $10, and she'd never have agreed to pay $45 for one min. BBG said by providing her cc #, she in effect agreed to their rates. They can't post their rates because they are always changing. Ultimately, she was provided with a 40% credit, the max their "computers will allow". So, the 2 calls ended up costing her $25 each, still way too much.
2). Called BBG Communications in San Diego. Their # is (619) 661-6661. The receptionist will tell you to call (800) 576-2118 about their billing charges. There you will speak to a variety of representatives whose job I would never want. They must deal w / irate people all day long. I spoke with Raymond Fisher (not helpful nor understanding) and his supervisor "Mark Jones" (neither was he). They said 40% is the most they can refund. Any more must come from Neomi Olmos at BBG.
3.) Emailed Neomi Olmos [email protected] She replied the following day giving me her direct line USA 619 671 0199. I called and spoke with her but she needed my daughter's cc # and I needed to call her back with it. When I returned her call I got her voicemail and after 48 hrs, 5 messages and 3 emails, she has not returned my call. They will say she's "out to lunch" and when you call back in an hour she's left for the day.
4.) Called the San Diego City Council. BBG is located in District 8, Councilman Benjamin Hueso's district (619) 236-6688 benhueso@sandiego. Gov. I was sure he would want to know about a company located in his district who is making a bad name for the wonderful city of San Diego around the world. (The cc statement simply says, "BBG Communications San Diego" as if San Diego is part of their name). He suggested I call the San Diego BBB.
5.) THIS IS IMPORTANT. You must file a complaint with the BBB for this company to be held accountable. You can view their record online - they have an "unsatisfactory" rating and you can read why. Please at the very least do this; it's quick, painless, and you're doing the right thing!
In summary. My daughter learned a valuable lesson, and so have all of you, but that doesn't mean this company should be allowed to charge $45 per minute to unsuspecting travelers. They need to be UP FRONT about how much will be charged BEFORE it is charged. Please file a complaint! Good Luck!
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