I happened to notice that I was getting billed almost $15 for some "voice messaging" service... But wait, didn't I get my voice mail through SBC global? I noticed that I was getting billed twice for voice mail, once by this "United Voice Messaging company" and then by SBC. I dug up some old phone bills and kept seeing this recurring charge by UVM.
Who was this company? I called and got some NASTY woman who said that I had signed up for their service online which gave me an 800 number where I could access my voice mail anywhere. I told her that "no, I didn't" but she insisted I did.
Why would I sign up for voicemail when I have it already? She said I signed up for I visited some "Group Lotto" site. My electronic signature was binding and authorized them to charge me and it was my fault because I should read what I'm signing.
A) I don't recall ever visiting some Group Lotto site B) I don't give out my home number online PERIOD. Why? Exactly for this reason. I told her I wanted to speak to a supervisor, she refused. I told her I wanted a credit, she refused. She was nasty, insulting and insisted that I signed up for this! I didn't!
She said she would cancel it but that I should be more careful where I go on the internet. She said a supervisor would call me in 24 to 48 hours after I insisted that I speak to one. Afterwards I googled this company and guess what? They are notorious for doing this to people.
SURPRISE! Then I got an email from them saying that I was liable and they wouldn't credit me. I guess that was their idea of a contact from their "supervisor".
I did make one mistake. I should've checked my bill sooner but I'm always on the run and never have time. I've learned my lesson and will find the time.
I was able, however, to take recourse against this company. I called SBC, explained my predicament and they were kind enough to remove all charges from them and gave me a credit to my account. They said they would inform them that I was refusing to pay. So if anybody out there is reading this and has been scammed by these lowlifes, contact your phone company.
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