I received an email in my junk mailbox with a from line of Netwatch ISP, Subject: Details for order number xxxxxxx, which I did not recognize. Opening only the text portion of the email, I noticed that my "new order" had been accepted and confirmed and was going to be billed to my home telephone number with a set up fee and a monthly service fee of $14.95 each. Nowhere did the message state what the service was for except that I would be receiving information to download software to "protect me and my family while using the internet." There was no contact information indicated anywhere for this billjamming provider, except a link to cancel the order. I used the link to hopefully cancel the order which I never made. I ran down the company on the internet and attempted to reach them through a provided number (888-433-4518) which, when called, yields a recorded message that this is a non-working number.
Another site provided a different number (866-415-7380) which was a working number and, after being on hold for a long time, I was able to briefly address the issue. I was told that I had clicked on a pop-up site to request information on something (not further identified by them) and that was an automatic agreement to pay for their services. Firstly, I do not recall clicking for information on anything and, further, anyone clicking for information does not constitute a binding agreement to be charged for services on a personal telephone bill. They told me that the authorization was in small print at the bottom of whatever I clicked on. I have a nationally recognized internet provider and have no reason to request isp information for any reason. Their email had a record of my name, residence address, home telephone number, and email. I notified my telephone company provider and informed them of the billjamming scam and placed a block on any attempt by them to charge my phone bill.
The conversation with the company centered around them telling me and insisting that what they were "doing" is fully legal and binding. That legality issue is in question. They also hung up on me after two or three questions I posed to them. They would not disclose what I supposedly clicked on to "sign up" for this scam. I tried to call them back numerous times a little later and could only get their answering machine. This company and its many names needs to be publicized for the billjamming scam they represent; individuals need to monitor their phone bills and junk email (without opening ANY attachments); and write letters to the consumer affairs commission and the Florida Attorney General recommending this company be shut down and put out of business. Let this be a warning to all who read this (and others') experience (s). I will also be emailing Netwatch ISP dozens of cancellation notices each day for the foreseeable future.
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