After buying my new computer and setting it up with MSN internet service, my msn account experienced technical problems. I was told by msn that they required 3 days to fix and correct the problem. I require internet connection for work, so I performed an online search for free trial internet connection service. AOL was the first company to come up in my search. Thinking AOL was a reputable company because they are so well known, I processed a free trial online membership untill my msn account was corrected.
The AOL trial membership guaranteed 6 months free internet conection, to be charged $23.90 after the period ended. I received an email informing me the date my credit card would be charged. That date was February 15, exactly 6 months prior to ordering their service. I called AOL to cancel the account within a week from ordering it.
The customer rep, offered numerous reasons why I should stay with AOL, I thanked him nicely and declined. He did not give up, trying to change my mind to cancel. I must of said no 10 times through out the conversation. After insisting to cancel my account informing him I was not going to change my mind, the aol rep became abusive and controlling to the extent of telling me, I didn't know what was good for me and he was going to make sure I understood keeping AOL was the only smart thing I could do.
He informed me since the account was free for 6 months why not take advantage of this offer. I explained I already have internet service with MSN and I'm happy with them and I am not going to switch. After 20 minutes listening to "Telamarking at its very worse" Realizing I was getting no where with this asshole, I finally hung up with the plan to call again later. I called about a month later thinking enough time had passed to show I gave AOL an honest trial. Again I was met with the same persistence to not cancel.
I was dumb-founded. I had never experienced a company refusing to cancel my account, especially an account I wasn't paying for... Yet. I then wrote a letter demanding my account be cancelled. I knew they can't ignore a request such as this if it's in writing. I followed up with one more call to ensure the account was cancelled. I was told yes the account has been cancelled, I would receive a cancellation letter within the week. I did receive the letter, and was pleased that this was over. Upon reviewing my bank statement in January AOL had charged me $23.90 for internet service. I called informing them this account is canceled and you should not charge my card. I was told it was a glitch in their billing system and I would be credited.
Charged again in February. When I called this time I was disconnected when I asked to speak with a manager. I wrote a letter to AOL via online, fax, and us mail once again knowing my attempts to call was useless. I provided a copy of their cancellation letter in each correspondence. AOL charged my account once agian in March. That is when I called my bank, Bank of America to order a block on AOL for any and all charges to my account. I was told by B of A the block was added but they could not guarantee further charges getting debited from my account as AOL is famous and well known in the banking industry for this kind of theft of it's customers, changing their company name a letter or two off so the block would not recognize the AOL charges, and they were experiencing numerous claims from other customers.
I was amazed that this was a nation-wide scam of theif that AOL is committing. Bank of America began an investigation into the unauthorized charges, credited my account for all charges AOL stole from me. I thought again, this was teh end of this nightmare. You guessed it, AOL charged my account once again in April - Last Week. Like the B of A rep warned, they changed their company name to be a few letters off so the block would not detect it.
Thankfully B of A is helping me with this nightmare and credits me each time AOL steals from me. That is it for now, April 19. I will provide updates as they happen, as I am sure this is not over yet. Be Warned, do not give AOL your credit card, check card, checking account or any access to your money as they will steal your hard earned money.
Christine
Corona, California
U.S.A.
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