When I purchased a new computer from Dell, I received a 6 month free trial of AOL. I did not need AOL since I subscribe to Verizon Online DSL, but since it was free I though I would give it a try. I started my free trial in Feb.'04. I rarely used the service so I called on 5/21/04 to cancel the service before my free trial expired. The AOL customer service reps (if you can call them that) must be trained on one thing only, to prevent you from cancelling the service.
They talked me into letting the free trial expire and advised me to call back no later than 8/7/04 to cancel the service to prevent any charges being billed to my bank account. I called on 8/5/04 to be sure that I would not be bill anything. I was assured by the CSR that I would not be billed for the service. On 9/5/04 I noticed a charge of 23.90 posted to my bank account for AOL. I called AOL with the conformation number I was given when I canceled the service. They informed me that I canceled my service two days after my billing cycle so the charge is valid and I am responsible. I explained to them that I had called in May to cancel my service then called back two days before I was advised to. I asked them to check the account for usage, I had not used the account for several months. After talking to the csr for over an hour. I agreed to pay for the two days, since apparently AOL would go bankrupt if the fee was reversed entirley. They advised my that prorating the charge was not possible. They refused to even credit that much, I asked to speak to a supervisor but was advised that there was no supervisor there? I asked who I could speak to in order to get this matter resolved since I refuse to pay for a service that I did not use. They informed me that I should contact my bank to dispute the charge. I did contact my bank, I also reported this to the BBB, and the WV Attorney General. I have not had a response yet from either agency.
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