I am asking for your help regarding a transaction Michael Barbour had with my in-laws, Betty and Tim XXX.
Michael Barbour, representing the Fayetteville, NC office of RH Donnelley, sold a 12 month yellow pages ad to Tim & Betty XXX on 05/19. Several weeks later, invoice was received for a higher priced ad. At the sales presentation Mr. Barbour convinced the XXXes to sign a contract that he promised would initiate a $16 per month ad. It actually upgraded to a higher priced, $60 per month ad. The XXXes, who live on Social Security, supplementing with janitorial work, stated they didn't want and couldn't afford a higher priced ad.
After 6 months of trying to resolve the issue the company is still attempting to collect the full amount of the upgraded ad. As of 12/11/06 Mr. Barbour denies any conversation regarding a lower priced ad. When the XXXes called, upon receipt of the 1st invoice, Mr. Barbour stated he had misplaced the contract & the issue could not be addressed. On 12/11/06 Mr. Barbour denied misplacing the contract, even though he'd stated it's misplacement in that previous conversation.
Mr. Barbour appears to have used bait and switch tactics on the XXXes. His responses, as well as pursuit on his company's part to collect on the higher priced ad, reflect little concern for the XXXes limited financial means. It may also reflect the company's lack of concern that their sales representative may have taken advantage of this elderly couple. And further, it could suggest a pattern of similar, unethical business practices. His response to the allegation that he tricked them was, "it's only $40 more a month". This lack of concern and understanding of the tight budgeting that is required for an elderly couple to live on such a fixed income is disturbing.
Investigation and follow up on this issue would be greatly appreciated and hopefully RH Donnelly will make efforts to resolve this with the XXXes.
Thanking you in advance.
(last name redacted)
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