I received phone messages at my parents home (a residence I used as a permanent address while in school). They claimed that I owed $246 from an account with South Western Bell phone. After I laughed and exlained I haven't had a hard-line phone for nearly seven years, they informed me that this collection dated back to 1999! I then reminded the phone operator that it was and the address they indicated as billing site had a phone line in the landlord's name.
They informed me if I paid today, they would knock the debit collection back to $187. I agreed, since this seemed 'fair'. -I really was just seeing how far I could get the billing haggled down from the original bill. They transfered me to their billing department where the nice lady informed that if I were to use a credit or debit card, there would be a $30 'convience charge', but if I were to give them my routing numbers off my check there would only be a $1.50 'cc', and I would recieve a confirmation code..."It is as good as a reciept"
I knew right then this was a scam... I indicated I would pay the bill unpon receiveing a paper billing and I would then proceed with a more traditional form of payment.
I called SBC / AT&T: They indicated that NO I didn't have a billing at the said address and that in fact I had never had an account with them. = No Bill!
Funny part: My former landlord and the site of the billing, is also a family friend and a lawyer.:)
-Currently waiting billing. I am sure this will be interesting.
-never pay anything you are not aware of. Know your rights and stand by them.
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