On 2/20/06 I opened my Verizon phone bill, which was approximately $40 more than my usual amount. Upon inspection, I found a $40 charge (not including fees and taxes) from an "Integretel Inc., " the "clearinghouse agent for Information Service" pertaining to a 2 minute call made on 2/05/06 to an "AtlanticMg" at 900— at 1:25 pm. I've never heard of any of these three companies.
I immediately called the "billing question" number for Integretel Inc. I spoke with a gentleman named Marvin, who advised me that the outgoing call was traced back to my home phone number and was the result of downloading or authorizing some program from the internet.
I explained to him that I had no idea what this was about, and that, no, no one but myself had access to my home computer or phone line (either on that date or any other).
Marvin first offered me a 50% credit for the approximate $40. When I politely (but fimrly) insisted that I wanted to dispute the entire charge, he said that Integretel Inc. Would issue a one-time 100% credit and would add my phone number to their "blocked" database. The credit should appear within one to two billing cycles. He further advised me to contact Verizon and request a 900 number or 3rd party block for my phone number.
I then attempted to call Verizon, but as it was after business hours, I will have to try them tomorrow (their Web service was not very helpful on this issue).
The only REMOTELY positive thing I can say about this whole incident is that Marvin seemed very polite and very professional. I know it's instinct sometimes to "shoot the messenger, " but I tried to keep in mind that it wasn't Marvin himself who added this bogus charge to my bill - he's likely just trying to make a living with his job (no matter what kind of scum dictate the rules of said job).
Of course, I will reiterate the last paragraph with 100% conviction once I see the 100% credit on my phone bill...
Jill
Bowling Green, Ohio
U.S.A.
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