I noticed an unfamiliar charge on my phone bill from Optimum Voice Mail for $15.74. Not recognizing the charge I called their 800# (1-800-339-6340) and spoke to the CSR. He told me that my roomate had ordered the service as part of signing up for a $1000 Grocery Giveaway contest. The CSR was able to produce a valid email address, Date of Birth, and Mother's Maiden name for my roommate.
But my roommate was adamant that he had not signed up for the contest or service. Growing a bit suspicious I asked that the CSR provide a Physical address (not just a PO Box) and a web address for the company. The CSR refused to do so. At that point I became very suspicious and I asked the CSR simply credit this charge and any subsequent charges that might be forthcoming. The CSR indicated that he could not waive the "Set Up" fee but would credit the subsequent monthly charge of $13.22 to my account.
Hearing this I asked to speak with his supervisor ("Crystal" ext. 165). She explained that they had information indicating that my roommate had ordered the service. I told her this was not the case and I demanded a full refund. She told me that she had the IP address and the name of the ISP from where it had been ordered. I immediately knew that neither the IP address or the ISP matched my or my roomate's information. When I challeged the Supervisor on this point she agreed to credit my account for both charges.
There is no doubt in my mind that this company is using a SCAM and unethical tactics to steal people's money. This company needs to be prosecuted to the extreme. I'm sure that there are many people that will just give up and agree to pay that first fee of $15.74. However, I am not one of them.
Since this incidence I have contacted my local phone company and had them remove the charge from my phone bill. I have filed a complaint with the FTC and plan to file a complaint with the CPUC. I have also contacted the CEO of the ILD Teleservices Inc (third party billing company through which "Optimum Voice Mail" bills local phone companies?) and notified him of OVM's questionalble business practices and furthermore suggested that ILD's reputation may be damaged by associating with this apparent fraudulent company. I plan to contact my congressman and make them aware of the issue.
I'm considering taking this to the local news agencies to see if I can get them to do some investigative research on this ripoff. Who knows maybe Ellen or Oprah would be interested in doing a segment on scams.
Frankly it's time that consumers like you and I stand up and fight these scammers. Don't assume that the next person will do something about it. File a report with your local Public Utility Commission (PUC) and the FTC (www.ftc. Gov consumers section). Don't let these people continue to get away with fraud.
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