We immediately noticed an unauthorized charge on our March Qwest phone bill because our phone bill is the same every month, and this bill was $50 higher. On the last page titled 'ESBI' for 'Enhanced Telecommunications Services' were two unidentified charges: Orbit Telecom Monthly Fee of $14.95 and SBO-Online SBO Survival kit of $29.95. This report is about the SBO-Online charge of $29.95.
I called the Qwest representative who graciously agreed to remove these fraudulent charges. She stated this occurs all the time and that I should contant SBO-Online to make sure that there are no recurring charges. I asked why Qwest allowed this charge to occur and they stated they have no authority to prevent this due to some legislation where as long as someone enters your telephone # via the internet, these services can be charged... And that I need to be vigilent with the said companies to make sure these charges are removed. WHAT???
So first I contacted SBO-Online about this 'SBO-Survival Kit' that was charged. The representative 'Louisa' told me that this was charged on the website www.smileymedia.com. Guess what? Not in my browser and I never went to this site.'Louisa' spoke pretty good English and was friendly and canceled the charges without out much fight (unlike Orbit Telecom). However, this month the same damn kit is on there with an April date charge. How many times can this company charge for the same 'service'.
Why is this illegal action allowed to continue? I am writing my representatives and possibly future President (McCain) about this issue. This is fraud, it's illegal and should be prosecuted. I feel sorry for those that may not understand (elderly, spanish speaking) and pay these illegal charges.
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