I received a letter from Verizon Usage Verification Center that there were unusual charges on my bill. They said a total of 19 collect calls were made to my telephone number and were charged. Three of the calls for $42 appear on my current bill, and the rest will be on my 1/7/10 bill totaling in excess of $300. Most of these charges are fraudulent, as only 3 calls were accepted; the balance were not. Upon contacting Verizon (who billed on behalf of ZPDI), and after talking to several departments, I was told by Verizon's "Fraud Credit" department that there was nothing they could do and to contact ZPDI.
Upon calling ZPDI I was transferred to Legacy Long Distance, as evidently ZPDI bills for Legacy. There are lots of hands in the pie.
I was transferred to a person, who would only identify himself as "Jeremiah, Employee #22" (would not give his last name). I explained the situation to him and told him that none of the calls were completed except for three calls I accepted during the week of December 6 ONLY. Jeremiah, Employee #22, told me I was wrong, and essentially called me a liar. He was quite calm and told me that his records show that the calls were accepted. I said I wanted to see the proof... He insisted that the calls were accepted PERIOD.
I then called Verizon back and was transferred to a different billing department. This department then put a $42 claim on my account for 90 days. I was then told to call when my next bill comes in and they will put a claim on my account for the amount billed on 1/7/10. I was told not to pay these claimed amounts at this time, but I would ultimately have to pay them if this matter was not settled. I was further advised to file a complaint with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, which I have done, but have not received an acknowledgement. From what I was told Verizon MUST BILL on behalf of these third parties and is required to do so by the NJBPU.
I have been a faithful customer of Verizon. I am a Fios subscriber and have my telephone, internet and Fios cable with them. I would hate to give it up, but I am unable to pay these fraudulent amounts. If this is not settled, I assume that I will have to give up my Verizon account, as I am a senior citizen living on a fixed income.
I must say, in perusing the internet, that ZPDI and Legacy are masters of deceit. I'm not their first victim, and unfortunately, since they are not regulated, I will not be their last!
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