On December 22 I got a phone call from my disabled mother that she had charges for overseas calls on her (home) phone. My mother knows no one overseas and there is an international block on her phone so aides workers won't take advantage of her situation. That same day (12/22) I made a phone call to Verizon and spoke with a customer service rep who informed me that while we did have international calling blocks 'international' didn't apply to JAMAICA. After some back and forth I asked to speak with a supervisor. I was later called back by a Ms. Melinda Smith. Ms. Smith announced that she would dismiss the charges but while Verizon has an International block that block does not effect countries like JAMAICA.
After I explained that my mother is handicapped and the reason for the block, I was told I should contact Verizon's Disabilities Department. I called them on Dec. 23rd and spoke with a Ms. Melissa Keith in that department. I asked her point blank if Verizon actually has an International block and she said "No." If you want to stop international calls you have to cut off all calls across the US and only make local calls. This is not an option since I have a sister who lives in North Carolina whom my mother on occasion would actually like to talk to every now and then.
I'm reporting all of this because I think it would be something people would be interested in knowing how Verizon has an 'international calling block' that isn't actually 'international'. I'm willing to bet most of do not know this and would be surprised to hear it.
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