Sbc
Billing Scams ripoff

Back around 1997 I went to Verizon (then GTE) to setup a yellow page ad for my business. Despite the statistics expressed by their sales rep, the ad was not very successful. (I would now assume that yellow page ads are only successful for businesses traditionally found in telephone directories; pizza delivery, exterminators, repair services, ect.)

So after my one year contract had expired, I called and canceled the ad. This was not easy. Most of the time, I would be accidentally hung up on, or transferred around in an endless loop. I eventually did get through to them via fax, and was able to get the service canceled that way.

Around 6 months or so from the date I had canceled, I get a bill for another directory in a much larger city (Ontario, Ca) then the one I had originally published in (Moreno Valley, Ca). Apparently they decided to do this on their own (or by mistake). The bill was around $8000.

I called them and explained the situation. Another month goes by, and I get a collection notice. At the time, I had a good job, and this wasn't a big deal. I settled for half, and sent them the $4000. Looking back, I should have taken them to court.

Well, yet again I've received another collection notice. This time, for $500 and from SBC. I've never even been an SBC customer!

So here's my advice for future communications customers:
Use AT&T, I've never had any problems with their service, billing or customer support. Or do a Google search for credit service your phone company before selecting one to go with, there is a reason that they show up on credit service websites so much.
Don't ever give a telephone company your social security number.By doing so, you are giving them open access to your credit, a punishment system for those who try to fight erroneous charges. If they insist, use a false number, or tax ID.
If you feel that the charges are wrong, don't pay. If enough people practice this, it will become obvious that telephone companies are involved in various scams.

Company: Sbc
Country: USA
State: Texas
City: Houston
Address: 175 E. Houston
Phone: 2108214105

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