I received my bill 05/24/04. I was amazed to find a total for 243.32. My bills usually run in the 60-65.00 range. I have a long distance international number on for 24 mins at the cost of $161.68.
I have been a customer of Verizon Hawaii for over 8 years now and have never seen something like this happen.in calling the billing department I spoke with a rep that told me Verizon is experiencing this problem alot and he would check into it. He stated the company circulated a memo stating the charges would be sustained and he would note my record that I will not pay ONE RED CENT toward this fraudulent charge. This number, which to protect the company he would not disclose its name, is in MICRONESIA. I do not know a single soul in that country.
I told them this and they told me they could not remove the charge as per previous investigation the charges were valid. He told me that I either didnt close a popup properly or that I agreed through an extensive sign on process that allowed the call to go through. He suggested I had visited a gambling, adult entertainment site or such at my own accord. WHICH I DON'T DO
I am not saying the calls are not valid, because there is a phone number on the bill, but are they legitimate? I asked to speak with a supervisor and was told one would call me the next day. As of noon, no call. I called a local hotline that gave me the number to GTE FRAUD HOTLINE. (GTE was bought out by verizon previously) I spoke with a gentle man that is also filing a report. I did receive a call from a supervisor later in the day but he was no help. He told me it was my responsibility to supervise the use of my phone and internet by myself or anyone else that might enter my household and use them. He also informed me that IF I chose not to pay the charges that I would be subject to late fees and/or penalties but they would not interrupt my service.
I have filed a report with the F.C.C., f.T.C., d.C.C.A., b.B. B and now here. This will not be tolerated. I will contact everyone I know and others should do the same. I will not pay company to overtake my computer and charge me for services that I did not willingly accept. My advise to everyone is to place a international call block on your phone. However if the moden it connects to is not strong enough the call can still go through. Fight this!!!
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