Here's my situation: When I called my local phone company to cancel my AT&T long distance, somehow, SPRINT became my Long Distance company wihout my requesting. I got a bill from them for $39.00, and advised my phone company that I would not be paying it. They credited my bill $39.00. Two months later, I got another bill directly from SPRINT for $39.00. I again called them and advised that I would not be paying it. NOW, I get a letter from a Collection Agency telling me that I must pay $39.00. What do I do? What can they do? What are my options? And, how will this affect my credit score? Right now I'm around 640 on all three, and have been doing really well, and now this. HELP JP
I was slammed twice.Both times I got a bill from a CA wanting payment. I would write a letter telling sprint blunty that they have violated the law.Tell them bluntly that if they do not call off the collection of this debt that you will contact a attorney. That should scare them enough to drop it. Slamming is illegal & they can be fined huge amounts for it. There is no way they could prove you approved the service. They will know they have problems.Also you should report them to your state attorney general.These phone companies don't play by the rules. They need to learn that they can not do this. PS-Ask to see if your phone company will put a note on your account that states that your long distance carrier should not be changed without contacting you directly first.Mine did it for me & it put a stop to the problem....
Good idea. I believe it's called a PIC freeze, or something like that. Most, if not all local phone companies can do this for you.
Yes, it's called a PIC freeze and it's free. A buddy at work doesn't have any long distance carrier assigned to his phone line. He prefers using the calling cards that you can get almost anywhere. He figures he pays about 1.9 cents/min and it doesn't bother him to have to dial extra numbers. Actually, he brought up a valid point: Why do you need a long distance carrier on your home line? To avoid dialing extra numbers--to him, using the cards is easier, cheaper AND most important, he knows that he won't be getting any surprises on his phone bill. LMAO In fact, he said he gets calls all the time from Sprint, MCI and IDT telling him that he has a block on his phone line. They call because they wanted him to remove the freeze so they could set him up with their company! He says he has fun toying with them when they call.
A buddy at work doesn't have any long distance carrier assigned to his phone line jonesing Isn't it true that your local phone Co. will still charge a monthly long distance fee even if you don't have an assigned long distance carrier. 59
Is this on your report? If it is not, I would consider paying it. It is only 39.00. And then maybe trying to get it remimbursed. I think it would be a lot less hassle to have it removed once it is on your report. Just my opinion though.
I'm another one who doesn't have a long distance carrier on my phone. Here, the local telephone insists upon a $100 deposit - which THEY keep - not given to the carrier you select! So why should I pay the phone company $100 for the privilege of having long distance? I use the phone cards - they are pretty cheap here. So I have to dial a few extra numbers? I'm still saving - AND not giving the telephone company an extra $100! Mommy2cats
No, it's not on my report. In fact, I called the CA and told them I would not pay it, and they advised that it goes right back to sprint now to take action. What happens next? I refuse to pay it, because I never requested Sprint to be my long distance carrier.
Yea, your local company charges you, but most companys like at&t will give you a plan with no mrc, or usage minum, so you don't pay anything and your saving 5-15 monthly. thats not alot but after a year thats alot of money you were paying for nothing at all
Thanks for this info. I'll check into it as I don't make long distance calls from my home phone.I use my cell phone for that so don't really need a long distance carrier.
They say, "in case you are ever late". They say they only keep it for a year - but I've heard you have to fight to get it back. I just won't do it. Mommy2cats
jpfair, I have had this happen at least three times with my company. On your local phone bills (long distance section) there should be a number to contact Sprint's customer service. When you contact them they will ask for your phone number. Tell them that they have slammed you and you want all charges reversed immediately. Make sure you get the number of the representative your spoke with and his/her name. I would suggest asking for a supervisor, but everytime I have asked for one - they have all been at lunch or in a meeting (fascinating isn't it). Also, mention you are filing a report with the FCC and you have contacted your's state's attorney general, as well as, the local BBB. By this time, they usually state that you authorized this service and they will refuse to credit the charges. Tell them you would like to see your handwritten authorization or your voice recording stating that you agreed to this service. Tell them you will hold while they find that information (the joy is to ruin their day). Since they do not have your authorization they will insist on an investigation (30 days) to request that information. Tell them you have already requested that through them (make up a time and date that you originally contacted them). They don't keep records of your phone conversations, although they are suppose to. Tell them you refuse to wait another 30 days for their "so called investigation" and if they refuse to reverse the charges now you will file a lawsuit against them, first thing tomorrow morning. Make sure you get a person's number, address, position, etc. By this time, all they will want to do is get you off the phone. They should reverse the charges. Also, contact your local phone company and immediately have a freeze put on ALL your lines. If Sprint refuses to credit the charges, seriously file a small claims lawsuit against them. My instigator was Integretel, not Sprint, but they all operate the same way. Stupid phone companies. Cheers and best of luck. Dani
I felt the same way with my prior local service. So, when we sold our home and moved, I paid the bill down to the deposit. Ex: Bill was $100. Deposit was $50. I paid $50. Then told them to take the rest from the deposit. That way I wouldn't have to fight to get MY money back.
