Two weeks ago, “06880” told Larry Weisman’s story.
He wanted to change cell phone providers, while retaining his same number.
It was much harder than it sounds.
The story did not end there. Larry writes:
I previously wrote about my unsettling experience with Verizon. When I switched from another carrier, they guaranteed I would retain the number I had for more than 10 years, only to change it without notice or authorization.
My contract with Verizon was for $30 a month. But I received a bill for $84.84 for the most recent billing period — although I used the phone for only 4 minutes.
After 45 minutes on the phone, I was told there was a charge for changing my number. In addition to the $30 monthly fee, there was another charge of $30 for line access — so my bill going forward would be $60 a month, not the $30 I signed up for.
Nowhere on the bill does it explain those charges.
I said ‘’Please cancel my contract.‘’ However, I was told I cannot cancel until November 25 — the end of the next billing cycle. That means that in addition to the $84.84 now due, I will be charged an additional $60.
If I were to pay these bills — which I have no intention of doing — it will have cost me almost $300 for the 3 months I have been with Verizon on a $30 monthly plan, during which time I used the phone for less than 15 minutes.
That does not even take into account the many hours I spent on hold and in the store — only to be told when I finally reached a live human being that there was nothing they could do to assist me.
This seems to be a clear case of corporate greed verging on piracy, lack of transparency, and an arcane system that has no regard for honest communication, responsibility or customer satisfaction.
Perhaps some “06880” readers would like to accompany me when I am summoned to Small Claims Court, after Verizon attempts to collect what they claim is owed.
It will be quite a show.
This is not Larry Weisman. But it could be.