AT&T bill wrongfully put into collections, need advice..

[chevyJeff1]

This is completely bogus. This past spring, AT&T wrongfully overcharged me an additional $90.00 on my cell phone bill. I happened to catch the error before the charge happened by viewing my 'due' amounts on my account via phone text from them. I called immediately, and they said they would look into it. Well, two weeks later they charged my account the $90.00. I did have auto-pay set up from my checking account. So I spent the next two months over and over on the phone with them, online chatting, and two visits into the AT&T store. Hours and hours trying to get my money back. They even told me their "fraud dept." was opening a case wth my account, lol

They claimed someone had hacked into the AT&T servers and used my account to upgrade and someone got an iPhone, memory etc on my account and that's where the charge came from. That's not my problem. Well, I gave up and refused to fight with them anymore, so I let my account run up a little, and I canned my service. I did pay them what I owed, minus the $90.00, and sent a letter explaining why I canned the service and that I was taking my money back that they owed me.

Well now AT&T has sent everything to collections, as if I 'owe' the $90.00 to them. I just hate AT&T. What can I do guys? I do not want to give them money that is not theirs,,,,

Thanks for any help

 

[The Champ]

By any chance did you get the names of the representatives that told you that someone hacked into their servers and charged things to your account? It would be helpful if you did.

The fact that you called immediately after receiving the text (hope you still have the text on your phone) should help your situation.

I guess I would first call into AT&T customer service and when I got to a live person - immediately request to speak with that person's supervisor. Alternatively - go into the local AT&T store and speak directly to the manager.

Be polite, but firm with the supervisor/manager.

Ask the supervisor/manager if there are any notes in their system reflecting your previous calls - if there are - that will help.

Explain to the supervisor/manager that the failure of AT&T to correct this after numerous attempts to get it corrected is why you left their service and paid 100% of the bill that you actually owed, but not the amount that their representatives admitted was fraudulently billed to your account.

This should be an easy fix (not saying it will be) for a supervisor/manager. If this person can't do it, ask to speak to their supervisor or regional manager. Repeat earlier steps.

Ultimately, making a consumer complaint with the BBB and possibly the FCC is possible.

Only if this somehow continues - veiled threats of a lawsuit for damages to your credit rating might be in order.

 

[69LM1]

If all else fails-

File a small claims lawsuit. You will need to go to your states secretary of state website and see who their agent of record is for service,, probably a law firm in this case. No lawyer needed by you, and with a judgement against them, the credit bureaus will have to fix your credit. Id throw in some $ for wasting your time as well.

It is heard by a justice of the peace, and has a low maximum payout, usually in the 3,000 to 5,000 range. It is one of the few tools that the common man has where litigation has become to expensive.

Rich

 

[Todd80Z28]

Well, I gave up and refused to fight with them anymore, so I let my account run up a little

This was a mistake, IMO. You shouldn't have let it go at this time, always makes it harder to fix later. Inaction implies agreement to them.

Do what Champ said, stay polite but firm, run it up the chain as far as you need to go to get resolution. Don't get angry, get results!

 

[496z28]

Att are crooks!! I cant stand the company.. Fraudulent billing, made up "service" fees. They make millions from ripping people off!!

Hope you get this settled.

 

[Chevrolaine]

I've found that letters work better than phone calls in similar situations. Explain exactly what happened and send it certified mail to the corporate offices.

Pretty sure Direct TV hates me now. I like that.

 

[Knuckle Dragger]

One of the biggest PITA things I've ever had to deal with is a cell phone company gung ho on collections. I had them report someone else on my report and it took almost two years to get it off. Good luck.

 

[Fbird]

ew...ew...ew...i go this one

same as f*ing XXXXhealth care companys

What I found that actually works

again you must call..... explain "I am recording this for MY records".....explain YOUR problem..... NOW (this is the good part) after they reply ..."I would like ot speak to a MANAGER (SUPERVISOR..whatever)... oh one's NOT available...well THE ONLY WAY THIS PHONE CALL IS GOING TO END IS BY YOU HANGING UP ON MY OR ME SPEAKING TO A MANAGER"!!! It's amazing how quick some brass is now available to talk.. (true story)

 

[millionpit]

AT&T is famous for leaving you hanging on hold forever. Took me 3 days to cancel my service, 2 days on the phone with them and then another day at the local store. When I got in the store--they put me on the phone with the customer service dept. Finally had to stand in the middle of the store--on the phone--and yell into the phone that I just want to cancel the fricken account. These jackasses just don't take no for an answer. AT&T is a joke. Good luck to the OP though.

 

[chevyJeff1]

By any chance did you get the names of the representatives that told you that someone hacked into their servers and charged things to your account? It would be helpful if you did.

The fact that you called immediately after receiving the text (hope you still have the text on your phone) should help your situation.

Not sure about names, but I do have the text, and of course I can provide a copy of my checking account activity the same month of the charge.

This was a mistake, IMO. You shouldn't have let it go at this time, always makes it harder to fix later. Inaction implies agreement to them.

Do what Champ said, stay polite but firm, run it up the chain as far as you need to go to get resolution. Don't get angry, get results!

It's a start.

I actually didn't let the account go delinquent, I simply let my account get above $90.00, than axed the account. I did send them what I owed them, minus the $90 bucks