Verizon Verizon Florida Verizon Wireless Verizon Plus didn't refund money, cost me money, wouldn't replace defective wireless phone without a battle Temple Terrace Florida

As a person who has always tried to help others, I was so frustrated in dealing with Verizon I wrote a song. Please read on.

I've had problems with Verizon refunding my money in the past but this one is really disturbing-- on their part. I opened a retail store on a 6 month lease back in Nov 2012. Verizon told me it would only take a couple of days to set up 2 landlines and internet. Verizon couldn't seem to tell me whether or not they had FIOS and I got a different story each time. So did my assistant. I called 2 weeks before opening the store--plenty of time for Verizon to set up 2 landlines and internet, right? When did they get the phone lines set up? The day before we opened.

It cost me a fortune in advertising because I didn't have  confirmed phone numbers to promote the store.

2 days before the 6 month lease ended (May 14, 2013) I called to request termination of the lines on May 16th, when the lease ran out and we'd physically be off the premises. I was told "no problem" and that I'd receive my pro-rated refund in about a month. They couldn't tell me how much the refund was for. I originally opened the account in my own name, but they would only refund to the business, even though I was personally liable on the account. What's even MORE humorous is that a couple of days before clsoing, AFTER I had called to issue the cancel order, a Verizon rep walked into my store. He informed me that my store had been "chosen" for a free FIOS account.  (!!!!!!) I informed him that there was no FIOS accessability in the plaza and he proceeded to tell me that according to his computer, there was. I informed him of my initial discussions with Verizon. He called from his cell phone to the Verizon office and they admitted there was NO FIOS! This poor fellow must have felt like an idiot when he left.

After calling for several months, speaking to a number of reps in their Tampa office, no refund ever came. I did get "negative statments" showing different amounts but no check. I was paying to keep a business bank account open for several months while waiting for their check. Of course, that cost me more money, let alone the time and hours spent on writing letters, making calls, and sending emails. The President's office sent my letter back to Tampa, and they sent me a letter telling them to call. I sent back a letter requesting everything be in writing. That letter was returned as undeliverable. I also filed written complaints with the FCC and called the FCC. Each time I was told that Verizon had tried to contact me by phone (how funny is THAT?) and the FCC had closed the case when I didn't respond.

I finally contacted their "dispute resolution" email address as I've been considering a lawsuit in small claims. The paralegal who responded sent me some info but wanted to talk on the phone. (I am a credit consultant and non-attorney consumer advocate so everything must be in writing.) I requested they reimburse me from the date I put in the cancel order for (May 16th--they later told me their rep put it infor May 20th)--I also requested the reimburse my banking account expenses, and my expedited delivery costs on advertising. I did keep all copies of the documents. I may still consider filing in small claims.

I started hosting the Half Empty, Half Full 1340 am TanTalk Radio Show on 1340 am in Clearwater, Florida a few weeks ago. I help consumers by discussing problems and providing solutions, incuding doing due diligence.

Because I know so many people who have been ripped off by Verizon, I decided to dedicate one show to Verizon (Verizon: Shame on You) as a case study in bad customer service. I did email the paralegal at Verizon to ask if they'd like to call in or send someone to the studio to give their side of the story. It would be an opportunity to make things right from a PR standpoint. THEY NEVER REPONDED!  Marcus of www.VerizonPathetic.com was my guest, as well as a consumer attorney and a VW guest who couldn't believe the lack of service, which was beyond pathetic. I decided to write a song about what happened (after being inspired by Dave Carroll who wrote the 3 viral YouTube's --United Breaks Guitars) and have it air on this show. The song is titled Verizon: Stop Ripping People Off. I had my S.O. sing and play the guitar and record it, so you will hear it on the show on the podcast here: http://internetradiopros.com/halfempty/

Consumers: Verizon is statistically counting on you to NOT call in, to NOT complain, and to DO NOTHING. Yep, you heard me right. They don't hear you, because only a small percentage actually complain or sue. How do you think they make such a huge profit? How do you think their executives make a fortune in bonuses? If everyone who complained about a company here on ROR did so to the appropriate regulatory agencies, you might change the laws.

Go to use.gov and search for the Consumer Action Handbook--which is FREE and will give you tons of information as well as corporate phone numbers. They're using YOUR MONEY to pay for their commericals, their sponsorships, and their lawyers.

Did you know you can also use www.gethuman.com to search out most major companies and the fastest way to get a real human on the phone?

What's equally as bad is their wireless customer service. They may have a great network, but did you know they have "franchise" stores authorized to use the Verizon registered logo/trademark? When you walk in, it LOOKS like a Verizon Wireless store, but it's NOT. Their policies are completely different than that of Verizon owned stores. I think if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's a DUCK!

Verizon: over the years I have spent a fortune on your phones and your service (or lack thereof.) I could probably purchased a nice condo on the beach for that money and received equal service from any of your competitors at a lower price.

Did you hear me now?