VONAGE Vonage Is A Ripoff Holmdel New Jersey

Folks, I write to you guys today to express my nightmare with Vonage phone service. I have been with Vonage since 2005 on a mini plan paying $14.99 a month. Rarely use it, except to make international calls.

When I do use the Vonage line, the digitized packets (calls) are dropping every time I receive a phone call on my DSL line, surfing the internet and while some one in the house is using the Vonage phone line. So I decided to get rid of it.

On July 5th 2007, I called Vonage to cancel my account and while navigating through their phone maze, selecting the option for ACCOUNT CANCELATION PUTS YOU IN A LONG QUEUE. I tried other options to get a live person but the end up transferring me to the long account cancellation queue. It took a long 46 minutes before I live person actually picked up the phone. I didn't mind since I was using my morning commute hour to actually do something rather than sitting in traffic.

So I explained to the guy that picked up the phone that I was canceling and the reason for the cancellation. He offered me all sorts of incentives to stay, but I refused. He then said that THE CANCELLATION DOES NOT TAKE EFFECT ANYWAY UNTIL 30 DAYS. AND THAT DURING THIS 30 DAYS, IF I CHANGE MY MIND, I SHOULD CALL BACK TO TELL VONAGE TO KEEP MY ACCOUNT ACTIVE. I thanked him and ended the call.

Folks, that was on July 5th 2007. August came, and what happened? Vonage charged my credit card on file. I sent them an email inquiring why this happened. I received a reply stating that their records indicates that my account is still active, that I have to personally call to cancel my account.

When I called again and punch in my account number, I sit on the phone for hours and no ne, repeat NO ONE, picks up the phone. And trying this on a cell phone adds to your frustration for each time the phone drops, you have to start all over.

Finally, I logged into Vonage online account management and replaced my credit card on file with made up sequential set of numbers, called my credit card to request credit and denial of further attempt by Vonage to cram my credit card. And now Vonage is calling my home threatening to take me to collections?

So beware, once you signup, you're on the hook and Vonage would NEVER let you go. They'll attempt to milk you for as long as you let them.

Bottom line Vonage is a crooked company and has a shady way of doing business. Unfortunately, it is not within the reach of Public Utilities as I've just been told, but there are other ways of hitting them including your State's AG office.. Meanwhile, tell your friends and families, co-workers and strangers if you will and even your enemies that VONAGE IS A RIP-OFF and they should NEVER get Vonage!

Tommy the Tiger
Fremont, California
U.S.A.