America On Line (AOL) Dell '6 Month Free Trial' RIPOFF Internet

I purchased a Dell computer a while back. With it came a alleged "Free" six months of AOL. I signed up for it and began the six months "Free" service on 9/1/03. Today, 11/5/03, I was balancing my checking account on-line when I discovered a $28.90 charge from AOL, which was auto-drafted on my checking account.

Upon calling AOL and speaking to the most discourteous, rude and obnoxious people I've ever encountered, I was advised at first; - it was my fault for not submitting some type of mysterious "paperwork" but when told all warranty, registrations, etc. was submitted by me AOL then changed their story and stated -it was Dell's fault for not submitting the "paperwork". I further explained I signed-up for the "free" service on the internet and they were obviously running some type of scam.

AOL absolutely refused to rescind the charge, but offered me--you guessed it--two "free" months. I told them what they could do with their "free" anything, and demanded a cancellation of the service I didn't agree to pay for. I recieved a cancellation number--we'll see.

I have contacted: The State of Texas Attorney Generals Office; My bank to have a fraud complaint initiated; The Internet Fraud Computer Center (FBI); and our local news/media outlets to appear on television. In addition, I called and left a message on the voice mail of the CEO of AOL.

John
Houston, Texas
U.S.A.