ESBI - USBI - Web Access - One Web Direct - National One Telcom - Tellsys - NIC - MMI ripoff, scam, slam, hijacked, Agere system '97 modem "messaging applet", $24.99 monthly, unauthorized, fraudulent Internet

My boyfriend never questioned the page on his monthly phone bill with the "ESBI" (Enhanced Services Billing Inc.) logo at the top of the page.

He just coughed up the $24.99 for something called "Web Phone Access", though he was clueless as to exactly what service was being provided.

Looking at his bill more carefully now, the first thing that struck me as odd was the fact that no formal business address, website, or e-mail was provided by ESBI. The account number was the same one our local phone service provider(SBC)designated. There was no description of services rendered. In fact, other than a very lame logo at the top of the page, it was pretty much blank. Except, of coarse the $24.99 charge due.

Underneath the page number and billing date there WAS something that read: "Questions?" and offered up the 888 number that could possibly sate the curiosity-factor building inside me. (1-888-298-3724)

I asked my boyfriend if he was going to make the call.

The next day he did. They must have taken DOUBLE-TALKING 101 at the local JC. He couldn't tell me what he was paying for, how it was he "signed up" for this phantom service, or what bound him (i.e. contractually, legally) to paying ESBI.

All he could say was that he was expecting a supervisor from ESBI to call him "later on in the week", and answer any questions he may have.

I guess whoever took his call was not allowed to give out any information as to the company he was hired to provide customer service for.

Okay, so at this point I'm hot. It's personal now.

I pick up the phone and dial the 888 number.

Did I mention it is: 1-888-298-3724?

I'll cut to the chase, but I spoke to a man who sounded as if he had his index finger planted firmly up his nose. After typing in my boyfriends name (one-handedly) he asked me what it was I needed to know.. Once I posed the challenging question of, "Who are you?", he informed me I was not authorized to recieve any information because my name is not on the account.

This is probably the only straight act ESBI has comitted in it's sordid and crooked history.

I had words with the man and for that I am ashamed.

I hope his finger struck gold while mining.

BOTTOM LINE: Upper-eschelon "SHEILA" finally promised that the next bill would reflect that ESBI had indeed cancelled "services", although exactly what the "services" are still remains a mystery to this day.

The phone bill arrives today. And do you know what? THEY ACTUALLY DID CANCELL!

Don't spike the ball yet. I guess they took it upon themselves to SIGN us up AGAIN. And all of this was done on the very same day..

Jeepers, SHEILA. Thanks. We can't make those decisions (you know- like where our money gets spent etc...) all by our little 'ol selves. We need companies like ESBI to direct us. Gosh, ESBI. Thanks.

Okay. Now I am out for blood. I want your collective head on a platter ESBI. I am tenacious and get what I want, and will work day in and day out to get it. You f*^#ed with the wrong girl.

Please send in any info you may have on this company or its many aliases. If we work together we can put these crooks where they belong and get back the money already paid out by us and others like us.

Rock the boat. Question whatever you don't understand. Make a difference...

Help us say BYE BYE to ESBI and companys like them.

Thanks
R.L.R.

R
Ventura, California
U.S.A.