AOL ripoff Internet

AOL has charged me four times in one month for the same service. They also included a $5.00 extra charge for something I did not authorize, something about using my checking account and routing no. They also attached what is called a "spin-off account" whereby charging me an additional $28.90 on top of the $28.90 for internet service.

The regular monthly charge is supposed to be $23.90. I called to cancel my account in Feb. 05, and was convinced it would be to my benefit if I stay w/AOL under what is called the dsl/broadband internet for $9.95 a month, with one free trial month. Well, I did not get that one month free nor did they charge me the $9.95 a month.

Instead they have changed the amount to $28.90, and to make it WORSE, they charged me FOUR times in March for the same thing!!! One transaction for $57.80 (28.90x2=57.80)and charged me TWO MORE TIMES in the same month of March! A total of 4 transactions of $28.90!!!! And this month they charged me twice for $28.90!

I was able to speak to someone who was willing to discuss this AWFUL situation yesterday but they were still not able to explain to me what exactly happened! And why I was being charged continuously for the same thing! And why the spin-off account was added, and why the 5.00 additional fee was added!

The only thing they were willing to do was refund me for three months for the spin-off account. They checked and saw that it had not been used once since "its creation." They would not refund me for all five months, something about their policy not being able to refund more than a certain amount.

I cancelled the account, succesfully, I hope! And although the charge for April to May was put through just the day before, they were not able to refund me - even though I cancelled ONE DAY after the transaction went through! So I'm stuck with one more month of AOL whether I want it or don't use it or whatever. Totally unfair.

To add to the nightmare, their quadruple charging and double-charging has caused my account to create two overdrafts, with the bank charging me two overdrafts at $28.00 each time!

I realize I'm rambling - I'm so angry it's difficult to write this without going off the handle... believe me, i was totally confused myself! I wish I had paid close attention to what AOL was doing earlier! I can imagine there are hundreds, if not thousands, of people who are not aware of the money that is being taken out of their accounts on a monthly basis...for services and/or goods they did not authorize or purchase.

Ramie
Seattle, Washington
U.S.A.