AT&T Ripoff fraudulent charge for phone number transfer Los Angeles California

My husband and I moved recently and signed up several weeks in advance for AT&T phone service at our new address. When we signed up, AT&T issued us a new phone number which we provided to our family, friends, employers, creditors... everyone. On the date the phone service was to be connected - nothing. It proceeded downhill from there, and after over a week with no dial tone and being repeatedly told that it would be several more days before they could help us, we decided to terminate services with AT&T. At that time, my husband spoke to a customer representative who told him that we could keep the number and it would be transferred at no cost to us. We then signed up with Cox and Cox obtained the number from AT&T on our behalf. Since that time, I received a bill from AT&T for $134 - after never receiving a dial tone! After several emails and phone calls, I spoke with Patricia Betix, a manager of some sort. She explained that we would only be charged the $65 fee for the "installation" of the phone number, but the transfer of the number was free. I told her that was like telling me my meal was free and then charging me $65 for a fork -it's ridiculous. When I asked for her manager, of course, no one is available and you can never get anyone's direct dial. I told her we would not pay a dime and she informed me that was my choice and my credit. So, I am now beginning my letter-writing campaign. We'll see.

Wendy
El Cajon, California
U.S.A.