Local Biz USA Small business's beware of cramming Rutherford New Jersey

Like others on this site I wish to tell about Local Biz USA. They called my company to confirm a directory listing. They never offered any service; we never requested any service; and we never received any service. The sales person from Local Biz USA called and the call was answered by a part time clerk.

The clerk only confirmed our address. She told the representative that she is not authorized to make any business decisions. The representative clearly heard this and said that it's ok we are just confirming your listing. They then transferred her to another person to verify her identity? She verified her name and birthdate. SHE DID NOT AUTHORIZE ANY SERVICE.

My next phone bill reflected 2 $34.95 "Web Hosting" charges, plus NC state tax of $4.89 for a total of $74.79. I immediately contacted this company and as I lectured them on the practice of CRAMMING they hung up on me. I called back and received their explanation on how my employee authorized the charges. To which I errupted and they again hung up on me.

After filing complaints with the State of North Carolina Attorney General, the Better Business Bureau, the FTC & the FCC against both AT&T and LOCAL BIZ USA, a representative of AT&T contacted me and agreed to reverse the charges.

If anyone calls your business to "confirm" a directory listing, tell them NO. Contact your phone company and block all 3rd party billing. If you are a victim of LOCAL BIZ USA, do as I did and complain to every federal and state agency possible. It is the only way to put them out of business. Otherwise they will continue to get fat by scamming small business.

Cec
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
U.S.A.