Liberty Online Services, HOLD rip-off Fraudulent billing Philippines Internet

I found a charge on my Qwest business phone bill for $29.95 plus tax of $.90 dated Feb 06, 2003 from a company called Hold. They billed my phone on behalf of Liberty Online Services. I called the 800 number and after several minutes on hold was greeted by a Philippino lady. She informed me that I had signed up for this service and there was nothing she could do about the charge. I told her that I did not authorize the charge and she put me on hold to speak to her supervisor.

After about 15 minutes she came back and told me her supervisor was too busy with other happy customers and would call me back. I informed her this was unacceptable and was interested in when I authorized this charge. She said I spoke with the representative on Jan 2, 2003. I distinctly remember speaking with a Philippino girl about that time concerning a free web page and internet yellow pages ad. I told her that I am a consultant and do not advertise. She told me that I must confirm this refusal with a second person. I remember commenting on the accent and asked them where they were. She informed me that they were in an offshore call center in the Philippines.

What part of NO authorized the criminals to put a charge on my phone bill??? The lady finally said they would cancel my account and not bill me a second time on March 6th. She would send a confirmation letter and I would get a refund within 60 days. I accepted this and felt that I had to waste my valuable time getting a company to remove a lie from my bill. They throw enough charges on business bills and many will stick because it is small enough to slip under the radar.

I called Qwest and was told that they must accept third party billing from crooks that lie such as Liberty Online Services. I plan on following this up to other agencies and feel very upset about this group off thieves.

Donald
Tucson, Arizona
U.S.A.