Verizon Online Twelve months of identical statements indicating credit is due - but they don't get around to sending it! Ripoff Trenton New Jersey

May 17, 2006

Sir or Madam:

I would like to make you aware of a HUGE complaint I have against Verizon. This has been going on for exactly one year now and I think I've given them ample time to make this right. Here's the background:

Last April (2005), in an effort to decrease my monthly expenses, I decided to cancel my DSL service with Verizon. This service was terminated on or about May 16, 2005 and I was advised by Verizon that a $34.94 credit would appear on my credit card. Every month, without fail, I have received a statement, the most recent being dated May 16, 2006. The statements provide the following information:


*Total Amount Due as of Last Invoice $-34.94
Balance Before New Charges' $-34.94

Total Charges This Period $ 0.00

Total Amount Due $-34.94


Late fees may apply if Total Amount due is not received prior to your next statement date.

For prompt payment processing call 877-432-9409 and provide your checking account or credit card information. Phone Charges, Inc. charges a small convenience fee of $1.50 for this service.

First I tried telephoning. I have made numerous calls, for which I have confirmation numbers. Responses have included: It's not yet in the system; We need to check and see where the credit is going; and I understand why you're frustrated. A check will be cut and you should receive it within two months. (That was last August.)

Next I tried letter-writing. In October 2005, following instructions from the then-Attorney General's office, I wrote to Mr. Durant Walton, Senior Telecommunications Specialist at the State Corporation Commission's Division of Communications. As yet, I have received no response from him. In February 2006, I wrote again to the Attorney General's office and again, I was instructed to write to the SCC. When I told her I'd already done that to no avail she suggested I try again. I see no point in wasting time and a stamp on a fruitless exercise. So now I'm writing to you, hoping for some assistance. As you might suspect, it's the principle of the matter not the amount Verizon owes me with which I have an issue.

It is disappointing (not to speak of frustrating and maddening!) that companies get away with this kind of thing simply because they can. I feel it would be eminently fair that Verizon be required to pay me one year's worth of late fees in addition to the $34.94; after all, I would most certainly be required to pay such fees if I were as much as one day late with my payment! Additionally, I'd like to have Verizon exposed for such practices but maybe that's hoping for too much.

Thank you very much for any assistance or suggestions. I would be happy to provide confirmation numbers for the calls I made, as well as copies of the monthly statements.

Graceanne
Vienna, Virginia
U.S.A.