AT&T Wireless Commits Customer to Contract without Consent - Beware this effects ALL AT&T Wireless Customers Nationwide

I've been with AT&T Wireless for alittle over 6 years. Every year they send some sort of incentive to sign a 1 or 2 year contract - it could be a month free, whatever.

Recently I tried t switch to T Mobile, I called AT&T to get my account number and was told of a $175 charge for breaking my contract - contract? I asked them to produce the written or verbal verification indicating I had entered into such an agreement with them. Their answer? They don't have one and don't need one - they were giving me free "mobile to mobile minutes" and "unlimited night and weekend minutes" - the fact that I had used them was a contract

Are these people kidding? I have 800 minutes a month? I never signed up for or asked for those additional minutes, of course I'm going to use my cell phone in the evening and on weekends - why else would I purchase a plan with 800?

What I'm looking for is some advice on how to fight this - BBB? FTC? Attorney? From what I understand via "Customer Care" unless you buy pre-paid phone crds through Cingular/AT&T your in a contract regardless of whether you are aware of this or not"

"Customer Care" soon to be renamed "Special Victims Unit" Can and will do nothing for you except give you a first name like "Ellen" with no last name for security reasons. I Bet. A department better staffed by social workers trained in the field of cell phone rage.

Any Advice?

Caitlin
Chicago, Illinois
U.S.A.