IDT Corporation Fraudulent Billing Practices Billing after termination request Newark New Jersey

On December 26, 2003, I called IDT's Customer Service to cancel my phone service because I was moving to California from New York. I was told by the rep that I should call 24 hours prior to the time I wanted service stopped. I again called on Dec 30th and requested service be stopped as of close of business on the 31st.

I was told by this rep that it would take 24-48 hours to stop service. On January 1, 2004 I and my family vacated the residence to move to California. On arrival and moving into a home on the 15th of Jan, I sent for mail held in New York. Upon receiving our mail in the last week of January there was a bill of $63.12 for recurring services for January (they bill in advance) along with usage charges of $3.19 for calls made to Germany in December.

On February 2, 2004, I called the support center to have the Jan recurring charges removed and was told by the rep that these charges were for December. After pointing out that IDT bills in advance, the rep told me that my service was actually terminated on Jan 20th. I asked the rep why I was billed for the full month if my service was cut off on the 20th. She could not answer that question. I said I would not pay for Jan recurring charges. She then pointed out the usage charges for Dec and I said I would pay for those charges. She then told me she would have the bill adjusted.

At this time I said I would not pay for any charges for January and, if the bill was for more than $4.00, I would not pay it.

On February 12, 2004, I received a revised bill that was for $42.33 and showed a credit for Jan 21-31. On February 14th, I again called the service center to dispute the bill and the exchange went similarly to the last one. The rep insisted I owed for Jan 1-20. I asked to speak with a supervisor and was told there was none available and would have to call back Monday thru Friday between 8 and 5. I terminated the call and waited for the following Tuesday (knowing Monday was a holiday).

On February 17, 2004, I again contacted the service center. I asked for a supervisor and was told "I am under my supervisor and I can help you". Despite repeated attempts to speak to a supervisor, I was denied. Reluctantly I again explained the problem and after much argument and stonewalling I was told that my service was disconnected on the 13th of January and I owed $42.33! I asked how that is possible if I was billed for the full month and then thru the 20th. I again asked for a supervisor and was denied. I terminated the call.

With the direction and facts of what was said to me, it is very apparent that I have been lied to during these exchanges. IDT continues to bill me with threats to cut off a service which they have not been providing. Although I sent a letter to their headquarters, I do not see where it will do any good. Their service center is a direct reflection of their corporate policy and I see that policy as a means to strong arm customers into paying charges they do not owe. Furthermore, if this is happening to me, it is most assuredly happening to many others. If you have or have had service with IDT--check your bills closely. I intend to also report this to the better business bureau and the FCC based on what I see as fraudulent activity.

Jack
Placerville, California
U.S.A.

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