Preferred Long Distance AKA USBI Deceptive "Bait & Switch" Long Distance Slamming Practices Encino California

We were "slammed" by Preferred Long Distance (Encino, CA) to change us over to their Long Distance service without proper authorization in April 2013 by pretending to be and AT&T plan. We just noticed our bill was substantially higher and saw something from "USBI" on our bill, which is an obfuscated attempt from Preferred Long Distance to hide their identity.

We phoned Preferred Long Distance ("Preferred") to inquire who authorized such a switch and was given an employee name of someone who (a) never had the authority to make such a switch and (b) no longer works here. This was obviously done by Preferred in a sneaky manner or under the guise of being AT&T and definitely without authorization of our management.

We spoke to the Preferred Rep "Melissa - #174" on 6/26 @ 12:45 pm but she refused to reverse any charges, has not provided any evidence/verification of the switch, provided us nothing in writing about the switchover, and upon request for verification that it was now indeed cancelled, stated that they "could not" send a letter or email verifying cancellation, which in itself is terrible policy.

We indicated we would not be paying this bill since already have long-distance with AT&T that covers our 800 number with them as well, along with 2 VOIP numbers which provide free long distance. So there would be no impetus for us to switch carriers voluntarily.

Looking up USBI and Preferred Long Distance at the BBB website and RipOffReport.com shows "F" ratings and numerous complaints of this same nature.

Furthermore, the FCC has filed complaints against this company for this very same issue:

http://www.fcc.gov/document/144m-deception-slamming-nal-against-preferred-long-distance-inc

http://www.fcc.gov/document/preferred-long-distance-slamming-order-0

We also contacted AT&T on this company.

It is obvious that Preferred Long Distance is involved in illegal "slamming" techniques.