Vonage Bogus charges on closing of account Internet

I opened a vonage account on Nov 26, 2006 from Circuit City and received a $200 gift card. I was relatively happy with the service, although the sound quality was not as good as a landline. Also, when my internet went out, you also lost your phone. After many problems with Charter, I finally canceled and got DSL and Dish. I had to move back to a landline.

I called AT&T and had them port my number from vonage to AT&T. This was done on Nov 18, 2007. I did not call vonage to cancel my account. Their terms of service indicates I have to call, not another phone provider or else I would be liable for the ongoing charges. They canceled my account anyway. Apparently, there was a one year service agreement on the gift card. I was 8 days away from that one year date, and they charged me $200 for the gift card. The problem is, you pay a month in advance and I was paid up through my anniversary date.

The customer service was horrible. I explained all this and pointed out their terms of service. In the end, the only thing he said was "We can cancel your account at any time, and you are liable for charges." I told him I would contact my bank and they would reverse the charge and he told me "Well if you need the money that badly, go right ahead." I hung up at that point and thought they were the ones who must need the money that badly.

I presented the evidence to my bank, the customer service manager actually gave a chuckle when I presented everything (including their terms of service) and he said he'd take care of it. Two days later, I was reimbursed. They also had my debit card on file, and the manager issued me a new card so when they tried to re-run the charge, it would reject.

I told vonage throughout the ordeal that I was relatively happy with their service and would likely move back if/when I return to cable internet. Over this $200, they have permanently lost a customer and I am telling as many people as I know about their shadiness.

Corporation
Birmingham, Alabama
U.S.A.