Vonage ripoff Internet

Having been a satsified Vonage customer for some time, I would like to clarify a few things as some of the "facts" posted here are not true.

1. To my knowledge, all Vonage advertising has stated that a broadband internet connection is required. Besides, we are talking VoIP, how can that be accomplished without an internet connection?

2. Vonage DOES have a custtomer service phone number. You can speak to Vonage customer service by calling 1-866-243-4357.

3. A "seperate" internet connection is not needed. I have Vonage service using the same internet connection I have had for the last 4 years. No additional internet cost and significantly lower phone costs. ANd guess what, I can talk on the phone and work on the internet at the same time, with ONE internet connection!

I understand your frustration, and feel for you, but feel it is important that the facts are correct!

I am just sick about this! American Express has sided with Vonage regarding Vonage Billing for services cancelled as I was directed. I never could or did use Vonage services. American Express informed me that the total amount charged to my credit card is for 'cancellation terms' that I agreed to - I did not.

Did you know that Vonage does not have a customer service telephone number any longer? Everything must be done through email. I do now!

Did you know that Vonage is a customer of American Express? I do now!

Did you know that there are hundreds of similar cases to mine on the internet? I do now!

Did you know that only a few claims have been settled in favor of the customer vs Vonage? I do now!

I've had Vonage for almost three years and for the unlimited plan, plus a fax line, I pay $39.06 per month, including taxes and fees. It has never gone up, in fact, my monthly service went down $5 a month quite some time ago. I did have to pay activation fees and shipping on my router than I ordered, but that was under $60. All of this was done online.

How in the world did they come up with $660?

They are required by both FTC rules and FCC rules to have either a recorded voice authorization or a written authorization to change providers.

Vonage is a scam. Only recently on the advertisements do they sneak in very quickly.."High Speed Internet Connection Required".

You must have a separate high speed internet connection to use Vonage. This is called "VOIP" or "Voice Over Internet Protocol".

Vonage compares itself to other phone companies who offer stand alone services and brag of big savings. Well, how does this work?

$24.99 minimum Vonage charge per month
$14.99 6 month promotional fee for broadband/monthly
Thats $40+ taxes the way I do my math. And thats based on the 6 month promotional price on the required broadband that goes up to $34-$39/month after the 6 month promotion.

Now we are at $70 per month + taxes +special equipment.

I can get a package from several major providers including unlimited long distance for $39.99 a month, and have high quality consisent service WITHOUT buying special equipment like routers at $79 each, etc..

I'm still not seeing the bargain here!

Run fast if Vonage approaches you, or another Vonage customer trying to get a "referral credit" at your expense.

Lois,

They are fraudlently billing you. First contact your local DA and file a complaint - chances are they can't/won't do anything, but that's okay you've started a paper trail.

Next contact your Attorney General's office (fraud dept) and file a complaint.

Next contact the AG's office in the state where they have their home office and file a complaint with THEIR fraud unit.

If the bank denies your claim, take all your copies or notes - you need to keep copious notes of everything that has/will happen - to your bank and explain in person to your branch manager and chances are they will disallow the charge.

Finally, if all else failes, see a good CONSUMER Law attorney - make sure the attorney is well versed in consumer law or they won't have a clue.

Good luck and God Bless