Is there any way to challgenge the AT&T "because we can" charges.

[spotbird]

Every few months AT&T adds a couple hundred dollars to our already exorbitant bill. They claim it's excessive data (just trust them, it can't be verified), overseas calls never made, or this month just an extra couple weeks of service. I have two choices when these bills arrive, pay them and keep my service and credit rating, or decline and let them destroy my ability to borrow at a decent rate. The reps who substitute for customer service can't decipher the bill so they make shit up, they don't even record the fiction so the next rep comes up with a new story. Today I was told by a supervisor that the extra charges on my statement were not extra, just normal billing. So now I'm to expect an extra
$200 every month?

It's out of control madness with no end in sight. Is there anyone who is trying to lasso these bandits?

[emilyg]

1. I dropped them. Went with cell only and

air card from Verizon.

[Lionessa]

2. Cancel and get a different service.

Otherwise not really. Sounds like they've made the cost of canceling less than the cost of proceeding.

Sprint has never pulled this on my daughter (I'm on her plan now, but also had them for both land and cell for decades prior) that I am aware of. Their unlimited plan seems to truly be unlimited, not conditionally unlimited, or conversely with both myself and my daughter using the same plan, we manage to never go over, which I seriously doubt.

[Cleita]

3. My boss constantly harasses them about

every penny he feels is excess. He has gotten some really circular and nonsensical arguments from them as to why there was an increase on many of the charges, but none that really make sense. He has yet to get a rebate or refund though. So is it worth it to you?

[spotbird]

10. The charges are not legitimate

but there is no way to verify it, which is how AT&T can claim they are real. These people are criminals.

[sabrina 1]

5. Cancel them. I use a cell for $29 a month

with Virgin Mobile. We have a landline also, which I rarely use, but that too is only $29 a month. Don't you have a flat rate btw? Why is the bill different each month?

[barbtries]

6. you need to dispute the bill

loudly. pain in the ass, i know, but don't let them get away with it!

[spotbird]

8. There are so many more of them

They don't capitulate. They don't explain. They just bill.

It is a destructive relationship, in that it destroys me. I explored alternatives today, it will cost $500 + the "because we can" fees to get out of AT&T. Then there are start-up fees elsewhere.

Is there a place where extortion is illegal anymore?

[barbtries]

17. i haven't had that experience with them.

i have had charges reversed. i think others have advised you well, in that you can go to the BBB or another agency. you could even try your local rep.

[KatyaR]

7. Contact your state attorney general and state corporation commission.

At least your issues will be put on record that way. In Oklahoma, I believe either one of them can investigate these kinds of problems.

[TheWraith]

9. Change carriers. Really, why do you stay with them? nt

[spotbird]

11. Contract. Yes, I'm an idiot.

While you're under contract they can (and do) have their way with you. There is no method to stop them.

[TheWraith]

12. Can't say I've had the same experience...

Been using AT&T for about 3 years, and never had "erroneous billing" that wasn't actually accurate. Have you logged into the online account manager and checked out the claims of overages and so forth? Are you sure that everyone on your account is being equally responsible? Particularly on a family plan, it's not that hard for someone to not know they don't have unlimited internet, or don't have free international calling, etcetera. Worst case, you can have them put a data block on your account to prevent any data usage, and also block international calling if you want, to make sure it doesn't happen again.

[spotbird]

14. I could make a career out of

correcting errors in my AT&T account. But it wouldn't pay, since AT&T is never wrong. There is nothing to prevent these type bills, it's not as if we are a nation of laws at this point.

[TheWraith]

16. As I said, blocks on your account will prevent erroneous billing.

If you're actually blocked from using data on the AT&T system, then you rather obviously can't be charged for data overage.

[Enrique]

15. send a letter to your Attorney General

dont bother trying to work it out with them anymore, youve given them enough of a chance.