GRRRRRRRRR!!!! (rant)

**cheappearls** · 08-23-2008, 03:00 PM

I am so very very angry. At myself and at the cable company.

When we first move to Texas in May, I called and set up digital cable and internet. In July we decide to cancel the cable (keeping the internet) to have a bit of extra money for other things. When I set it up, there was a 60 day window at the start of the contract to disconnect without any fees. When I called to cancel it was close but still within that window. I asked the rep 3 separate times to make sure we would NOT be charged the $150 (yeah... rip off right there...). He assured me that there would be no charges. Okie dokie, dropped off the box and went about my merry way.

Up pops this month's bill. Yup charged $150. WHAT?!!?! Called and explained. Kicking myself because I don't remember the guy's name I talked to in the first place or exactly what day I called (I know the week though). So I was put on hold. Came back "Ma'am, we are going to go ahead and charge you the $150."

I got off the phone and just started

. Every time I think we are going to get ahead SOMETHING HAPPENS! Why can't we just catch a break?! Come on!

I hate myself for not writing things down and I hate the cable company for being so darn nice about ripping people off. $150 is 2 weeks worth of food for us! It's more then our cable bill in the first place! WTH?!

I'm going to go

some more. Thanks for "listening".

**Cricketlegs** · 08-23-2008, 03:11 PM

Don't you have the dated slip for the return of the cable box--always keep the receipts!

If you have the slip and the start up date you can prove that you were still under the cut off date.

Another thing, I would send half now and half next month. Unless you are really worried about your credit( and they have to report these things in the first place) what can they do--cut off your cable??

Sorry this happened to you.

**Darlene** · 08-23-2008, 03:15 PM

& don't give up. Keep calling them. Did you ask to speak to a supervisor?

**mombottoo** · 08-23-2008, 04:26 PM

What is the date listed on your statement for the date they added the $150 to your account? What date did they actually cancel your cable? I would also call back and talk to a higher up...let them know this is unacceptable and you will not accept anything less than a credit for the $150 they charged you. I would also take my internet business elsewhere...obviously the company you are dealing with is not on the up & up with their customers.

**cheappearls** · 08-23-2008, 04:26 PM

Originally Posted by Cricketlegs

Don't you have the dated slip for the return of the cable box--always keep the receipts!

If you have the slip and the start up date you can prove that you were still under the cut off date.

Another thing, I would send half now and half next month. Unless you are really worried about your credit( and they have to report these things in the first place) what can they do--cut off your cable??

Sorry this happened to you.

They have a drop box for returning cable boxes and I didn't want to drag my 3 kids inside to drop it off personally. I guess I should have.

We can afford to pay it when it's due, it's just a huge PITA. I was set to pay off a credit card next month but now that money goes to the lovely cable co.

I'm going to call again on Monday and see if I can get a higher up to take off the charge. $150 is so ridiculous!

**cheappearls** · 08-23-2008, 04:31 PM

Originally Posted by mombottoo

What is the date listed on your statement for the date they added the $150 to your account? What date did they actually cancel your cable? I would also call back and talk to a higher up...let them know this is unacceptable and you will not accept anything less than a credit for the $150 they charged you. I would also take my internet business elsewhere...obviously the company you are dealing with is not on the up & up with their customers.

Canceling my internet now would require paying $150 for disconnecting since I signed a year contract.

I'm almost considering just paying it and say take everything. It would be a hassle to get new internet set up but now I'm just angry.

**MomToTwoBoys** · 08-23-2008, 04:44 PM

If they charged you way after the fact, and you cancelled it within the 60 day window, you don't have to pay that bill at all. It's like with our phone company thing: we switched to our cable company and the phone company keeps trying to charge us each month. I refuse to pay that bill because they changed over to the new company on Apr 30th and our bills are dated way before that.

**missmanny** · 08-23-2008, 05:10 PM

This is going to sound childish - but I am trying not to swear in the forum... Poo Heads!!!!

If it were me I would argue with them until I am blue in the face, I would cause so much of a head ache for them that even if you don't get your $150 back that they have at least spent that much in their time talking to you explaining why they won't.

Is there any sort of independant body that regulates these service providers in your area.

We had a smililar dispute with our Internet provider when we moved and I ended up sending a complaint to the ombudsman. (they then waived their fee) It's amazing what companies will do when a regulator gets involved.

**Laura2** · 08-24-2008, 12:46 AM

Definitely ask to talk with a supervisor and if that person won't remove the charge than ask for that person's supervisor.

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 08-24-2008, 03:34 AM

That's a big bill for something that is NOT your fault! I'd fight it! GRRRRR

So sorry they're being jerks!! Sending you hugs!!

**nodmicks** · 08-24-2008, 08:07 AM

I'd keep talking to supervisor after supervisor. Possibly the person you spoke to didn't have the authority to fix it.
Also threaten to file with the better business bureau.

**Gabe** · 08-24-2008, 08:13 AM

Which cable provider is this?

**Mom23boys** · 08-24-2008, 11:29 AM

I would call back and speak to a supervisor as well. I hope you get the results you want.

**cmdarlin** · 08-24-2008, 11:47 AM

Did they cancel the service the day you called in with your request or the date you turned in the box? Did you turn the box in before the 60 days? Can they find no record of your original phone call? I would think there are ways to get around this.

I'm having similar issues with the previous internet service we had last year. Their trying to bill me for 4 months service after I had called twice and told them to cancel.

Debbie

**cheappearls** · 08-24-2008, 11:52 AM

Originally Posted by Gabe

Which cable provider is this?

Time Warner...

I had heard not so great things about them but they are pretty much monopolizing the cable/internet business here so I was unhappy but signed up with them anyway.

The service was disconnected when I called in. I asked if turning the box in a couple days later mattered and he said it didn't. Still kicking myself for not writing things down but then I also didn't expect there to be a problem. $150 is beyond ridiculous! Somehow that's can't be legal.