Have You Been Overcharged Too?

[Amy Warren, LMHC / WQ Mag Columnist]

While doing my end of the year bookkeeping, I happened to notice some extra charges on the Verizon bill for my landline. Listed under Convenient Pay-Per-Use Calling Services, I found charges for Automatic Call Returns, something that has never been utilized on my phone—something that I didn’t even know how to do. The charge was $1.25 per “call return.” On one bill, I was charged for three of these calls, amounting to $3.75 of false charges. Upon further investigation, I found that not only did this happen on one bill, it happened on multiple bills. I was also charged with other types of calling features which require dialing specific numbers that I had never utilized. Without a doubt, these calls were never made from my phone.

I must admit I didn’t look forward to going through the phone company’s automated phone system and eventually being transferred from one person to another in order to correct the charges. But I also can’t tolerate anyone taking advantage of me. So I called Verizon who agreed to credit me with what was charged, although no explanation was offered for the charges. Regardless, whether it was a glitch in the system, human error or outright fraud, no one should be wrongly charged.

The amount is only $1.25 per call. But think of how this charge adds up in Verizon’s pocket if other customers are also receiving the same charges unduly. Could Verizon possibly be making millions on these extra charges? Check your bills. I don’t want anyone taking advantage of you either. And as frustrating as I can almost guarantee it will be, if you’ve been charged unfairly, call Verizon.

[Barbara Gail]

This happened to me this year as well. But I caught it on the first bill it showed up on. Had something to do with me hanging up from a call and then immediately making another call. The system had some new program to do that sort of automatic return call. So when I'd just done a 'quick flash' of the receiver to hang up and then get the next dial tone for the following call, the phone was actually making another call itself! I, too, decided it was worth reporting, not just for the $1.25 credit, but also to alert them that this was happening to their customers and they shouldn't get away with it, and also so that I could cancel that program on my phone line so that it wouldn't happen again. Be sure to ask what features your landline has, and cancel the ones that you won't use, so that you won't accidently use them!