Help!!! $3k Phone Bill
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Central NJ --> NE GA
Originally Posted by Raheel
Exactly what I say to my customers, they come in and yell at me and say how they hate there plan etc, and than I look up there balance and activity, and Ask them did u call this number? did u text here? and they are all "YES I DID BUT.."
But what, you used it than pay it, they start talking shit about all the companies, thats a reason why Sprint has bad rep, everyone around my area qualifies for it, gets it, than goes over, never pays there bill, and hates it
In your case yes I understand its different, and you have been with them for a while, I feel for you, maybe you could ask them to do some type of payment plan for you, do they expect u to chalk up $3k in 30 days? THATS CRAZY!
But what, you used it than pay it, they start talking shit about all the companies, thats a reason why Sprint has bad rep, everyone around my area qualifies for it, gets it, than goes over, never pays there bill, and hates it
In your case yes I understand its different, and you have been with them for a while, I feel for you, maybe you could ask them to do some type of payment plan for you, do they expect u to chalk up $3k in 30 days? THATS CRAZY!
We know Cingular did nothing wrong. It was my son. I am just trying to negotiate with them. They did mention that they thought they could set up a payment plan if necessary.
Banned
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 13,252
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From: parts unknown
easy take phone from son introduce to 
repeat untill you get desired results. get son to get job, payback bill, chalk it up to a life lesson
repeat untill you get desired results. get son to get job, payback bill, chalk it up to a life lesson
Last edited by 03SSMTL-S; Apr 27, 2005 at 09:06 AM.
Houses Won't Depreciate?
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,238
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From: Weston, FL
Originally Posted by Dvus555
...We know Cingular did nothing wrong. It was my son. I am just trying to negotiate with them. They did mention that they thought they could set up a payment plan if necessary.
They should flag the account as soon as they see an abnormal calling pattern, and call.
I've been in ripoff-cellphone companies abroad, that at least did that.
They should also be able to block outgoing calls as soon as you reach the max amount of minutes. They did not do that 2 years ago, which was a non-sense, so I assume they are able to now.
You are a good parent; teach the kid a lesson, help solving the payment plan and shift that to your son. He should then learn that next time, its him alone.
Good Luck
Suzuka Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,682
Likes: 2
Originally Posted by zamo
I will disagree.
They should flag the account as soon as they see an abnormal calling pattern, and call.
They should flag the account as soon as they see an abnormal calling pattern, and call.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by zamo
.....They should flag the account as soon as they see an abnormal calling pattern, and call.
Take a look at how many phones are out there and how much it would cost the companies. That expense will be added to everyone's bill, and I don't see why you and I should pay for the stupid.
Houses Won't Depreciate?
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,238
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From: Weston, FL
Originally Posted by Zippee
Do you want them to wipe your nose for you, too?
Take a look at how many phones are out there and how much it would cost the companies. That expense will be added to everyone's bill, and I don't see why you and I should pay for the stupid.
Take a look at how many phones are out there and how much it would cost the companies. That expense will be added to everyone's bill, and I don't see why you and I should pay for the stupid.
A daily snapshot of unusual call volumes that triggers either an email or a phone call, or just triggers disablement of outgoing calls is enough. We do not need people calling or verifying this. Credit companies do it, with much more volume of info.
And, because the system is automated, the equation will end up with less people, and more automated services, thus in theory lowering our expenses.
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 27,921
Likes: 1,080
From: where the weather suits my clothes
Originally Posted by vikrampatel
I agree here - I believe somebody else mentioned it should be like credit cards. If you make a ton of purchases suddenly that is not in your usual spending habit, the card company calls to verify that you are making the transactions. I think cell phone companies should do the same thing.
How about a U-chip (use chip) in cell phones that are given to children by their parents. Parents can set a limit to the number of minutes per month, then it's no more phone use for that month.
Houses Won't Depreciate?
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Weston, FL
Originally Posted by NSXNEXT
The key word is SHOULD. Do you think they have the staff to be doing that? Here is one example, but I guarantee you there are hundreds and thousands of cases where the same is true.
How about a U-chip (use chip) in cell phones that are given to children by their parents. Parents can set a limit to the number of minutes per month, then it's no more phone use for that month.
How about a U-chip (use chip) in cell phones that are given to children by their parents. Parents can set a limit to the number of minutes per month, then it's no more phone use for that month.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,682
Likes: 2
Originally Posted by zamo
Even better than that. Online account management. Choose your phone number, specify max outgoing minutes. Enhanced services by the telcos. I dont care if they charge extra 3 bucks a month for that.
This, I would agree with and would be a better solution than the added cost of having people calling to verify the high number of calls.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Tracy, CA
Wow. That's just crazy. 10 hours a day? I just don't see how that's possible. 10 hours a day talking, 6-8 hours sleeping, class, studying, eating, shiting ... there's just not enough hours in a day.
But it sounds like Cingular is taking pity on you.
But it sounds like Cingular is taking pity on you.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Tracy, CA
Originally Posted by Dvus555
Not yet, but I'm not done groveling. 
50? you must be kidding!
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,119
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From: Indiana
Originally Posted by zamo
Are you familiar with information systems?
A daily snapshot of unusual call volumes that triggers either an email or a phone call, or just triggers disablement of outgoing calls is enough. We do not need people calling or verifying this. Credit companies do it, with much more volume of info.
And, because the system is automated, the equation will end up with less people, and more automated services, thus in theory lowering our expenses.
A daily snapshot of unusual call volumes that triggers either an email or a phone call, or just triggers disablement of outgoing calls is enough. We do not need people calling or verifying this. Credit companies do it, with much more volume of info.
And, because the system is automated, the equation will end up with less people, and more automated services, thus in theory lowering our expenses.
yep, it's brutal but that is how lessons are learned sometimes...
Suzuka Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 6,010
Likes: 1
I remember racking up about 500$ in charges before when running a business in the summer, the way I got around it was by claiming that I told a rep that I wanted to change my plan, but it was never changed. They then upped my plan and and I still had to pay about 150$~ or so, but at least it wasnt 500$.
After awhile I switched it back to a smaller plan
After awhile I switched it back to a smaller plan
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,518
Likes: 30
From: NJ
Originally Posted by rise
I remember racking up about 500$ in charges before when running a business in the summer, the way I got around it was by claiming that I told a rep that I wanted to change my plan, but it was never changed. They then upped my plan and and I still had to pay about 150$~ or so, but at least it wasnt 500$.
After awhile I switched it back to a smaller plan
After awhile I switched it back to a smaller plan
Senior Moderator
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 21,672
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From: Toronto
10 hours a day on a cell phone? I think your son should have his head checked for a brain tumour.
Whats wrong with chatting over the net? you can do voice as well and it works quite nicely.
(sorry, I know i didnt answer your question)
Whats wrong with chatting over the net? you can do voice as well and it works quite nicely.
(sorry, I know i didnt answer your question)
Professional Lurker
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 263
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From: Chicago (Lincoln Park), IL
I'm not a relationship therapist here or anything, but talking for 10 hours a day seems extremely unhealthly......they are in college, i think you should make help your son realize that his girlfriend will be there when he graduates if its meant to be, and to live up the college experience while he can....I've had friends go through similar situations and say one of the biggest mistakes of their lives is not taking advantage of living it up in college...and no i'm not talking about him going out and banging tons of freshman girls....but to go out and have fun, meet new people, try new things, because at 10 hours a day on the phone+3 hours of classes.....basically leaves 11 hours left in the day, and show me a college kid who doesn't sleep at least double digits and i'll show you a kid who's not hitting the bars hard enough.... 
anyways thats just my 
rant
anyways thats just my rant
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,001
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From: Sacramento, CA
Reminds me of the days when I was young and Internet was fairly new, Had a 14.4k Modem and AOL 1.0 and was calling Long Distance Numbers to access AOL as there was no local Number and had a $700 Bill, and man did I freak, but AY CARAMBA! this is like 4X that amount.
Master Graphic Artist
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,859
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From: Northbrook, IL
I'm a junior in college now and 10 hours / day on the phone 
I think a $3k phone bill isn't the problem you'll be facing when you're blowing who knows how much on out of state tuition. People rack up $2k+ debts in a few months in college and have to learn from their mistakes.
But time is money spent and education lost! Unless he's spending 10 hours a day on the phone while maintaining honors. I'd say you're throwing away a lot more than $3k
I think a $3k phone bill isn't the problem you'll be facing when you're blowing who knows how much on out of state tuition. People rack up $2k+ debts in a few months in college and have to learn from their mistakes. But time is money spent and education lost! Unless he's spending 10 hours a day on the phone while maintaining honors. I'd say you're throwing away a lot more than $3k
go like hell
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 5,154
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From: Anna,OH(home of the honda/acura motors)
I'd say your screwed.
I use to call my wife while she was in college from the house phone to her cell phone. one month it was $250. then we went house to her dorm. I got unlimited long distance to the house for 55 bucks a month. so that saved a lot of money. basically if i was you. I'd turn off that phone. 3 grand for a cell phone bill i've heard it all now.
I use to call my wife while she was in college from the house phone to her cell phone. one month it was $250. then we went house to her dorm. I got unlimited long distance to the house for 55 bucks a month. so that saved a lot of money. basically if i was you. I'd turn off that phone. 3 grand for a cell phone bill i've heard it all now.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Central NJ --> NE GA
Follow Up
First to all who have posted that 10hrs/day is excessive.... no argument here. As a matter of fact it was her parent's directive that they not speak more than 1 hour a day that started this whole issue (no I am not saying it is their fault!).
For 2 years we have been telling him to go out and enjoy the college life. Go to the movies, see a comedian, watch a sports event, join a club, etc. etc. But he is just not that social. Never was. He enjoys being inside, playing video games, watching movies, blah blah blah. Basically, he and his girlfriend are "hanging out" together, but 1,000 miles apart.
**************
As for Cingular... they have flat out rejected my pleas for leniency. They will not reduce this bill at all.
OK, so then I asked about some sort of payment plan. Their response was... "pay in full immediately or we will send you to collections." 
So, now I know how their Customer Service is. We will pay in full. My son will pay us back over the summer from his summer job. He has learned an expensive lesson, but in the end it is only money. There are a lot of kids who learn much harder lessons at this age.
For 2 years we have been telling him to go out and enjoy the college life. Go to the movies, see a comedian, watch a sports event, join a club, etc. etc. But he is just not that social. Never was. He enjoys being inside, playing video games, watching movies, blah blah blah. Basically, he and his girlfriend are "hanging out" together, but 1,000 miles apart.
**************
As for Cingular... they have flat out rejected my pleas for leniency. They will not reduce this bill at all.
OK, so then I asked about some sort of payment plan. Their response was... "pay in full immediately or we will send you to collections." So, now I know how their Customer Service is. We will pay in full. My son will pay us back over the summer from his summer job. He has learned an expensive lesson, but in the end it is only money. There are a lot of kids who learn much harder lessons at this age.
Houses Won't Depreciate?
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,238
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From: Weston, FL
That sucks. Once I asked for a payment plan for 200 bucks (in 2 installments), long time ago, and they said I can do that, but they will charge interest. I paid un full, but at least they gave me the option.
They should have given you a payment plan. Good luck, and move to another company after your contract expires. Long time customers should not be treated like that.
They should have given you a payment plan. Good luck, and move to another company after your contract expires. Long time customers should not be treated like that.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,682
Likes: 2
Originally Posted by Dvus555
He has learned an expensive lesson, but in the end it is only money. There are a lot of kids who learn much harder lessons at this age.
At least it wasn't some other crap that many teens get into these days. It is surprising to see the amount of trouble some people my age get into. Sorry to hear that they wouldn't do anything for you. I would switch afterwards, I would have expected them to give you some break - at least a payment plan over a couple months - granted it is not their fault, but in terms of simply customer care and appreciation it would make sense.
Good luck.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,203
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Originally Posted by Dvus555
First to all who have posted that 10hrs/day is excessive.... no argument here. As a matter of fact it was her parent's directive that they not speak more than 1 hour a day that started this whole issue (no I am not saying it is their fault!).
For 2 years we have been telling him to go out and enjoy the college life. Go to the movies, see a comedian, watch a sports event, join a club, etc. etc. But he is just not that social. Never was. He enjoys being inside, playing video games, watching movies, blah blah blah. Basically, he and his girlfriend are "hanging out" together, but 1,000 miles apart.
**************
As for Cingular... they have flat out rejected my pleas for leniency. They will not reduce this bill at all. OK, so then I asked about some sort of payment plan. Their response was... "pay in full immediately or we will send you to collections."
So, now I know how their Customer Service is. We will pay in full. My son will pay us back over the summer from his summer job. He has learned an expensive lesson, but in the end it is only money. There are a lot of kids who learn much harder lessons at this age.
For 2 years we have been telling him to go out and enjoy the college life. Go to the movies, see a comedian, watch a sports event, join a club, etc. etc. But he is just not that social. Never was. He enjoys being inside, playing video games, watching movies, blah blah blah. Basically, he and his girlfriend are "hanging out" together, but 1,000 miles apart.
**************
As for Cingular... they have flat out rejected my pleas for leniency. They will not reduce this bill at all.
OK, so then I asked about some sort of payment plan. Their response was... "pay in full immediately or we will send you to collections." So, now I know how their Customer Service is. We will pay in full. My son will pay us back over the summer from his summer job. He has learned an expensive lesson, but in the end it is only money. There are a lot of kids who learn much harder lessons at this age.
Houses Won't Depreciate?
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,238
Likes: 0
From: Weston, FL
Originally Posted by Berner
att/cingular did rate worst for customer servie two years in a row.
I might switch when my contract expires.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 324
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The cell phone providers in the US suck, to put it bluntly. Verizon is overpriced and rude in customer service. Sprint just sucks. TMobile has good customer service and phone but you have to do a high wire act to get one bar of signal. And Cingular MAKES you sign for at least 2 years! and does not even offer people with $3,000 phone bills a payment plan. It seems that some third world countries with better cell phone companies are laughing at the US on this one.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 11,001
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From: Sacramento, CA
Originally Posted by ElmerHiggins
Oh.. forgot Nextel, they are for rich corporations and contractors as those are the only ones that can afford those kind of prices... and those prepaid services are just for losers.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,788
Likes: 5
From: Atlanta, Ga.
Originally Posted by Dvus555
My son made a HUGE mistake! He and his girlfriend both have ATT which became Cingular. He is in college in NH and she is in VA. They talk ALL THE TIME! They average 10 hours/day. Since September, this has not been a problem because they call Mobile to Mobile. As a matter of fact he seldom uses even 20 minutes/month of his 500 minutes.
Anyway, his girlfriend's mother told her that she could only speak to my son for 1 hour/day. So to get around this, they decided he would call her on her dorm room phone. The only problem with this is he kept the same calling patterns. He did not wait to call her until after 9 pm. So we got this month's phone bill for over $3000!!!
I called Cingular and asked for compassion and understanding. His payment history has been perfect. Never late. I brought my pleas up 3 levels to a senior manager. She told me the only thing she could do was forward it to client services. I should call them in 2 weeks to see if they would give us some sort of credit. I'm not holding my breath.
Anybody have any suggestions on how I should proceed? Is there somebody particular I should call?
HELP!! We can't afford $3,000 for a 1 month phone bill.
Anyway, his girlfriend's mother told her that she could only speak to my son for 1 hour/day. So to get around this, they decided he would call her on her dorm room phone. The only problem with this is he kept the same calling patterns. He did not wait to call her until after 9 pm. So we got this month's phone bill for over $3000!!!
I called Cingular and asked for compassion and understanding. His payment history has been perfect. Never late. I brought my pleas up 3 levels to a senior manager. She told me the only thing she could do was forward it to client services. I should call them in 2 weeks to see if they would give us some sort of credit. I'm not holding my breath.
Anybody have any suggestions on how I should proceed? Is there somebody particular I should call?
HELP!! We can't afford $3,000 for a 1 month phone bill.
The same procedure was done for what you did. They went up multiple levels of management. I had to wait about a week in the end. What they did was give me a "courtesy credit". They took the difference between my normal bill, and the current balance, and cut it into half. That was the amount i owed. Not bad of a deal you ask me. Although there was a max limit of courtesy credit that they were allowed to give... so it ended up being a little short of half. But hey... better than nothing right?
registered !!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,276
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From: Orlando, FL
Originally Posted by Dvus555
First to all who have posted that 10hrs/day is excessive.... no argument here. As a matter of fact it was her parent's directive that they not speak more than 1 hour a day that started this whole issue (no I am not saying it is their fault!).
For 2 years we have been telling him to go out and enjoy the college life. Go to the movies, see a comedian, watch a sports event, join a club, etc. etc. But he is just not that social. Never was. He enjoys being inside, playing video games, watching movies, blah blah blah. Basically, he and his girlfriend are "hanging out" together, but 1,000 miles apart.
**************
As for Cingular... they have flat out rejected my pleas for leniency. They will not reduce this bill at all. OK, so then I asked about some sort of payment plan. Their response was... "pay in full immediately or we will send you to collections."
So, now I know how their Customer Service is. We will pay in full. My son will pay us back over the summer from his summer job. He has learned an expensive lesson, but in the end it is only money. There are a lot of kids who learn much harder lessons at this age.
For 2 years we have been telling him to go out and enjoy the college life. Go to the movies, see a comedian, watch a sports event, join a club, etc. etc. But he is just not that social. Never was. He enjoys being inside, playing video games, watching movies, blah blah blah. Basically, he and his girlfriend are "hanging out" together, but 1,000 miles apart.
**************
As for Cingular... they have flat out rejected my pleas for leniency. They will not reduce this bill at all.
OK, so then I asked about some sort of payment plan. Their response was... "pay in full immediately or we will send you to collections." So, now I know how their Customer Service is. We will pay in full. My son will pay us back over the summer from his summer job. He has learned an expensive lesson, but in the end it is only money. There are a lot of kids who learn much harder lessons at this age.
