Hi,
T-Mobile is attempting to collect $1888.17 in charges for fraudulent usage after I reported my cell phone lost and that the calls were unauthorized. I’ve since canceled my service since the last bill (March 2011), but I’m being threatened with collections and having my credit ruined. I need to take dramatic action to fight this. Please help!
This isn't a new phenomenon but wireless companies continue to be oblivious to protecting customers from fraudulent usages and charges.
See Article:
http://www.turn.org/article.php?id=572
My phone is a Hawaii based number but I found a 2007 precedent California case (California Attorney GeneralEdmund Brown vs AT&T wireless) where California's Supreme Court ruled against AT&T for not properly informing their customer about their
rights and was fined. Basically, it is unlawful for wireless carriers to charge customers for unauthorized calls under the CA Public Utility Commission. Furthermore, wireless companies must inform their customers that:
Please copy and paste link:
http://ag. ca.gov/cms_attachments/press/pdfs/N1478_ComplaintAT&TUnauthorizedChargesFINAL_TBF2.pdf
Per the THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA vs. AT&T MOBILITY (section 4).
Defendant has failed to inform its subscribers they are responsible only for the charges they authorize and, among other rights, that a subscriber may dispute charges on a bill, the carrier must investigate the dispute within 30 days and, if not satisfied with the result of the carrier’s investigation, the customer may have additional legal rights, including the filing of a complaint with the Public Utilities Commission, and that the carrier may not attempt to collect disputed amounts while an investigation is pending.
After, I brought this CA ruling up to the T-Mobile rep, she deferred me back
to the defense of the T-mobile contract and stated that since I wasn’t a California resident that California law didn't apply. She went on to say that even if I was a California
resident that the court's ruling would not apply due to her defense stemming from the T-mobile contract.
I've already lodged complaints with the CA attorney general, CA and HI Public Utility Commission and the FCC. To make a long story short, the T-Mobile's representative stonewalled me and advised that I write T-mobile's legal and customer service departments (which I believe are black wholes) and that the collection would stand for the full amount.
Is there anything you can do to help? Thank you
Sincerely,
Jeff Yamashiroya
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