How to Resolve Pay-per-Call Problems

You've checked your phone bill and found charges for calls you didn't make. What do you do? You have every right to demand great customer service! This advice is provided in conjunction with Feedback Direct (see Related Sites).

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Calculators
• File Cabinets
• Postage Stamps
• Calendars
• Envelopes
• File Folders
• Notebook Papers
• Pens
• Personal Organizers

1. Call your phone company to dispute the charges. You generally have 60 days to dispute unauthorized pay-per-call charges with your phone company.
2. Make a note of who you spoke to and what was said.
3. Follow up with a letter that explains your problem and confirms your conversation.
4. Keep a copy of the letter in your files.
5. Deduct the charges you're disputing, and pay the rest of your bill by its due date. Your local or long-distance telephone service cannot be disconnected if you refuse to pay for disputed pay-per-call charges.

Tips & Warnings

• If the charges appear on your credit card bill, follow the instructions on the statement for disputes.
• You may have other rights under state law. Check with your state consumer protection agency or public utilities commission.
• The company that billed you can pursue the matter through a collection agency or small-claims court. It can also report the debt to a credit bureau. Respond to any claims in writing with the explanation of your dispute. You can also put a written explanation in your credit report.