How to Dispute a Cell Phone Bill

Occasionally everyone makes mistakes, including cell phone companies. If you get a cell phone bill with unauthorized or otherwise incorrect charges on it, you will probably need to know the best way to approach the company to get the situation rectified. Learn more about how to dispute a cell phone bill.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Cell phone bill
• Paper
• Pen or pencil

1. Place all pages with charges that you want to dispute on a table in front of you. Get some paper and a pencil as well. Decide what you want from the company before you call them. Remember that if the charges are actually your responsibility, the company will likely be unable to do anything for you.
2. Call the customer service number for your cell phone provider. Find out if there's a number specifically for the billing department, as they would be better able to assist you.
3. Start the conversation by respectfully letting them know that you have a question. If you are rude or accusing in any way, they are not going to want to help you. Point out that you are looking at your bill and you see an item you need to discuss. Ask for the name and ID number of the agent assisting you and make notes of anything they say they can or cannot do for you.
4. Discuss only one issue at a time if you have more than one. This way, the call will move faster and with less confusion. Explain what you don't understand about a charge and respectfully ask what you want from them.
5. Let them know if you are going to have trouble paying the charges if they are, in fact, your responsibility. A company would prefer that you be honest and forthcoming instead of not saying anything and not sending them any money at all. You can even ask if they could possibly reduce the charges a little to help you out. If they do give you some credit, don't expect to receive help like that again any time soon.
6. Ask to speak to a manager if the agent is unable to help you satisfactorily. Continue to be courteous to both the agent and the manager. Point out how long you have been with the company, what a good customer you are and that you always pay your bill on time, if that is true.
7. Contact the company by mail if you still have not reached a desired agreement. It may take a few weeks for them to send a reply. You can also complain with the Better Business Bureau or the Federal Communication Commission as a last resort. Many companies will quickly resolve any complaints made against them with one of these two agencies.

Tips & Warnings

• In the future, pay close attention to your call and data usage so that you don't end up with overage charges.
• If the company is unsure who is at fault for the extra charges, they may just split them with you.

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