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View Full Version : Dispute charges on cell phone bill


jillaugust
May 23, 2008, 12:01 PM
Have t mobile family plan with 2 lines. One line is my 13 year old son. He made several internationa calls thinking it was free long distance and after 9 p.m. The bill was close to $500.00. I told them I wanted to dispute the bill since he is underaged. They told me I couldn't dispute it because the account was set up under me. To add insult to injury, my payments are set up on line. They billed me the whole amount making me unable to pay my rent. I contacted them so I could get a portion of the charge credited and I would make payment arrangements on the balance. They said they couldn't because the payment was already processed in full.

Can I still dispute this? What can I do. I am on SSD with a limited budget and need help. What are my chances of getting anything done?

Fr_Chuck
May 23, 2008, 12:39 PM
Well you can dispute it, but since they have already gotten their money, I doubt they will care, You may have to try and sue them for that amount of money back in small claims.

twinkiedooter
May 26, 2008, 03:04 PM
You gave your son the phone to use and how he used or misused the phone is not the cell phone company's concern. Having the bill payments set up online is a sure fire way to get in trouble financially. You can try and dispute the bill all you want. Try speaking with a supervisor, then speak to their supervisor, etc on up the food chain until you can get someone to listen to your story. When your cell contract runs out may I suggest that you get the prepaid cell phone service instead? This way there are no nasty surprises and the bill won't be anywhere near $500.

ScottGem
May 26, 2008, 03:50 PM
I have several bills that I allow direct deduction. But all of them are fixed payments. I would NEVER setup a bill where the amount varies.

I've had a couple of instances with AT&T where we got huge bills because we misunderstood or were unaware that we were subject to additional charges. In all cases, AT&T took 50% off the bill. But that was before it was paid. I'm afraid you are stuck.