At&t

[Nicollette]

I had home phone service through AT&T. Well, about a month and a half ago, I called them and asked to have my home phone shut off because I have my cell phone, plus I rarely would use my home phone. They finally shut my phone off about three weeks ago even though I had asked to have it done a month and a half ago. Well, today I received my final bill in the mail which is for $163. I'm gonna call them Monday to see why they charged me for that extra month when I had asked awhile ago to shut it off. My question is, I will pay this bill in full, but I'm just wondering how long original creditors will keep an account before they send it to collections, because I don't want that to happen. Hopefully, they will let me make payment arrangements. Has anyone ever had any dealings with AT&T?

[epiphany]

They're pretty easy to work out payment arrangements with as long as you call them promptly but I would definitely raise the issue of being charged for three more weeks after requesting closure of the account.


Be prepared for a long phone call though, between wait time and getting to the person you want. It's not the most efficient company on the planet.
ep

[ready2puke]

Im having problems with them also. I had their service for only 4 days and my internet couldnt work in my house and they should not of sold it to me. They said I would not have to pay anything and I had to crawl back to Time Warner with my tail between my legs...please take me back....now Im still getting bills from AT&T and I have to make yet another phone call....at least they are nice on the phone

[AngelinaCat]

AT&T took over Southern Bell without us knowing about it--perhaps the automatic stay?--since we filed 12/28/08. I don't know. Anyway, we had no bills or any other notification until our land phone line was cut off suddenly, and we started getting notices--post discharge--that we owe $560.00.

We sent a copy of our Discharge Order to the mailing address indicated for payment--certified, return receipt. It came back a couple of weeks later, uncollected, as the mailing address was supposedly closed with no forwarding address listed.

We aren't paying. We now have land line service with a company called MagicJack and so far are happy.

AT&T's current woes couldn't happen to a 'nicer' company. While the current AT&T is not quite the same flavor as 12 years ago, that logo took over my husband's company in an unfriendly stock buy-out more than 12 years ago and killed his position. A loyal NCR (National Cash Reigister) person for more than 30 years, along with many others, was cast among the winds. What should be a handsome retirement pension, is a paltry $430.00 a month. Other, more 'fortunate' NCR employees that got their full retirement and medicals 12 years ago, are now finding that those are being snatched away.

[anime-chicka]

AT&T is notorious for this, with their landline accounts as well as their cell phones. The other thing to remember if you haven't seen it is that they are now charging a month in advance for their local and long distance services now, rather than a month behind in order to generate more money. All they've successfully managed to do is piss people off with this practice.

[Nicollette]

Recently, I posted about AT&T sending me a final bill for $163. Well, today, a place named CCA called my mom's house for me. I called them back and they stated that they are trying to collect a debt from AT&T for $255. My first question was, how did it go from $163 to $255? This lady goes on to say that this debt is not reported on my credit reports yet, but it will be if I don't pay the $255 by Dec 31. She was very persistent with trying to get banking info so I could set up a post dated payment. First of all, I've already learned that, banking info should never be given to a collection agency because they will drain the account, and second of all, like I really have $255 right now. Heck, it's Xmas time. I was telling her that I don't have a checking account, so then she goes on to say, "go buy a prepaid debt card." Here's what confuses me; AT&T had the account last week and told me to send them $20 biweekly. Now this CCA claims they have the account. I asked this lady if I would be getting the letter that they are supposed to send 5 days after the first initial contact, and she told me they don't have to do that, and if I wanted to validate the debt, then I have to contact AT&T. Why would I have to contact AT&T for the debt validation if this CCA place claims they have the debt? I will be calling AT&T first thing Monday morning. Any advice or suggestions?

[Nicollette]

Ok, this CCA's automated phone dialer just called my mom's again. When I called this place the first time they called my mom's, I gave them my cell #, but they continue to call my mom's. Heck, I'm still waiting on the dunning letter they are supposed to send 5 days after the first initial contact. I have no problem making a payment arrangement with this place, but they want all of their money now, which I don't have. Some lady there had told me if I don't secure a payment with them, they will report to the bureau's. Another thing, if they can't validate the debt, then they get no money from me. I've spoken with the paralegal at my attorney's office and she claims, if there is room in my plan, I might be able to add this debt. I always thought any debt incurred after filing, could not be included, but she says that is not always true. Any advice?