What is the law if...?

Question

I know that this may sound stupid, but today I received a $31 phone bill from a 57 second collect phone call. Can this company legally do this? There was never any mention of the first minute costing $9 and $4 for every minute there after or that it is a minimum of 5 minutes. They told me that I needed to request that information. Is this legal? What are my options here? Do I have to pay it?

It was a collect call. Should a 57 second collect call cost $31??? I think that they should be ashamed of themselves.

We had a calling card. We had 23 minutes left on it and it didn't work. I think it is some sort of conspiracy.

Answer 1

I had the same thing happen in August. We went camping, had no cell service and had to use a pay phone to call home and check-in with the house sitter. We made 1 collect call and had my brother in law call us right back. That phone call cost me $23. When I got the bill in Sept. I almost fell over, I couldn't believe it.

I just paid it and chalked it up to a lesson learned.

And the lesson learned is always carry change, or a credit card you can charge the call to. Sounds stupid to charge a phone call, but I doubt it would have been $23 that way.

Hope this helps, and it doesn't sound stupid, it happened to my dad also.

Answer 2

You should call your local phone company and talk to someone in billing. I haven't had that happen but I have gotten phone bills that had 20.00 & 40.00 dollar charges on them under Other Services , I called the phone company and explained that I had no idea what these services are?! Phone company asked me if I had been on the Internet doing surveys or something like that ~ I said Yes, they explained that there are a lot of sites that get you to take their survey and by doing so, somehow you purchase some service, the phone guy said there is a lot of that going on. Also with one of those FREE Cursers and Screen savers sites. 3 different months I got duped, phone company took the charges off of my bills. Thank Goodness they know a scam when they see it and didn't blame those getting Duped!! My phione Co. is QUEST . LOVE IT!!!

Answer 3

that is very legal for them to do. I know it sucks and seems unfair but, they are allowed to do that.you do have to pay it, from now on keep a full calling card with you at all times, also, instead of using a pay phone, I would go into a place, tell them you will use your calling card to dial long distance, a lot of places will let you as long as they can dial it all for you. Then you dont have to get charged extra from using a calling card from a pay phone.

Answer 4

In order to prove that they over charged you then you need something that shows you pay this-much for so-many minutes. If you signed an agreement that says you pay less then that, then yes it is illegal and you are entitled to your money back. Although, sueing for such a meager amount would be pointless because court-costs are much more than that.

Answer 5

I would call the ph. company and talk to a rep. or mgr. Sometimes they are good at giving adjustments if you explain the situation clearly. Try not to be annoyed when you call, though. I found that if you are nice to them, they can be very nice and helpful, and I have received adjustments on many my bills over the years. Best wishes..

Answer 6

I think you do unless you have proof that they have intentions to deceive you about the fee. Always read everything on anything you sign or buy...

Answer 7

Go to the small business court and bust their head!

Answer 8

call your phone company. you could have been duped.

Answer 9

THEY DID YOU WRONG, PAY FOR IT BEFORE THEY CHARGE YOU ADDITIONALLY. OR JUST SOY NO, MAY I SPEAK TO YOURE SUPERVISOR PLEASE?