Deceptive Billing?
September 24, 2009
Hey everyone,
It seems everytime I praise Sprint in one way, they find yet another way to completely fill me with indignation. This time is no different, yet another billing error in Sprint’s favor.
Just 2 weeks ago, I noticed a $0.20 charge on my bill for “International Text Message”. I very specifically know NOT to send any international texts, since Sprint rapes people with the charge. I know that if I sent ONE, it begets one or more back. Of course every other carrier charges the incoming as regular, pulls from your plan, while some dont charge it at all. Not Sprint, oh no, they charge you the same $0.20 for incoming international text…While my phone is in the USA! Its not like Im roaming, and getting texts internationally. Charging for this incoming text (which I dont always know would be international) is akin to charging the receiving party of a phone call, international long distance rates just so they can answer the phone. If this is how Sprint wants to play games, then Im gonna play back, but Ill win.
I go online to eCare and contact Sprint, and ask them to give me the information regarding the message. Time, date, location the message was sent. Sprint claims that some customer privacy issue law, they can not release this information.
First, I AM THE CUSTOMER. Im asking, and I shouldnt be barred, regardless of the law since it is my account Im inquiring about.
Second, I was told I did send the message in question. Yet without proof, Im still, innocent until proven guilty. If you cant show a legit charge, then Im not going to pay.
Lastly, after being told it would be credited, and informing them I would seek action with Account Relations, Sprint still has yet to credit that charge.
What is going on Sprint? Are you trying to find new ways of nickle and dimeing customers for the new plans you have out? Are you trying to alienate the one single customer that will contact you daily, and complain about even a penny added to his bill? Its not the amount, its the principal of it, and my way of saying “GET YOUR BILLING PRACTICES AND POLICIES IN ORDER!” There is no reason a person should have to pay an international fee for anything incoming, but further more if a customer is forced to, then they should be able to identify the charge clearly and without arguement for some privacy law.
I have filed a complaint with the California Public Utilities Commission which I personally think is higher up then the Better Buisness Bureau in regards to getting things done! I am tired of having this back and forth with Sprint, and thier customer service in stores, online, on phone…I am tired of dealing with Sprint saying one thing, then never doing it…I am tired of Sprint deceptively billing people different tax amounts per month when their bill stays the same rate each month. I still dont understand this. How the hell does the taxes change every single month, when my rate plan and add-ons have not changed, nor have I used overage. Please Sprint, explain this to me.
I am about to move to a Share Plan so a friend of mine can join my account and get an HTC Hero. But with all this stupid crap thats going on, I fail to see why I should give another dime to Sprint. I guess there is a reason T-Mobile customers are the most happy with the customer service they receive. I know why too, cause I was a T-Mobile customer for 5.5 years, and all problems are resolved immediately and without doubt, assumption, or question. I also know that Verizon has some of the best billing practices (regardless of rate plans) and that makes people happy too.
Sprint – GET ON THE BALL, STOP DROPPING FALSE CHARGES INTO PEOPLES ACCOUNTS!
