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NFT: Battle with Comcast, Advice needed.

Gmaniac1 : 6/24/2016 7:36 am
I'll try to keep this brief:

- About 9 months ago, my wife called Comcast (our cable/internet provider) asking for a lower monthly payment. The agent we spoke to agreed to lower our payment for all services to around $100 per month. We were satisfied with this and accepted.

- Every month since then, we have paid a regular bill of slightly over $100. No problem.

- This past month, we get a bill from Comcast for over $600 (!) with little explanation. Additional back fees were noted. After making several phone calls, we find out we are getting "back billed" because a "mistake" was made and Comcast was undercharging us for the past nine months.

- I won't bore you with the details of many hours worth of calls. Suffice it to say that Comcast was intractable and insisted we must pay this bill.

- Finally, we get the number to the U.S. headquarters and talk to a "senior" customer service rep. At this point I am really hopeful that this top dog will nix the bill. Instead, he offers us a $120 discount on the bill. I tell him there is no way he is getting a cent of the money that Comcast says we owe.

----------

At this point, I think I have exhausted all my options in dealing with Comcast. My question to BBI is: if I want to fight this thing, what is my next step?

My wife and I have kept all of our past bills reflecting that Comcast only charged us for around $100 per month for the past nine months. Now, Comcast is trying to retroactively get us to pay more on these past bills... after one of their rep's made an agreement with us on that rate. It's total BS.

I'm willing to make this into a hobby of mine, but I don't want to hire a lawyer or anything.

So... where to from here? Thanks in advance for any help y'all can offer.
You can send complaints to the FCC and your state AG  
Gary from The East End : Admin : 6/24/2016 7:42 am : link
Also the Public Service Commission. You can also send e-mails to The Consumerist.
Why would Comcast reduce your  
section125 : 6/24/2016 7:47 am : link
bill by what appears to be about $65 or $70 per month out of hand? Did they think you were having trouble financially and gave you a temporary reduction? Do you have the email with the changes to that billing? I took advantage of an offer last week and received a confirmation email.

I can understand your position because they only billed you $X amount without saying an amount was deferred. But do you have the name of the person that gave you the reduction?

Better get Directv before Comcast cuts you off.
I feel bad for you  
Joey from GlenCove : 6/24/2016 7:49 am : link
they are going to send this to debt collectors
RE: Why would Comcast reduce your  
Gmaniac1 : 6/24/2016 7:53 am : link
In comment 13007218 section125 said:
Quote:
bill by what appears to be about $65 or $70 per month out of hand? Did they think you were having trouble financially and gave you a temporary reduction? Do you have the email with the changes to that billing? I took advantage of an offer last week and received a confirmation email.

I can understand your position because they only billed you $X amount without saying an amount was deferred. But do you have the name of the person that gave you the reduction?

Better get Directv before Comcast cuts you off.

The original arrangement of about $100 per month was made over the phone. We called and told them we couldn't afford what they were charging us (around $160 per) and were considering other options. Their guy made us the offer of around $100.

Unfortunately, there is no hard copy of this deal being made because it was over the phone. But we did keep copies of 9 months worth of bills, sent to us by Comcast and paid in full, that reflect this rate.
Always get the written confirmation  
Neckbone1333 : 6/24/2016 7:56 am : link
I suggest paying the bill or your will go to collections
Is it not enough that we have...  
Gmaniac1 : 6/24/2016 8:00 am : link
... 9 months worth of bills, sent to us by Comcast, reflecting one rate... and now they are trying to retroactively change that rate higher?

Isn't that evidence enough?

We can't change our payment level from our end... Comcast had to do that.
So the latest bill was $500 more than the past 9 mos  
Jimmy Googs : 6/24/2016 8:02 am : link
and their bid is offering a $120 discount to bring you to a net $380 owed.

Counter with a simple $250 discount to split the difference. Tell them you'll keep them as your vendor at the higher going rate and they should consider this a bargain because you could discontinue right now and then would have to come chase you for what would be a pretty big error/mistake on their part.

Something  
LTPS5611 : 6/24/2016 8:12 am : link
Similar happened to me, someone who didnt have access to giving me a discount gave me one. When i got the bill it was hire and i complained. I pretty much said its not my fault your people dont know what theyre doing, and had no problem. For the next 2 yrs i had all their channels, in including premiums, internet, and sports package for like $120. Also 2 hd boxes and dvr. Now aetna, thats another story.
RE: RE: Why would Comcast reduce your  
section125 : 6/24/2016 8:13 am : link
In comment 13007228 Gmaniac1 said:
Quote:
In comment 13007218 section125 said:


Quote:
The original arrangement of about $100 per month was made over the phone. We called and told them we couldn't afford what they were charging us (around $160 per) and were considering other options. Their guy made us the offer of around $100.

Unfortunately, there is no hard copy of this deal being made because it was over the phone. But we did keep copies of 9 months worth of bills, sent to us by Comcast and paid in full, that reflect this rate.


You should have received an email confirmation of the reduction. Check your emails, you may have deleted your old emails, but if you didn't, see if they sent a confirmation to you. That would be your proof.

Seems to me, Comcast thought you were asking for temporary relief - although it is a slimy organization.
I just ended my service and returned  
Motley Two : 6/24/2016 8:34 am : link
all of their equipment yesterday. Even that couldn't go smoothly.They said I still had a router that they have been charging me for every month for the past 4 years. Really?, because I didn't have a router from them. I have a linksys router I bought from Bestbuy to avoid renting one from Comcast.

Asked them what it looks like, they couldn't tell me.
Asked them manufacturer name or model name, they couldn't tell me.

Fuck Comcast. By far the absolute worse business I've ever had to deal with.
RE: I just ended my service and returned  
section125 : 6/24/2016 8:51 am : link
In comment 13007268 Motley Two said:
Quote:
all of their equipment yesterday. Even that couldn't go smoothly.They said I still had a router that they have been charging me for every month for the past 4 years. Really?, because I didn't have a router from them. I have a linksys router I bought from Bestbuy to avoid renting one from Comcast.

Asked them what it looks like, they couldn't tell me.
Asked them manufacturer name or model name, they couldn't tell me.

Fuck Comcast. By far the absolute worse business I've ever had to deal with.


Yeah they tried charging me for my router too. Had a three month battle. Each month $10 charge, call and say we own ours, charges reduced - rinse and repeat. Even after the proof of purchase was faxed each month. On top, the router must be registered of the signal won't go through - so did that ser # belong to Comast? No. Then why are you charging?

Sounds like the owe you 4 years rental charges....
RE: RE: I just ended my service and returned  
Motley Two : 6/24/2016 8:57 am : link
In comment 13007291 section125 said:
Quote:
In comment 13007268 Motley Two said:


Quote:


all of their equipment yesterday. Even that couldn't go smoothly.They said I still had a router that they have been charging me for every month for the past 4 years. Really?, because I didn't have a router from them. I have a linksys router I bought from Bestbuy to avoid renting one from Comcast.

Asked them what it looks like, they couldn't tell me.
Asked them manufacturer name or model name, they couldn't tell me.

Fuck Comcast. By far the absolute worse business I've ever had to deal with.



Yeah they tried charging me for my router too. Had a three month battle. Each month $10 charge, call and say we own ours, charges reduced - rinse and repeat. Even after the proof of purchase was faxed each month. On top, the router must be registered of the signal won't go through - so did that ser # belong to Comast? No. Then why are you charging?

Sounds like the owe you 4 years rental charges....


That's what I'm thinking. I'm just glad I bought a house where I actual have more than one service provider to choose from. It won't be choosing Comcast.

Admittedly I'm pretty bad about keeping tabs on that kind of crap. My business keeps me busy enough with all of that type of stuff, my personal bills, I just pick up my phone once a month and make my payments. I haven't opened an actual bill in years.
It depends  
AP in Halfmoon : 6/24/2016 9:00 am : link
what state are you in?
RE: It depends  
Gmaniac1 : 6/24/2016 9:09 am : link
In comment 13007316 AP in Halfmoon said:
Quote:
what state are you in?

Georgia
RE: It depends  
BMac : 6/24/2016 9:11 am : link
In comment 13007316 AP in Halfmoon said:
Quote:
what state are you in?


Collapse.
That's not good  
AP in Halfmoon : 6/24/2016 9:14 am : link
The NY PSC makes an effort to protect consumers. I doubt GA does the same. I also believe you're screwed. Comcast knows the rules and what they can get away with. If you don't pay and drop service it will go to collections. I suggest you just pay it and try your best to forget about it. You may be able to get the amount in arrears spread over 6 months.
RE: RE: It depends  
AP in Halfmoon : 6/24/2016 9:14 am : link
In comment 13007338 BMac said:
Quote:
In comment 13007316 AP in Halfmoon said:


Quote:


what state are you in?



Collapse.


Or bent over
i'd just keep calling  
UConn4523 : 6/24/2016 9:16 am : link
and let them know that you will continue to call and take their time up until they do the right thing and resolve the issue. I also see no way they can upcharge you without a deferred payment being outlined in your bill. If they can do that, why can't they tack on another $1,000?

I had an issue with Frontier. Move from an apartment to my new house and they said they would transfer service to my home. 5 days before I move they contact me to let me know that cable is not yet ready at my new address after already checking my house/street. I told them I will have to cancel.

I then got a $200 cancel service bill with I disputed since I already agreed to transfer service to an address they already confirmed. Took a few statement cycles to get it off my final bill but they eventually did.

Just keep trying, what they are doing is wrong.
Maybe The Account  
BocaGiants91 : 6/24/2016 9:25 am : link
was audited, sounds like to me there was either an invalid discount rate code or the rep cobbled together mismatched rate codes. For example A triple play is made up of three separate rate codes, one of same code over each cable box,(otherwise you don't get the right channels). One rate code for both Internet and phone goes over the modem or gateway. These codes have to all match up from the same offer. Rep may have taken an offer which requires a term agreement and applied it to your account. If you didn't complete the necessary term agreement confirmation, they can cancel it put you on regular rate. If you look at you bill there will be a section labeled with the prorates, it will show what was removed and what was put on the account it also shows the dates, sounds like they backdated the whole change after reviewing the history to the day it was done. Each customer service person has an operator ID, this can be looked up internally, it will say here name, there office, and who there supervisor is currently , so when you call you can have a rep looked up that, and email the rep in global or their supervisor to call you, but it sounds like you already escalated it past them. Without actually seeing the bill printout or the account itself it's hard to say what they did exactly.
Usually for  
Randy in CT : 6/24/2016 9:27 am : link
issues involving billing, the conversations are recorded. I wonder if there's access to the recording?
By basic contract principles  
shyster : 6/24/2016 9:31 am : link
and your account of the facts, you had all the elements of a contractual agreement. There was offer, acceptance and consideration.

Verbal contracts are contracts, generally speaking. This isn't an exceptional area of law, such as real estate, that requires the elements of an agreement to be in writing. Comcast is bound by the statements and actions of its agent and there is no burden on you to produce an email confirmation.

The fact that you received written bills for many months consistent with your version of events is powerful supporting evidence for your case. Unless Comcast is claiming to have a recording of the agent conversation that directly contradicts your version, it is in a poor position, legally speaking.

If you are in Fulton County, the link attached is your avenue of submitting a complaint. Tell Comcast you will do do and make it clear that you are going to raise the biggest stink you can if it tries to ding your credit or put a collection agency on you.

I had an experience with Charter where a threat to file a formal complaint made a dispute go away. You are in the right (again, unless a recording exists to the contrary).

Good luck.
Link - ( New Window )
RE: You can send complaints to the FCC and your state AG  
Shecky : 6/24/2016 9:31 am : link
In comment 13007212 Gary from The East End said:
Quote:
Also the Public Service Commission. You can also send e-mails to The Consumerist.


No need to waste your time. Do as Gary suggests, add in a BBB complaint to speed it up.

I had similar problems with them. Banged my head against the wall and wasted countless hours and pure frustration. Filed complaints, next day I get a call apologizing and problem fixed. Good luck.
If there  
BocaGiants91 : 6/24/2016 9:31 am : link
Was a mistake on your account they should have corrected it moving forward, backdating it like that and that sending a huge bill very unethical in my mind.
Comcast is the fucking worst.  
Heisenberg : 6/24/2016 9:35 am : link
.
Reading several suggesting pay bill, then fight  
Shecky : 6/24/2016 9:37 am : link
Under no circumstances do you pay then fight. You stand zero chance there. Legally speaking, a lawyer can confirm it or explain it, but I believe you paying the bill constitutions you agreeing to owing the charges. Once paid, you would have to prove its wrong, where right now they have to prove you owe it. And as Shyster points out, it's all on them at this point.
People saying...  
Chris in Philly : 6/24/2016 9:43 am : link
just pay it are insane. Keep fighting it. Get Public Service Commission involved. Get FCC involved. Write a letter to Brian Roberts. Shame them on Twitter. Do not pay that bill.
RE: People saying...  
Shecky : 6/24/2016 9:56 am : link
In comment 13007413 Chris in Philly said:
Quote:
just pay it are insane. Keep fighting it. Get Public Service Commission involved. Get FCC involved. Write a letter to Brian Roberts. Shame them on Twitter. Do not pay that bill.


Ohhhhhhh wait a minute...
CiP, any chance you can swing by headquarters and paint some speed lines all over their logo?
First, Drop there service  
Jeever : 6/24/2016 10:18 am : link
Second, Start collecting pennies and once a month drop by there office and drop a bunch of pennies on them. and let them know you're making every effort to pay it off as best you can.
RE: RE: People saying...  
Chris in Philly : 6/24/2016 10:27 am : link
In comment 13007462 Shecky said:
Quote:
In comment 13007413 Chris in Philly said:


Quote:


just pay it are insane. Keep fighting it. Get Public Service Commission involved. Get FCC involved. Write a letter to Brian Roberts. Shame them on Twitter. Do not pay that bill.



Ohhhhhhh wait a minute...
CiP, any chance you can swing by headquarters and paint some speed lines all over their logo?


I am pretty close. Sure, why not!
Comcast is terrible, and in my neighborhood we have no alternative.  
CT Charlie : 6/24/2016 10:52 am : link
People over 50 may remember that when cable TV first arrived, we were assured that eventually there would be no commercials on TV.
RE: First, Drop there service  
mitch300 : 6/24/2016 11:33 am : link
In comment 13007518 Jeever said:
Quote:
Second, Start collecting pennies and once a month drop by there office and drop a bunch of pennies on them. and let them know you're making every effort to pay it off as best you can.


Seen on the news about a month ago, a guy paid his traffic ticket in pennies. There was a video. LOL
RE: If there  
BMac : 6/24/2016 12:12 pm : link
In comment 13007385 BocaGiants91 said:
Quote:
Was a mistake on your account they should have corrected it moving forward, backdating it like that and that sending a huge bill very unethical in my mind.


"Unethical" is an alternate spelling for Comcast.
Thanks for all the responses...  
Gmaniac1 : 6/24/2016 12:13 pm : link
... this has been very helpful.

I've sent complaints to the FCC, BBB and Public Service commission so far.

We'll see where things go from there.

I have not and do not intend to pay any part of this (phony, BS) bill.
RE: Thanks for all the responses...  
Chris in Philly : 6/24/2016 12:15 pm : link
In comment 13007716 Gmaniac1 said:
Quote:
... this has been very helpful.

I've sent complaints to the FCC, BBB and Public Service commission so far.

We'll see where things go from there.

I have not and do not intend to pay any part of this (phony, BS) bill.


Don't forget the letter to the CEO. I know it sounds ridiculous, but my wife has used this tactic in the past with very good results. The paper may burn passing into the netherworld where Brian Lucifer Roberts resides, but it's worth a shot.
RE: RE: First, Drop there service  
section125 : 6/24/2016 12:18 pm : link
In comment 13007632 mitch300 said:
Quote:
In comment 13007518 Jeever said:


Quote:


Second, Start collecting pennies and once a month drop by there office and drop a bunch of pennies on them. and let them know you're making every effort to pay it off as best you can.



Seen on the news about a month ago, a guy paid his traffic ticket in pennies. There was a video. LOL


It was funny, except he dumped it on a clerk that had nothing to do with his displeasure.
I had a dispute with comcast  
upstatenyg : 6/24/2016 2:52 pm : link
i refused to pay, they refused to negotiate.

i filed complaints.

eventually they put it on my credit report, and i was able to get it removed from there.

i never paid and luckily, never had to use then again.

RE: Comcast is terrible, and in my neighborhood we have no alternative.  
shabu : 6/27/2016 8:53 am : link
In comment 13007572 CT Charlie said:
Quote:
People over 50 may remember that when cable TV first arrived, we were assured that eventually there would be no commercials on TV.


LOL.

I was around, i never heard that it has always been hogwash. Just like the internet right ?
Try sending the bastids  
mrvax : 6/27/2016 10:24 am : link
a registered letter. In the letter explain the situation. Then tell them that you will pay (this extra fee) once they provide your voice or your signature confirming you wanted to defer payments.

Upon receipt of above requested proof, I will consider this extra charge valid. If you cannot find any evidence that I requested deferred payments then I cannot in good conscience accept additional service charges.

Sincerely,
Gmaniac1
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