I&#39;m Ready To Spit Nails...I Have To Wait 60 Days To Get My Money Back???

@pyewacket (43903)

• United States

11 Mar 10

I have to laugh though why does it take so long to get one's OWN money credited. It's our money right? All these companies sure like to take our money out fast enough but heaven forbid you have a dispute with them. Oh don't you just love it when you have to fill a zillion forms out? NOT. Glad you got your situation straightened out though--FINALLY

1 person likes this

Wendy

@jerzgirl (9233)

• United States

11 Mar 10

Responded to this on AC, but I'll reiterate! They're idiots!! They never processed the automatic debit until they deposited the physical payment. If they give it back to you right away, they can't earn interest on it. Contact whatever state agency is in charge of regulation and make your voice heard (like those shrill echoes I've heard down this way weren't you when this happened).

2 people like this

idiots

@pyewacket (43903)

• United States

12 Mar 10

I wonder if contacting the FCC would do any good...LOL. verizon would be under their jurisdiction wouldn't they?

1 person likes this

Wendy

@jerzgirl (9233)

• United States

12 Mar 10

Probably not, at least not at first. You'd have to start more local, I'm pretty sure. Good luck, though. What they did stinks and only benefits them!

1 person likes this

Amber

@AmbiePam (85496)

• United States

11 Mar 10

Wow. I know you live in New York, and there are a lot of things going on in a place that big. But do you have any kind of news service whether it be through tv or the newspaper, where they get an investigative reporter to look into it? Kind of like a consumer reporter? Because that is a huge deal with you being on SSI. And the bad press for Verizon would certainly cause them to own up to their actions. But like I said, you are in New York. Where I live, a consumer reporter would probably look into it.

1 person likes this

Amber

@AmbiePam (85496)

• United States

11 Mar 10

Yes, I figured since it was New York...well, how about spreading the news of the cr*p they gave you. You write for a lot of places right? Associated Content maybe? You remember how that company came across your review of their marinades? Maybe you can make enough noise on enough sites that someone from Verizon would see, or it could just make people stay away from Verizon. I don't do Facebook or Twitter, but you could mention it on there...I'm sorry I'm not any help. I'm not familiar with a lot of the outlets on the internet, so I don't know where to suggest.

1 person likes this

@pyewacket (43903)

• United States

11 Mar 10

Maybe since I live in the NYC area one could watch paint dry and that would be faster than to get any kind of TV station consumer advocate on the case. When I was having my SSI problems earlier this year I DID contact every single news station....I still haven't heard from ANY of them. Luckily that representative from my congressman who dealt with SSI issues handled it otherwise I'd still be waiting for help

@pyewacket (43903)

• United States

11 Mar 10

Mmmmm...not a bad idea about Verizon on Associated Content--I already posted my verizon horrors at Facebook...LOL

1 person likes this

TheRealDawn

@dawnald (85135)

• Shingle Springs, California

11 Mar 10

I went through this crap but not as the customer. My company had just instituted credit card payments and some went through in error. The vendor that handles it for us had to manually back out each transaction, there was no automated way to do it. Turns out they had us set up on their test system, not production. Don't talk to the supervisor, ask for the vp...

1 person likes this

@pyewacket (43903)

• United States

11 Mar 10

Press one for billing Press two for Verizon DSL Press three for verizon Fios Press four for Verizon Wirless Press five for.....

1 person likes this

@pyewacket (43903)

• United States

11 Mar 10

One of the real problems is that 99-percent of the time one is dealing/calling a call center somewhere in India even if it's business hours. One time I was calling Verizon and WAS being patched to a higher mucky muck...guess what? Got disconnected...I gave up that day, just didn't want to go through the whole thing all over again. I was ONLY on the phone about a half hour just to get a real person to talk to and not some automated crap

1 person likes this

TheRealDawn

@dawnald (85135)

• Shingle Springs, California

11 Mar 10

Hmmm automated system real person who can't help automated system real person who can't help automated system real person who can't help automated system real person who can't help automated system real person who can't help Lovely....

1 person likes this

trisha27

@trisha27 (3494)

• United States

11 Mar 10

Wow, that is crazy, yes I totally agree that 60 days is way to long for you to receive any money back. I used to work for Verizon, hey, I'd say that you should call back, speak to a supervisor and see if they can get it to you faster, because that is just not right. You did not give them permission to take that money out. I have never heard anything about people having to wait 60 days for you to get money back. And if so I must have missed something. Try speaking to a supervisor and see what they can do for you. There's always a supervisor to help you out and they're main goal well how it was when I worked for them, is to make sure that the customer is satisfied and at this point. I know that you are not satisfied. There is always a supervisor on hand, keep calling till you get to one. I hope things get better. And what I'll have to say, most of the time, yeah I used to say the supervisor will same the same thing, but when they get on the phone and the customer is upset, they'll do everything in their power to get things pushed through, you just have to get the right one. Good luck.

1 person likes this

@AnnieOakley1 (5596)

• Canada

11 Mar 10

With our phone company here, Bell Canada, all you have to do is threaten to cancel, and then suddenly they are willing to cooperate and 'satisfy' you. Maybe try that, too.

1 person likes this

trisha27

@trisha27 (3494)

• United States

11 Mar 10

That is actually a good idea, threatening to cancel always is the way to go. Then they'll change they're mind send you to cancellation department, and the cancellation department will offer something to keep you. May help you get your money back quicker as well. More than anything, companies like these hate to lose customers.

1 person likes this

quita88

@quita88 (3715)

• United States

10 Mar 10

No I cannot tell why it will take so long in getting your money back but, I can give you a number for my states consumer affairs (not sure what state you are in but you can ask for your states' number) Oklahomas number is: 405-815-2342 and ask for your state and I can almost guranteee you they will put Verizon on the spot. I know cuz we used verizon too and they tried to screw us out of our service. Now, go call.

1 person likes this

@pyewacket (43903)

• United States

11 Mar 10

Before answering this I looked up my own consumers protection board...and just did an on-line email to them...will call if need be though now that I have their number--too late to call now though

trisha27

@trisha27 (3494)

• United States

11 Mar 10

That is a good suggestion, most of the time things will get done a lot quicker.

1 person likes this

quita88

@quita88 (3715)

• United States

11 Mar 10

You call if you don't get an email answer right away. I think you can nip this in the bud if you stay at it. Good luck.

1 person likes this

go for it

moondancer

@moondancer (7433)

• United States

11 Mar 10

I have found over the years that many companies will not replace your money for 2 or 3 months. This is so that they can collect interest on your money for that time while it is in their bank. I would speak to a manger or the highest person I could talk to and also put it in writing that I am to get my money right away posted back to my account. It's just a few strokes on the computer for them to return your money! Also, they may not have received your payment because someone input the wrong number into the computer....human error is commonly the problem here. By asking what number they have may keep this from happening again soon. I'd call back to speak to the supervisor, no matter what the woman says. The supervisor can do more than they can. They can reimburse your money NOW. Good Luck.

1 person likes this

moondancer

@moondancer (7433)

• United States

12 Mar 10

Annie that's an excellent idea....pye you got that? charge them the fees they always charge for late payment...also distress for the things you have went through. Pye, I have run across the same problem just trying to talk to someone about my bills or to do many types of business...another country handles all calls...usually India.

1 person likes this

@AnnieOakley1 (5596)

• Canada

11 Mar 10

I was thinking that pye should charge them handling fees and interest, too. to the tune of the total bill. Jerks!

1 person likes this

BarBaraPrz

@BarBaraPrz (45487)

• St. Catharines, Ontario

11 Mar 10

I don't know what to say...

1 person likes this

@pyewacket (43903)

• United States

11 Mar 10

coffeebreak

@coffeebreak (17798)

• United States

11 Mar 10

I haven't, but have you talked to your bank about them taking it out twice to see if the bank can't do anything about it? Maybe back charge where/how it came from Verizon? I know things like that can be do aggrivateing.. My recent thing was --- I was getting a new cell phone. That is a big deal for me cause I am SO NOT a cell phone person. But I needed one with larger buttons and screen. So I bought one that had a $100 gift card if you buy the phone. Okay, great. I get to the register and they say you can get the $100 gift card ONLY if you upgrade for minimum of 2 months for internet access at $20 per month! But that wasn't what the sign said, I spouted! And then they said Or the store will give me instantly $100 gift card to be spent in the store on accessories! I don't need anything else!! SO bottom line, I had to pay $40 to get $60. I was planning on using that gift card to pay for the phone! PLUS...they charge you sales tax on the regular price of the phone without a contract! This phone was $249 if you bought it new without a contract (AT&T) and if you buy it as an upgrade and extend the contract it was $121, which is what I did, but I had to pay the sales tax of 8.75% on the $249 not the $121 that I actually paid! I argured, but of course it got me no where! Bottom line, I only have $60 to pay on the phone, and have to pay $21.87 for tax for it to be $140 instead of 121 and only get $60 to go toward it. Just makes me hate cell phones even more!!! But make sure you keep a close watch on that refund.. bug the daylights out of them for status...maybe they will get it out to you sooner to shut you up.

1 person likes this

@pyewacket (43903)

• United States

11 Mar 10

I had gotten in contact with my bank a number of times about this..they said it was an issue that Verizon had to handle. When I had another major problem years ago, I had my bank try to handle the situation, crap it took even longer, like three months to get my money back...the reason? All that damn paperwork and filing these stupid companies make you do. Urgh...AT&T isn't much better is it? Used to have my landline phone with them and don't you just love all the extra fees and taxes they charge??

@AnnieOakley1 (5596)

• Canada

11 Mar 10

I would have NEVER given them the additional payment. I would have gotten a letter from my bank PROVING that there was no problem on their end. This is one of the VERY reasons I DO NOT allow very many automatic withdrawls from my bank account. When they have that, they have way too much authority to take money out on the wrong date, the wrong amount, etc. So, I guess you are paid up for another 3 mos now and no more automatic withdrawls should be allowed during that time since you have that much of a credit. That is the only way I would fix it. I would instruct my bank to put a stop payment on the next 3 withdrawls, as there is absolutely no point in waiting for 60 days for your refund. It will just keep screwing things up for that long for sure.

1 person likes this

@pyewacket (43903)

• United States

12 Mar 10

Well it wasn't like I purposely gave an additional payment. I was instructed both by a letter and phone call to mail a check since UP until that time my automatic payments weren't going through--like no way in the world did I expect them to kick in suddenly. They had told me if my check didn't arrive by a certain date, my service would be discontinued and if I wanted it installed again would have to have a whole new modem/system and get this, pay for a new system as well..blah, blah, blah.

1 person likes this

@AnnieOakley1 (5596)

• Canada

12 Mar 10

phucking azzholes!

1 person likes this

mentalward

@mentalward (14691)

• United States

11 Mar 10

Yeah, the biggest "company" in this country: the United States Social Security Administration! When I finally received my first monthly check, it had two months worth of Medicare payments taken out of it, telling me that my Medicare benefits began in October. Of course, they never told me I had Medicare in October until November when they took out $96.00 for it! I sent back the card immediately, telling them that I didn't want Medicare (Part B). So, in December, they took Medicare out of my check, AGAIN. At the end of December, they told me they would be taking another $96.00 out of my January check, then, beginning in February, I'd get the full check. I was told I would be reimbursed for the four months they took Medicare out of my checks but I'm still waiting. Of course, since this is the government, it'll probably take over a year for me to get reimbursed. I can understand your frustration. I've heard a lot of horror stories about Verizon. We have Verizon wireless phone service and have had issues with our payments and I've questioned some charges on our bill that sound totally made up because they mean nothing to me but Verizon just gives me the runaround every time I call them. I do NOT like Verizon. I think I would insist on speaking to a supervisor and let that person know that this money was automatically deducted from your bank account AFTER they received the check you sent, which could be seen as stealing money from you since you did not owe it at that point. I'd make sure they knew that I was going to announce to the world what they did via the internet and word-of-mouth and how unethical and unprofessional it was. I'm sure there are some complaint websites set up with other grievances against Verizon. I'd be adding my story to those lists. Maybe even the Better Business Bureau should hear your story. Maybe let the Verizon supervisor know that you intend to report this to the BBB. Actually, the BBB does help to get customer issues resolved with large companies because I've seen on the BBB Online website that the issues reported are marked either "resolved" or "unresolved". They also list the number of complaints and number of resolved and unresolved ones.

1 person likes this

bbb

better business bureau

@pyewacket (43903)

• United States

12 Mar 10

Late last night after I posted this I actually did file a complaint with the BBB, but even they said they might not get to my particular case under 30 days...sheesh. I also filed a complaint with the NY Consumer Protection Board. Thing is, all these places take so much time...like I said want my money back...uh, yesterday...LOL You should hear the crap my friend is going through, she now has SSI Disability but has to do some weird back pay into medicaid (not Medicare)and it's driving her nuts too. Seems like no matter what company or govt organization one is dealing with they are SO quick to take money but trying to get reimbursed?????

mentalward

@mentalward (14691)

• United States

12 Mar 10

Sadly, that is so true, Pye. When SSI handed me my check for the back benefits in one hand, they had the form for IRS in the other so I can pay taxes on it immediately. Whatever happened to "...for the people, by the people..."?????

1 person likes this

celticeagle

@celticeagle (159058)

• Boise, Idaho

11 Mar 10

I haven't gone through this type of thing with Verizon but I have with other companies. It is really legal gargon that they have to use because customers can be such jerks sometimes. Makes it hard on the rest of us! It may not take the full 60 days but they have to term it that way incase it does. I would definitely think about going elsewhere if it were me. Especially if I had had other problems and wanted to try to keep my sanity. These companies really have it over us too when we have to sign up for two years with most of them!

1 person likes this

my sanity

@pyewacket (43903)

• United States

13 Mar 10

There really aren't any better companies around here, they all kind of suck. My one friend has one of those "bundles" where his internet is Roadrunner, cable is Time Warner, forget what his phone is, but he says if one system is down they all are--and when I did have Time Warner cable don't ask how many times it'd be down

1 person likes this

celticeagle

@celticeagle (159058)

• Boise, Idaho

14 Mar 10

Wow! That does suck. I am very happy with my service. It is CableOne and I get my wireless internet, cable and television service from them. I have an occasional problem in the summer months but(knock on wood) I haven't had problem one with any of them to speak of. Little things here and there occasionally but nothing major. They don't give as many freebies as they used to but I don't blame them.

1 person likes this

kprofgames

@kprofgames (3091)

• United States

11 Mar 10

Geeza Pye, if it's going to happen I swear to God it's going to happen to you! Contact your better business Bureau and issue a complaint - you will sure fire get an answer right now on this. You shouldn't have to wait for their screw up. PERIOD. I'd go through the bureau and it will be resolved PDQ and then a complaint will also be issued on the company for miss handeling the transfers. I know what it is to miss funds that are already paid. You do a complaint and I can say it will never happen again to ya. Yes, did that have that happen with a doctors office. They didn't fine things through my insurance company and when I paid my co-pays they applied it to the regural doctor billing instead. I was on the phone with the manager of their insurance staff and with the better business bureau. I was cut a check for $150.00 of what they over charged because they were billing me for co-payments already paid -

Needless to say I changed offices, but they got their crap straight after I issued a complaint.

1 person likes this

@pyewacket (43903)

• United States

11 Mar 10

I'll see about getting in touch with the BBB, but tomorrow..I started to do it just now on their site but got really confused as to WHERE these jerks are. They have so many phone numbers listed, one 800 number indicates Texas, but the payment center is in NJ yet when I typed in NJ nothing came up in their database

@pyewacket (43903)

• United States

11 Mar 10

But which cooperate office? When I went to the BBB they also gave me about six different offices...and NONE closer than Virginia. Oh and when I typed in some of the zillion phone numbers Verizon has been giving me all along, it showed nothing on thier database, so betting those numbers are to call centers in India

kprofgames

@kprofgames (3091)

• United States

11 Mar 10

Don't screw around with their payment office go right to the corporate office. Alot of time they don't even know there is a problem utill a person complains. You do that and you'll get answers ASAP. Trust me on this one.

1 person likes this

kelpie

@kelpie (190)

• United States

11 Mar 10

You must get a lawyer and threaten to take them to court over this. Verizon screwed me over on phone service. My boyfriend and I enabled auto-payment directly from our bank accounts, and they started deducting imaginary fees and taking away what we "apparently" didn't pay for 3 months. We did that, and they stepped down and it was removed from our credit.

1 person likes this

@pyewacket (43903)

• United States

11 Mar 10

How on earth can I afford a lawyer when I'm on disability benefits...it would cost more to get a lawyer than the sum Verizon owes me

@pyewacket (43903)

• United States

12 Mar 10

We actually do have a Legal Aid system here that is free, but they don't help unless you're literally dying..LOL. There's just too many people seeking Legal Aid here

kelpie

@kelpie (190)

• United States

11 Mar 10

:( I'm sorry. I didn't know. Definitely take it to the better business bureau. I'm also sure there is a way to get help, since you are under Disability, for financing a lawyer. I've seen a lot of benefits for people who are on Disability for states like Arizona and Colorado. But it could vary between each state. If you have a community that helps people who are disabled find services they need, I would ask them. Good luck, and I hope this all gets fixed for ya!

1 person likes this