Billing snafu

Question

Let's see, where do I begin? I was a Verizon customer for 25 days, before returning everything to the Verizon store I bought it from. I found I really didn't have Verizon reception in my area, and I barely used the equipment. Now, somehow, I have a bill for $500. I have called customer service multiple times, and have been assured that the various charges were erroneous, and they would be removed. But this hasn't happened. I was charged $95 when I originally bought the equipment. That was never credited to my account. I was charged $70 for restocking fees when I returned the devices, even though the original salesman assured me I would not have to pay such fees if I brought the equipment back before 30 days. I told the original salesman I did not want email on my phone. I didn't sign up for an email plan, but it turned out I got email anyway. At a cost of hundreds of dollars. I called Verizon customer service, and was told the email would be shut off, and the amount credited back to me. It was not. I activated my service with two days left in the billing cycle. I was not charged a pro-rated amount for that first month's service (of two days). I was charged for 30 days' worth. Although I returned the equipment 23 days into the next billing cycle, I was not charged a pro-rated amount for that month. I was charged for another full 30 days. And I was charged again for the email service that was supposedly taken off by the first customer service agent. Then, after I returned the devices, and paid the annoying restocking fee - I was charged $175 for an early termination fee. I called customer service again, and was assured that I would be credited back that amount because it was erroneously charged. But it was never credited. Funny thing, when I left the Verizon store, after returning the equipment, the clerk who closed out my account said the $95 that I had paid for the equipment in the first place "pretty much covered my balance" and I owed nothing. So how do I get rid of the $500 (and the automated calls every 15 minutes night and day to my home number from Verizon collection services)?

Answer 1

jg3arrow wrote:
Let's see, where do I begin? I was a Verizon customer for 25 days, before returning everything to the Verizon store I bought it from. I found I really didn't have Verizon reception in my area, and I barely used the equipment. Now, somehow, I have a bill for $500. I have called customer service multiple times, and have been assured that the various charges were erroneous, and they would be removed. But this hasn't happened. I was charged $95 when I originally bought the equipment. It will be. Is this the first bill you have received???That was never credited to my account. I was charged $70 for restocking fees when I returned the devices, even though the original salesman assured me I would not have to pay such fees if I brought the equipment back before 30 days. Restocking fees occur when returning equipment. Period. I told the original salesman I did not want email on my phone. I didn't sign up for an email plan, but it turned out I got email anyway. At a cost of hundreds of dollars. VZW does not offer an email plan. The only way to receive and send email is to set up the accounts YOURSELF. Sending and receiving email uses data. I called Verizon customer service, and was told the email would be shut off, and the amount credited back to me. It was not. I activated my service with two days left in the billing cycle. I was not charged a pro-rated amount for that first month's service (of two days). I was charged for 30 days' worth. You were charged two days for the curent month and as always with phone service a month in advance for the next month. Although I returned the equipment 23 days into the next billing cycle, I was not charged a pro-rated amount for that month. I was charged for another full 30 days. And I was charged again for the email service that was supposedly taken off by the first customer service agent. Then, after I returned the devices, and paid the annoying restocking fee - I was charged $175 for an early termination fee. You will be charged but you will be credited. I called customer service again, and was assured that I would be credited back that amount because it was erroneously charged. But it was never credited. Funny thing, when I left the Verizon store, after returning the equipment, the clerk who closed out my account said the $95 that I had paid for the equipment in the first place "pretty much covered my balance" and I owed nothing. So how do I get rid of the $500 (and the automated calls every 15 minutes night and day to my home number from Verizon collection services)?
First, paragraphs are your friend.    I am really lost, but will try to address what I can.
When did this occur???  It has to be awhile ago if you are receiving collection calls.
How many months have past? 
Did you or another use the internet while you had the phones?
What phones did you get??
Did you have a messaging and or data plan???
What paperwork did you receive after turning the devices in? There should be a receipt you signed showing you returned everything.
Did you return everything, including, cables, CD's, instruction sheets, the box the phones came in??? That is required.
Did you apply for a rebate??
What plan did you have??
Did you go to a corporate store or an associated store?? (Associated sell other brands or items)
I am answering only based on what info you have provided. I feel there are some details missing since you are supposedly in collections.VZW does not go out of their way to screw a customer over although it may feel that way.
As I said the only way email will work is if the users sets it up on their phone. Verizon has no idea what your email address is, so they can not set it up for you.
If you can offer some more info, it would be helpful!