Using Whatsapp to call incurred international roaming charges

Please permit me to introduce myself
Account Number: [removed]
Executive summary:
I used an Iphone App called Whatsapp that allows users to exchange online messages and even calling. I used that app to make an app to app call to a friend in India.
And I was shocked to see that Verizon has billed all the talk time to international roaming and the bill is a HUGE amount close to $775
Issue in detail
Total minutes talked - 296
Billed - $775+ (at international roaming rate $2.30/minute)
Please consider the following facts
-I used Whatsapp to talk to Iphone app to app call
-I had called same Whatsapp number in india
-A few times all happened with in a month/same billing cycle
-First time it happened in my history with Verizon
-I don't have international plan so I did not know my cell phone can make international calls through Verizon (Have never made one via cell phone/verizon)
-I have no way of knowing that this is being charged to my account until I see the bill (I saw and reported this within a week of the ebill date)
-The app clearly says this //Using WhatsApp while your phone is connected to Wi-Fi should not incur charges from your carrier. Please note that some Wi-Fi networks may have charges or usage fees.//
http://www.whatsapp.com/faq/en/iphone/20970433
Please consider the following as a LOYAL verizon customer
- 15 year LOYAL verizon mobile customer (customer since 2000 since I landed in the US)
- Never left Verizon , not even once
- Always paid my bill on time (automatic payments)
- Have converted MANY customers from other carriers to Verizon
In this background I would humbly request you to put yourself in my shoes and see this issue as a mistake/software glitch which I had no way of knowing until I see the bill.
I request you to do the needful to see it as what it is , a mistake , that was not done by me but a software of which I have no knowledge of.
Being a long standing LOYAL Verizon customer , I beseech you to do the right thing and reverse all the charges related this incident.
Following is the log of my efforts to work with Verizon customer support
Dates called April 5th 1 hr
April 6 - 4 hrs
Ian did the right thing
He converted the calls to regular international long distance from 2.39/min to 29 cents a minute , convenience plan.
I agreed and he said its waiting on supervisor's approval which is 24 hrs.
I called again April 7 I was told it might take 48 to 42 hrs
I called again on April 10 and I was told the supervisor did not approve.
I spoke to many and finally reached Ms.Brooke who introduced herself as the top most supervisor in the building (Employee [removed],Kentucky call center)
Personal information removed as required by the Verizon Wireless Terms of Service
Message was edited by: Admin Moderator

Hi JJKAY,
The EXACT same thing took place for my wife. She used the WhatsApp to make calls and it ended up going to a number in Turkey. Verizon sent NO Alerts at all that this would be International charge OUTSIDE of our International calling plan.
My wife made calls using the SAME app to Mexico and it went through without charges.
We have also been customer for numerous years.
I called Verizon to see how this occurred and got the technical folks, who first told me as they told you, they could change to the Global plan and then pay a reduced $/min. However, then the supervisor stepped in and would not approve.
Verizon seems to think they have no responsibility to send ALERTS or allow for ALERTS when it goes well beyond the ordinary.
Did you get Verizon to provide a credit as a customer?
I would like to know, as I am about to switch and then make this a case of Verizon and show how much they care about customer retention. Thanks in advance.

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Using Whatsapp to call incurred international roaming charges

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