Talkamerica - billing problems

Complaints.com received the following consumer message on February 11, 2003:

From: Email User RE: Talkamerica - billing problems

I used a bill paying service to pay TALKAMERICA phone bill on 9-11-2002.

The next months bill did not reflect the payment and I paid the next bill on 10-16-2002. which included the september bill. I contacted the bill paying service, and they reissued the payment and TALKAMERICA received this payment on10-31-2002.

A stop was put on the first check issued. On 12-18-2002 TALKAMERICA found the 9-11-2002 check and deposited it. It was returned because a replacement check had been issued and cashed. TALKAMERICA then charged a $25.00 returned check fee.

I called on 1-13-2003 when the bill was received and 'Lawanda' said that she would have it corrected. On 1-31-2003 I received a letter stating that the service was being cut off and that $35.19 was due. I called and talked to MARK Rep#166 and he was freindly and very pleasant on the phone and said he would refer this matter. On 2-5-2003, I recieved a call from Kathy Rep#124 requesting that I fax proof of payment.

I have faxed this 5 times (every weekday) and still have not been credited this overcharge. On 2-11-2003, I called and talked to Louise Rep#231, and she kept asking how I wanted to pay this $39.40. She could not seem to understand that I did not want to pay a returned check fee for a check that TALKAMERICA delayed forover three months, and the the account was overpaid. TALKAMERICA owes me money because I paid the September twice. TALKAMERICA seems very disorganized. They make a mistake and then just compound it and blame the customer. T. J. Hennessey

Kansas City, MO