MCI WorldCom - phone disconnected due to passed due amount, billing problems

# 21 for January 31, 2002

Complaints.com received the following e-message on January 30, 2002:

From: Kautasha M. [Email User]

MCI WorldCom - phone disconnected due to passed due amount, billing problems

My phone has been disconnected for three days. MCI Worldcom is my provider. On January 8th I mailed a payment from my bank, Citibank, via the internet for $130, my passed due amount was aprox $64, however, I was paying for two months, the past due month and the forthcoming month.

The payment went out on January 9th. The check was cashed and cleared my account on the 18th of January. I began calling the company on January 16th when I received the initial letter stating that I had not paid my bill.

The company told me to wait 7-10 business days and the young lady assured me that my phone would not be disconnected. I also informed them that I was an insulin dependant diabetic and I was having complications and having my service disconnected would aggravate my condition, which it has.

I have also switched medication and my doctor explicitly told me to make sure I communicate my glucose readings with him while I am using this different medications.

At first the company disconnected my long distance, I called them regarding this. They told me to wait because the check would be posted. Then my local toll calling was disconnected, again, I called them and it was the same reply and finally my entire service was disconnected.

I have called the company over 20 times and each time I get the same run around and rude service. I spent an entire hour with them on the phone one occasion, my bank, myself, and two representatives The reps even tell me that I can't pay my bills on time. I have been hung up on by the Reps three time.

They also give me conflicting information. I've had my bank contact the phone company twice. Including faxing them a copy of the check front and back. Still no phone.

Each time I call they tell me that there is a procedure and my phone won't be reconnected until 72 hours after the payment post and that their billing information is imputed manually. They have ridiculed and upset me into tears on the phone.

I can't believe that this company treats it's paying customers in this manner. Not only have they stolen my money, they have stolen my dignity, and have put my life in danger. Their excuse is sometimes people lie to them about sending the payment off. This is their mistake but I must pay for it, literally, without my phone for at least 6 days.