Lately, I have been the victim of underhanded business tactics.
While setting up a new apartment/home office in Washington DC, I ordered phone service from Verizon. Since, the apartment building was already pre-wired with Internet access I did not require DSL. Therefore, I just ordered the standard phone package.
Two weeks later, I get this DSL welcome kit in the mail from Verizon, along with a welcome letter to their DSL Service. The kit includes a modem and instructions. I call Verizon the phone and tell them, "I don't want DSL". The Verizon DSL rep, goes into a long sales pitch, whereby she drops the price. First she offers one month free, then two months free, then three...etc. I keep saying no, no, no. Why? Because I already have Internet access!! But, this lady doesn't care.
During this entire process, I am somewhat powerless. Because, I do have regular phone service for Verizon - and therefore, they can charge me for whatever they want. It is up to me to fight it. So, I fight.
Finally, the Verizon sales rep agrees to cancel my DSL service. But, then she threatens me by saying "you have to send the DSL Kit back in 30 days, otherwise were going to charge you". Gee...that's great. Only Verizon would send you a box of crap, that you never asked for...and then threaten to charge you - if you don't send it back. Way to go Verizon!! Of course, I had no intention of keeping the DSL modem kit. I didn't ask for it. So, I told Verizon to send me shipping labels to return it. They agreed. The shipping labels never arrived. I had to call back three additional times. Finally, they sent the labels electronically.
Two months later, after much headache and hassle, I am relieved to learn that I will not be charge for a service - THAT I NEVER ORDERED IN THE FIRST PLACE!!
