Phone Company scam

erik · Post by **erik** » 24 Oct 2001 4:19 pm

I can't believe this:
I just attempted to go online. Fortunately, i usually listen to the dialing, because i uncovered a dirty trick. If you get a busy signal a automated voice comes on saying they can "call again". The thing is, if you don't hang up you will be automatically billed 95¢ for every "call again". I just recently switched from "call waiting" to Totalphone". I don't know if this is the cause of it, but now i must listen every time to make sure i don't get "slammed" with a charge. For years i have been allowing my modem to call again. But now, the phone company does it first if you don't hang up. How many other ways can they gouge us?

Jim Smith · Post by **Jim Smith** » 24 Oct 2001 4:28 pm

Sounds like you gouged yourself by signing up for "Totalphone". I'm sure that's what's doing it. Either drop it or ask the company how/if you can get around it with a modem.

erik · Post by **erik** » 24 Oct 2001 5:29 pm

I don't understand your logic. I am paying more for a service so i should then be exposed to more charges? I will see if it is the Totalphone. I only upgraded so i can get 3-way calling at one cost. Regular 3-way is 95¢ per use. But that's an "opt-in", as opposed to the call again "must opt out or get slammed service". Still can't see why you want to blame me.

Rick Morris · Post by **Rick Morris** » 24 Oct 2001 6:42 pm

Doesn't even sound legal to me. Who's your phone company? Ameritech here does something similar, the voice says you can have the number call you back when it's no longer busy for 75¢, but, you have to press "3" to activate it. BTW, every modem I've ever had isn't good enough to hear what the voice is even saying, so I'd definately ask the company about that.

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 25 Oct 2001 1:38 am

In most cases you need to disable any services such as call waiting, etc when you go on line with a modem. There are extra commands you can enter to do this. If you look in the phone book they usually list the code (numbers) to send to temporarily disable a service.

In the dial up networking there is options for these things. I don't have a dialup connection so I don't remember exactly how or where to do it, but it's there.

Frank · Post by **Frank** » 26 Oct 2001 10:40 pm

I have added the *70 code to All access
phone numbers to disable my call waiting
when I go on line......Frank.

erik · Post by **erik** » 27 Oct 2001 3:21 am

I specifically got call waiting for my webtv to disconnect when i get a call. It has always worked great. It even worked with my computer once even though i have no program for it. I experience no problems with call waiting. My problem is with the above complaint which became manifest with my upgrade to totalphone.

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 27 Oct 2001 4:55 am

Then it looks like "totalphone", whatever that really is, is the culprit.

It appears you have two choices, put up with it or dump it.