C&W unexplainable charges
published: Thursday | December 19, 2002
THE EDITOR, Sir:
I thought your readers might be interested in how Cable & Wireless tries to extract extra sums from their customers:
(i)When C&W installed a landline I went to their local office and obtained copies of the terms and conditions and pricing scheduled. Accordingly, I signed up in May of this year.
(ii) Imagine my surprise when the first bill contained four extra charges: $70 for Telephone Installation Charge (as well as $660 for the same), $100 for extra wire (This charge is mentioned in the Schedule but I was never informed of the amount), Teleclass/Package Feature Inst. Charge (No mention in Schedule): $70, Direct Exchange Line; $165.33 (No mention in the Schedule).
(iii) I went to C&W's local office but no one could explain these charges. As instructed by C&W, I wrote (by registered mail) to C&W. No reply. (iv) When the next bill arrived, surprise, surprise, the same monies are being demanded. I again write by registered mail. No reply.
(v) The next month, the same, so I thought I would write to the local office. Real surprise, I was 'phoned and then visited! I did not get the next bill but was told that I had received rebates for services I had cancelled. To this day, I do not know how much or for what. I have even 'phoned and was told that I would get a copy of the missing bill. No such information. I was also told that C&W's lawyers were dealing with the 'extra' charges.I understand that it is a criminal offence to demand monies when you know that the demand is false/unwarranted.I would suggest that all C&W's customers check their first bill and refuse to pay/demand restitution if already paid.I have now written to the OUR but I have one final question: why won't C&W put anything in writing?
