05-13-2012
05:35:53 PM
- last edited on
05-13-2012
07:38:10 PM
by
Phil-101
After years of frustration with what I view to be dubious business practices by T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizone (I have never used sprint but I assume they are the same), I actually dug down into the litanny of surcharges that are being passed along to us. The wireless companies cleverly assume that most users will see the term "tax" or "surcharge" and assume this is something the government requires and that we all must pay. In many cases, these charges are levied by government entities, but the one comonality between all surcharges and "taxes" with the exception of state sales tax, is that the wireless companies have no obligation to recover these costs from their customers. They bury these surcharges in a 45 page terms and conditions and then add them to the end of the bill where most customers don't pay them a second mind. But everyone should know, that they are paying more than 20% of their bill in order for AT&T to recover various costs incurred. But whatever they call it, they are basically creating more revenue for themselves by fooling their customers.
So when I say fraudulent, I am rendering a fairly serious grievance. The key component of fraud is the "scienter" or "the intent to deceive". If these surcharges are not fraudulent, I'm not sure what is.
AT&T, I suspect that you and the other three companies in the wireless monopoly will be able to continue your business practices unabated until [Per Guidelines: Keep it Relevant and Appropriate] but in the meantime, be assured I will continue to shout from the rooftops about your fraudulent business practices.
05-15-2012 09:23:20 AM
05-15-2012 10:04:14 AM - edited 05-15-2012 10:09:13 AM
jve8885 wrote:
Phil-101,
Not yet sure if they are fraudulent, but I sure would like to know the definition of each of these charges. My recent bill had a 100% increase in the "State and Local Charges" (taxes) line. The amount charged, as a percentage of the Basic Local Service, is 30%!
http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/add
enter your zip code and it will give you a list of the addtional charges, what exactly is the amount of those charges vary by location so you need to dig into your state and local tax / surcharge rates. Sorry ot burst the bubble, but they are all valid charges.
05-15-2012 11:08:58 AM
Hi jve8885 - I understand that taxes and surcharges can add up. Please take a look at the link wingrider provided for an explanation of the charges you're seeing on the bill.
If you'd like, I'd be happy to have someone give you a call to go over your bill to ensure you understand everything. Just send me a private message with your name, account number, phone number and the best time to contact you.
To send a private message, you can either click on the link in this message or click on the little blue envelope in the upper right hand corner, click "compose new message" and type my username in the "Send To" field.
