Thursday, May 24, 2012

Verizon FIOS scam

A word of caution to FIOS customers
 
I live in an apartment where FIOS was reportedly an option.  I am a college student and have no need for TV or landline.  I have the cheapest FIOS plan which is/was 54.99.  I bought a one-year contract and have had it for about 11 months now.  Recently I received a notice saying that due to increasing expenses, my service will go up to 59.99 upon automatic renewal.  The plan is still 54.99 for a one year contract for anybody who signs up, so it would appear Verizon is treating their existing customers to a nice $60/year fee.

I remember I had to jump through hoops before just to get an account number, because it is usually on your bill, but they told me that do not send people with FIOS-only plan a paper bill and thus, have no account number established.  It was and still is nearly impossible to find a link to a live CSR (chat) on their page.  My question was simply if I was going to be prompted to renew before my service ended (which is probably unlawful otherwise, but I did not mention).  Took 20min before I was told no, it's automatic, but that I wasn't even on a contract anyway and that my plan is month to month!  If I wanted to cancel or discuss the new rate I have to call, so I was given a "direct" number that misguided me to an automated system and finally to a sales lady.

She played stupid, trying to upsell me a package and ignoring my argument against the unaccountable $5/mo increase.  She was intentionally resistant and finally belittling over my cancellation "over just $5" and as if they were trained to handle the matter this way.

In summary, great internet provider, shitty customer service and prices.  The whole system seems shady, was never given a paper copy of my contract, no account number until I asked, automatic billing that never stops and increases automatically.  Probably a lawsuit waiting to happen.  I will probably buy a new contract at the lower rate once it is canceled.