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Overcharging

Phone and internet bills should show what you agreed to. There should be no surprises.

TIPS

How you can work with your provider on overcharging issues

  1. Check the charges on your bill match what you agreed to when you signed up.

  2. Contact your provider and ask them to explain the charges.

  3. Ask your provider to investigate any mistakes and refund any overcharged amounts.

  4. Write down any conversations with your provider.

  5. Keep paying for charges you are not disputing.

GOOD PRACTICE

What we expect your provider to do

If you’ve reported an overcharging issue, your provider should:

  • Show proof

    Your provider should prove that every charge on your bill is accurate and matches what you agreed.

  • Keep your service on

    Your provider cannot cut off or suspend your service while you are disputing charges.

  • Investigate the high bill

    Your provider should review the bill and waive or refund the money if they can’t explain the charge within a reasonable time.

  • Stop credit action immediately

    Your provider cannot send any outstanding charges to a debt collector while you are disputing the charges.

Ready to make a complaint?

10-20 minutes


OUR CONSIDERATIONS

We look at what went wrong, what your provider told you and if they did enough to fix it.

  • What your provider told you when you signed up

  • If your provider can show the charges are accurate

  • How your provider investigated the dispute and if they shared the results

  • If your provider took any credit action while you disputed the charges

  • If your provider refunded any overcharged amounts

  • If you are having difficulty paying your bills

POSSIBLE OUTCOMES

Depending on your situation, we may ask your telco to...

  • Give you a refund

    Pay back or credit you for the time your service didn’t work or wasn’t connected.

  • Waive charges

    Remove any charges they cannot show you agreed to.

  • Offer a payment plan

    Set up a payment plan if the high bill is correct but you cannot afford it.

How we've helped others