I do not want or use the services.
Representatives insist that my local carrier has to send the company a stop order of some kind, but when I call SBC representatives say there is no record of us having AT&T as our long distance carrier so they can’t do anything.
We go back and forth with this every month, and I’m disgusted with all of them.
I’m wondering how many people they are doing this to who might not even know that they don’t really owe the money but don’t understand the process by which to extricate themselves from this incompetent grip.
How can it be that I can call AT&T repeatedly and tell the representatives I don’t want and am not using the company’s service, yet they still send a bill. Please help.
Susan Lavin and James Maile A I know just what you have been going through. I feel your frustration. Dealing with AT&T Long Distance has been a long, fruitless battle for me, too, although I have not seen a bill for a while from this service I do not use. But there is a happy ending to your story. AT&T representatives admitted they made an error in your case and have made the necessary adjustments. Consumer alert The California Department of Consumer Affairs has issued a consumer alert warning of a new law that goes into effect today that ends the practice of ``check floating,’’ or writing a check and going to the bank later to make a deposit to cover it. Also, if you have been getting your checks back in the mail, that will be replaced with copies instead of the originals. These changes are part of the Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act (Check 21), the new federal law. The new law is intended to improve the efficiency of the nation’s Your money now will be transferred out of your account shortly after a sale is completed, whether the check is processed at a checkout register or mailed to a payment center. Under Check 21, consumers have a right to a faster refund if they suffer a loss related to a substitute check. The law says banks have 10 business days to make a decision on a customer’s claim, and consumers who have incorrect charges against their checking accounts can then receive up to $2,500 back, with any remaining amount due within 45 days of the claim. If you have questions about how this will work for you, call your bank. You can also find more information at www.federalreserve.gov. Click on ``Check 21.’’ Here’s how to contact Action Line: Mail: San Jose Mercury News, 750 Ridder Park Drive, San Jose, Calif. 95190 actionline@mercurynews.com mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/ news/columnists/action_line/ Phone: Fax: (408) 288–8060. Live Online: Please include name, address and phone number. Action Line regrets that because of the number of requests, we cannot respond to all questions.
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