I am being billed for an account that does not exist.

My account was severed with AT&T long-distance in June.

At that time I changed my long-distance account to Verizon. I obtained the cancellation date by a call to Verizon Customer Service.

AT&T, however, did not cancel the account.

After a long call to a representative, I was informed that the account was canceled.

But, surprise, AT&T started billing me and while the amount is minimal ($39.79) it keeps on growing.

Now a collection agency is calling.

Previously, I have sent letters to AT&T Customer Service and later an e-mail. No response.

I need help.

Carroll K. Hurd
Gilroy

A I contacted AT&T for you and they agreed to credit your account the $39.79 they claim you owe them.

LaTrice Murphy, an AT&T executive appeals manager, sent you a letter with the details.

She said the credit should show up in one or two billing cycles.

What happened to you also happened to me and remains unresolved.

After four months of calls and one letter I succeeded in getting long-distance canceled on one line.

I have filed a complaint with the California Public Utilities Commission because the long-distance service showed up on my second line.

My problem remains unresolved because, under the rules as the Action Line columnist, I cannot ask AT&T brass to intercede for me as I do for you. I have to resolve my own problems like any other consumer.

That is why I filed a complaint with CPUC. I have not heard from them.

Telephone companies are forbidden by federal law to engage in cramming or scamming. Scamming is when a telephone company connects you to its service without your permission. And cramming is billing you for a service that you do not have or have canceled.

When you cancel long-distance service and have a different company providing local service, you have to call both companies to cancel your long-distance service. Your local provider will probably charge you a fee of about $8.50.

It is a system unfriendly to consumers and all too often results in a service you thought you canceled continuing to cost you.

To find out what long-distance service you have, call (700) 555–4141 and a recording will either tell you what service you have or that you cannot make a call without a long-distance service.

If you suddenly find that you have a long-distance service you did not sign up for or are billed for a service you do not have, you can file complaints with the CPUC at (800) 649–7570 or online at www.cpuc.ca.gov/static/forms/complaint.htm.

You can also file a complaint with the California Attorney General’s Office at ag.ca.gov/consumers/mailform.htm or call the Public Inquiry Unit toll-free at (800) 952–5225.