Complain about a product or service

Verizon Local Service

Debra of New Kensington PA (07/01/08)
On 6/13/2008 a telephone pole rotted and fell on our garage roof. It put several holes in our roof then fell to the ground and snapped the wires in half and were stretched out across the road. We contacted verizon as soon as we noticed what happened. They sent a service man out and he said he was the wrong person for the job that someone else would be out. After a week another service woman came out and told us she wasn't the right person to do the job that someone else would need to come out.

We had another appointment yesterday and no one showed up or tried to contact us. Again no service. It has been over 3 weeks now that we have not had service and in the meantime all the rain we have had is pouring into our garage thru the holes in the roof. I keep calling and spoke to several supervisors and nothing is being done to repair the damages or restore our service, and the wires are still laying across the road. I am at wits end and don't know what to do, I need some help. Thank you,

James of Finleyville PA (06/19/08)
I noticed on my Verizon telephone bill that there was a charge for $8.73 for mbg VMail Mthsvcfee to LTD Teleservices. I never authorized these people to provide any such service. I have voice mail though Verizon Freedom Esseentials and I also have an answering machine. I, in no way contacted these people to provide me with any such service. I don't need it.

I called and talked to an employee named Nat and he said that he would disconnect it and that I would still have to pay this amount and it supposedly will be taken off of my next bill. This has been going on since February and each month they say I will get a refund.

Cynthia of Ozone Park NY (06/18/08)
We are small wholesale party goods distributor located in Ozone Park, NY. Ever since we have Verizon as my phone service and internet provider three years ago, we have nothing but headaches. The phone line is constantly down,technicians and customer service give us the run around and closes ticket even though the line is not fixed.

The box which is old and located inside a bakery and next to garbage dump need to be replaced according to Verizon technician is still the same old....with wires hanging all over. Also they are not fixing the defective cable as they promised. We need your help desparately. We need the phone line and internet service to do business so that we can pay our rent and employees. Last time it happened it took weeks before we got the phone back. Please help! Thank you in advance.

We lost business calls before we were able to diverted the phone line to our cellphone. We were not able to ship our merchandise on a timely basis. We incurred additonal cell phone charges as result of phone diversion.

Miriam of Monsey NY (06/17/08)
last year nov when I came back from a trip to Israel I went online to pay my phone bill the total was over 1000 so I called verison and they did see an additional cell phone billed to my home phone I went ahead and paid the bill in full and was promised to get credit for 417 in the next 2 billing cycle.

well the credit never showed up and since them I'm just constantly calling and being promised credit but in vain. at this time I just feel humiliated at this point when they constantly stop my home and cell phone for nonpayment which is negligence and mismanagement on their part.

In april I paid 330.68 and was told my balance will zero but the next month got a bill of 540.31 past due charges besides the bill that was incorrect. for example I dont have verizon online and was charge 39.99 and was supposed to be charged 28.99 monthly, and wireless was suppose to be billed seperately but its ending up to be 318.35 for the month. I would appreciate if you can help me get out of this mess.

William of Herndon VA (06/12/08)
Since May 31, 2008, we have made numberious calls to Verizon to report static on our home phone line ever since a severe thunderstorm on May 31st. On June 4, they dispatched someone who checked the line outside our subdivision, and they closed the ticket because he got a dial tone out there. We were never notified and the next day we called again and requested they schedule someone again because the phone line still had static - both inside our house and at the network interface box outside on our house. They scheduled a repairman for June 11, but no one showed up, nor did anyone call to let us know that they couldn't make it.

After another call to Verizon and a request that the problem be escalated, a dispatch person called back the evening of June 11th to say the problem would be escalated this morning, and a repairman would be dispatched this morning. It's now 11 AM, and no one has shown up. We called them again today and a supervisor named Mrs. Winston got on the line and said a dispatcher was still trying to find a technician to assign our ticket to. That is just crazy.

Verizon's lack of service shows a total disregard for clients and an unacceptable business practice, not to mention horrible customer service. We are being charged for premium services and packages for telephone features that we haven't been able to use going on 2 weeks now.

Jane of Mount Lookout WV (06/08/08)
The house phone went dead in the afternoon. I called from a neighbor's house to report it and Verizon stated that they couldn't repair it before the 17th. (Happened on June 5th 08) And I told them that was unacceptable. They then moved the date up to the 9th and I said it is STILL unacceptable. No reason was given for the outage.

On Sunday the 7th, the phone was fixed when I awoke. I could tell because we have DSL and the router was lit. NO explanation nor offer of reimbursement for 4 days. We have the highest $ package that Verizon offers and I feel this was TOTALLY unacceptable.

No computer access.

Teresa of Huntington Beach CA (05/31/08)
On April of 2008 I contacted Verizon and spoke with a gentleman by the name of Toby,they were offering a package deal of Direct t.v., Verizon home phone service and and the internet for a cost of $113.00 and because of my age (79) I was eligible for the lifeline program which would bring the package deal down to $103 or $98 per month.I was with Time Warner and my monthly bill for basic cable and 1 tier, phone and internet came to $175.00 and every month the bill was going up so I decided to cancel when I saw the ad on t.v. for Verizon.I was promised that the quote Verizon gave me was true.

Verizon called me and cancelled the appointment from april 25th to the 29th. In the meantime I had cancelled Time Warner and they shut my phone off and was without phone service for 6 days. Then Direct t.v. came and installed the their service but was told that they had no order for the internet, I explained to the man that I ordered the package, internet, Direct t.v. and phone, he said that I would have to call Verizon to find out what happened so I called and was told that I needed to speak to a supervisor her name is Missy, she told me that she was sorry and everything will be taken care of but I would not be receiving the internet because their wasn't a slot opened and that we were first on the list and it shouldn't be more than 2 weeks and here we are going into June and still no internet,

I was told that because of the problems that I would receive $100 to pay for the internet because I had to stay with Time Warner until their was an opening. Now I'm paying seperately for 3 bills, Direct t.v is $73.13, Verizon is $48.25 and Time Warner which I had to stay with until they had a slot opened was$44.00 so total I had to pay $165.38 as opposed to the so-called package which would have only cost me between $98-$103. I'm right back where I started with Time Warner.

I called Direct t.v. today May 30th, and was told that Verizon cancelled my package, I asked to speak to a supervisor and was told no one was available. I left a message for Missy to call me because they did not forefill their contract. I feel that I am being discriminated and taken advantage of because of my age. How can they offer a package deal that I'm locked in for 2 years and haven't received the services that I'm entitled to.

I have been so stressed, I'm a cancer patient and this has been going on for over 1 1/2mo. No one will help me they all keep passing the buck to someone else and I get no results, I'm on a fixed income and can't afford $175.00 a month that's why I cancelled with Time Warner because Verizon gave me this so-called fantastic deal which I have yet to receive but I'm paying for it dearly.

Audrey of New Brunswick NJ (05/17/08)
On July of last year i applied for service from verizon thru my medicate card since i am unemploy and collecting assistance since then they have turned my life inside out with outrageous bills ofter bill and also false and misleading information. I was told i would get service under the medicaid card which should only run about $30 a month i ended up with internet that i did not request and additional phone service i did not request or sign up for.

I have tried unsuccesfuly to reason with them and to get the situation retified paying money order which i have reciept for that they claimed they have not recieved and countless harrassment form their sales rep asking if i need their service and when am i going to pay their bills all in the same sentence. I am fed up and tired of verizon and their customer service reps and is asking for someone to look into this unethical and socially irresponsible practice on their behalf.

I now am not able to get internet from another company as verizon has block my line from recieving service from any other isp provider so that they are the only ones i can get on my computer

Tonya of Bushkill PA (05/09/08)
I am high risk with the danger of going into premature labor. Doctors orders are to reduce stress. Verizon assigned me another account without telling me when I tried to get my husband added to my account. They told me they could not do that, but instead, created a WHOLE new account for my married name.

They did not transfer the positive balance of 193 (I have been prepaying so I did not have to worry about this when I had the baby), wants the 155 from the second account they setup on their own and twice now has NOT resolved the issue and disconnected my line for a second time! If I go into labor, I have no way of getting help right away! I dont understand how they OWE me money and are soooooooooooo nasty telling me I have to pay this bill and wait 3-4 weeks for a check from the first account...or they have the right to disconnect my line!

Jimmy of W. Sayville NY (04/14/08)
I signed up with Verizon Basic Local Services for my Fax machine. I already had Verizon on my main line. I received a promotion in the mail for $19.99 a month plan. I signed up. My first bill was $93.50! I called and complained and they said it was pro-rated for 7 weeks and then there is taxes , and that my second bill will show alot of credits.

February comes rolling around and no credits. I called up today (4/14/08) and was told I would not receive a creidt and the first bill is always higher this practive has been going on for a long time, that's just the way it is that is what I was told! My advice is keep every piece of paper that is sent to you (promotion in the mail) and keep the name of the person, time and date you spoke, and get it in writing, don't take there word for it.

I was so aggrivated that my wife thought I was going to pop a vein in my head, I was so red , my blood pressure must have been through the roof! They just don't care

Normajane of Whitehouse Station NJ (04/13/08)
This about old bills that never recievied from my old address from 6 yrs old. It now 2008 and file law suit against from old phone bill. That I never got and am very upset. Cause I have tried to get this problem straight out and the lawyer that hired for this problem threat and I have faxed and written letters and they never answer me.

Well because of this I have judgement against me and I have called them and being transfer to differnet dept until I got disconneted. Am very upset about this cause I been out of my old adress for aleast 6 yrs. please help me

Jen of Germantown MD (04/07/08)
Switching to verizon was the worst mistake I've ever made. I can't even write my whole sotry because it will jsut get me worked up, however I would not reccomend Verizon to anyone who does not want their blood pressure to sky rocket.

Paul of Bayside NY (03/28/08)
I was promised a camcorder if I signed up for internet & phone service. It was installed 11/28/07. I have called & e-mailed repeatedly but no one there can help me. I have been given 8-10 different numbers to call and still no one can help. Was this a scam to get people to sign up?

I never received my camcorder I was promised

Maxima of Paterson NJ (03/24/08)
MonthsagoI made complaint about the same company, verizon. I told you that since my housing burning in Jan 17 2007. Verizon put my bill highest, for that reason I made the complaint with you. I'm so tired of that kind of abuser like them. I got the regional plan with them. This plan got 3way call,call ID and much more,but they took away Since I made the complaint. They are continuing with higher bill. Do you think that is fair. I can't pay hundreds a month for a service that cut it my plan. when my bill was less than threrty a month. They are think that I gonna pay this amount each month.

I GOT HEADACHES ALL THE TIME, EVERY DAY, EVERY WEEK, EVERY MONTH, AND THE WHOLE YEAR ROUND. EACH MONTH I WAIT THAT BILL AND MY HIGH PRESURE GETS HIGHER.

Dalida of Providence PA (03/24/08)
Around 10/07, I decided to change my phone package to save money; I opted to take out regional calls; not knowing that with my son using the computer, it would be a huge mistake. Now, I have a debt of $4,099.

I think that Verizon should it called me and make me aware of this outrageous bill; instead of continuing billing this monstruous bill (I have never seen a 2 mos. phone bill this high)- Now, I have a collection agency asking me to pay I do not know how I am going to pay that back and also, I am afraid I'd ruin my credit history: my son is jobless and just make enough to make a decent living. back. I am juggling to take care of other bills.

Ronald of Riverview FL (03/18/08)
I have had my phone service with Verizon for several years. I called customer service and requested to have all my service to a new address. When I got my bill they had raised everything. Plus, on top of that, they charged me an installation charge of 80 bucks and an activation fee of 30 bucks; so what it amounts to is they started a new service instead of the transfer like they said on the phone. They lied to me, and I am very disgusted with this company. They sent me a bill for $336. I am going to cancel my service with Verizon and go to Brighthouse who I think are cheaper with a lot better service package.

I have high blood pressure, and when I got my bill I was so upset my blood pressure went through the roof. I had to take a nitro tablet to stop my chest pain.

Ramon of North Brunswick NJ (03/17/08)
Few years ago I had a Lan line and internet access with Verizon. I lost my job at that time and called them up and cancel my account with them; after that, I was in that particular address for about a year and I never got a bill from Verizon or any paperwork. Now, they hired a Lawyer and went to the court and they had a Wage Execution done and the problem is that, I never got notified either with a certified letter or regular letter nor did I get served personally. They are charging me $1,699.27 dollars for services or whatever that I haven't use. The law says that, I need to get notify and that I have 10 days to answer back but; how I am going to answer if I don't know what is happening?

This emotionally had put me under a lot of stress, plus I have to mention the fact of been embarrassed at work, specially Human Resources Department.

Esther of Atlantic City NJ (03/15/08)
On Nov. 4 2007 I signed up for the Verizom Promotion of all 3 services.I was promised an 19 in color hd flat screen tv.I was told a letter would arrive in 3 weeks to tell me how to claim it. I called them in Dec,Jan,Feb and March.Each time I was told the same story,they had to hand generate a letter and it would take 4 weeks for it to arrive. It is now 4 months and I have not received confirmation or the TV.

Deborah of Emmaus PA (03/04/08)
I have been a business customer of Verizon since June 07. I have called them three times about not having my business listed in the information database. In other words, if people call 411 or information and ask for my business name, they are told, there is no listing. Three times I have called Verizon and they still have not fixed it. I pay $170+ per month for their services. After three calls it is clear they are not going to correct this issue.

Lost business... I want to change providers and recover a portion of my monthly payments.

Dave of Centre Hall PA (03/02/08)
I canceled my long distance service several years ago. Now I am being billed for not using enough long distance service and having a tax added to that bill. I just noticed it, but they have been charging me for about a year. I have been unable to contact Verizon through their web site, even though it has acknowledged getting my complaint and even telling me that I would receive a confirming email.

Verizon is billing me about $3.00 per month for a service that I told them I did not want, never use and have been unable to get rid of.

Bernice of New York NY (02/25/08)
I made a call to Verizon on 2/7/08 telling them that I had static on the line and was told by an automatic service that the trouble was on their end and they would repair it. I got a bill on the mail for $91.00 and $5.00 late fee claiming someone was sent to my home and to the basement of where I live and therefore I have to pay $91.00 when that is not true. No one came to my building or to my home to repair anything because the trouble was not in our end. I have called the repair dept. and all they have done is bounce me from one number to another. Repair dept. keeps telling me to call billing and when I call billing I am sent to repair. It's a game they are playing and now I am forced to pay $91.00 on top of my bill with late fee of $5.00 in order to keep my service.

Cindy of Ridgewood NY (02/24/08)
In Dec 2007, I signed up with Verizon for its Triple Play service, which provides unlimited local and long distance landline phone service, online DSL service, and DirecTV satellite television for a flat rate of $94.99 a month, with all three services billed on a single monthly bill. The promo for what I signed up Verizon Freedom Triple Play I was supposed to get a free sharp 19 LCD HDTV and get my first month of High Speed Internet Free. Yet from the start I have received three separate bills for the three separate services, at fees that do not reflect the Triple Play discount.

I have called customer service and billing dept, and have dealt with at least ten people at Verizon's escalation unit in pass three months, all of whom have different answers. Such as the account discount will take effect after the first billing circle by the billing dept; you qualified the promo, we will mail you the promo letter in four to six weeks from now from customer service; you don't qualify for the promo because you are an existing Verizon customer by billing dept; I wasalso even had a promised if I dont get my 19? LCD TV, he will credit me $200 in other ways from a customer service rep Mr. Lee. I recently called the on line promo to try resolve my problem on Feb 21, 08, I was told that they had sent me the wrong promo letter in January, 08, I have to wait for that letter to expire and wait another four to six week to get my new promo letter. I am not very happy with all these different answers and this has been going on for couple months, I still can't get the problems resolved by Verizon. By filing the complaint, I urgently await resolution of caption problems.

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James of Berwick PA (02/20/08)
I signed up for a bundle in early November 07 and that I have a confirmation email received 11/12/07 that I enrolled in this bundle where I was to get free house to cell phones, 200 added cell minutes and it was to cost me $39.99 per month for the house phone and put on one bill. Today they tell me that it was never in effect or it was not in service which explains why my bill kept getting higher instead of lower. I attempted to communicate via web form a number of times never to get an answer. I called a number of times and no one ever told me that I was not on that service even though I asked about that service and why my bill was still so high. Was also supposed to get a $50.00 credit for being the first time user of verizon and now they tell me I cannot get that credit because I am already an established customer. Do other people have similar complaints and is this a bait and switch sort of scam?

I am unable to bring bill balance down and phone service was shut off due to high bill. Spent lots of time emailing and on phone to try to resolve problems with service and billing.

Farahmand of Upper Montclair NJ (02/12/08)
I am trying to talk to someone but for the last two days. I spent several hours on the phone and after keeping you waiting 30 to 40 minutes, the phone line gets disconnected and I cannot talk to no one

Carolyn of Satl Point NY (01/07/08)
The problem is that we have had very poor service from the moment we moved in our home, 18 years ago. Our phone goes out when we experience changes in the weather - snow, rain, freezing rain, etc. We call the repair department relentlessly. We have had numerous service technicians tells us that the line is an old lead line that needs to be replaced and Verizon refuses to completely repair. We get quick fixes - that last fix this past weekend may have lasted 24 hours at best. When you call our line it rings twice and goes to a fast busy signal. We go through the same rig and roll each time we lose phone service never receiving a credit for our service being out nor the inconvenience it causes. We are now completely frustrated! We have had to raise three boys with no reliance on the phone. And as they grow and are out on the roads we have not way of relying on our phone service to make sure they are alright, when to pick them up. In fact, as I write this complaint my 11 year old is home sick with his older brother home from college watching him relying on spotting cell service to get in touch with me at work if something was to go wrong. Schools can never contact me, my husband and my parents are getting older and can not rely on getting through to us if they need us - I could go on and on. I am could go on and on after 18 years of bad service and no real repair done to our phone. My husband and I want to move forward and get Verizon to take care of this problem once and for all. We don't know where to turn.

Lisa of Elmont NY (01/04/08)
My home phone has not been working since Dec. 19, 2007. When I contacted Verizon, a tech was there the next day. I was impressed until 7 other techs came to visit my telephone pole and cannot fix the problem. They say my phone wire is an old copper wire, and they are not going to replace them. It is now Jan. 4, and I still do not have a phone in my home. I call every day and get the same run around from the repair dept.

No home phone since 19 Dec. 07. No contact.

Meg of Plainfield NJ (01/02/08)
In late 2006 I signed on for Verizon Triple Play-3 services, one price. In spring 2007, Direct TV no longer worked as there was no signal due to the leaves on the numerous mature trees on my property. I made call after call, everyone telling me that the person I had earlier talked to had not done what they were supposed to do. On 9/28, my last call, Mr. Daniel Davis assurred me that the account was closed and no further action would be taken. He told me that effective today I was not responsible for any contractual issues as Verizon could not keep up their end of the arrangement. On 12/31/07 I received notice that my account has been sent to collections. I called 1/2/08 and after two calls, numerous transfers, extended holds and excuses, I was transferred to Ms. Robinson, who after reviewing my account told me that my account had been placed in a dry loop in August instead of being cancelled. She told me to hold and she would transfer me to collections. I was hung up on again. My total time on the phone today was 1 hour and 39 minutes. Nothing was accomplished, I am angry and frustrated. What can I do? I don't want my credit to be affected because of their ineptness. I don't have hours to sit on the phone for nothing.

Referred to Collections. There is not even an address to write to. I do not want my credit affected. Further I have a dish on my house that Direct TV placed, harming my siding. They refuse to remove it. I have physical limitations which make it impossible to remove it, but the siding is ruined underneath it anyways. There is a drilled hole in my foundation, but they don't care.

Catherine of New York NY (12/22/07)
I am a small business owner in New York City and have Verizon business plan. Recently Verizon contacted my company saying that they can keep our rate with no increases by upgrading our plan for an additional $10  per month. We approved the upgrade approximately a month ago, providing we would not have interrupted service. They assured us that wasn't an issue. Today on December 21st, the height of the retail selling season, we lost our main phone line and could not receive calls. This caused a major rippling effect. Clients were unable to call us, making us lose business. And because our alarm system goes through our main phone line, we had no security. This is huge issue; we are a retail fine jewelry store; we need protection and have none. Additionally, because the alarm system recognized trouble on the phone line, the panel sends a loud beeping signal through the showroom. This cannot be disengaged or shut off. It will only stop when the phone line is working. And that caused our walk in clients to leave as the sound is annoying.

I was on the phone with Verizon for hours with no satisfaction. At 2:49 PM I spoke to a customer service representative who thought it was from the upgrade and transferred me to Verizon's central station. The gentleman who answered sounded intoxicated, laughed and hung up. We were stunned and and called customer service again, asking for the supervisor. I spoke to Ms. Irving, and explained again the problem and how it was an emergency to solve. I explained the representative prior mentioned it could've been an error when they upgraded. She disagreed and said the soonest she can resolve it was Monday. I told her that was not possible, we are retail jewelry, we have no alarm, and we were losing business at a crucial time. After an hour of holding, she said she would call back with a answer. Ms. Irving did not call. By 7:30 PM I called again and spoke to another person that was more helpful and understood the terrible situation we were in. She researched in more depth and agreed, it is clearly from the upgrade, however the problem is they are closed until Monday but will do what she can in the meantime.

This could possibly have been resolved today had Ms. Irving took my situation more seriously, and dealt with central station at my first call. I find it unacceptable that we should be in danger for the next few days over their incompetence, and poor customer service. Additionally it is frustrating that we explained clearly to Verizon if the upgrade could potentially cause a problem, we were not interested. Retailers wait for an entire year for these few days before Christmas. Verizon has put my staff and my company in a dangerous position in every way. They should be held accountable for their incompetence, and lack of customer service or care. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.

Mohammad of Frederick MD (12/10/07)
I have made several international calls through Startec.net service by dialing their 800 number. But the calls are being charged by Verizon Telephone Co instead of Startec.net. I do not know what happened and it was probably a system error, which cased to call to go through Verizon and they charged me $7.10 per minute that equal to $390.00 charged to my account. I tried to resolve the issue through Verizon, but their customer service did not even want to look at the issue which caused this error, and I am stuck with $400.00 bill. I talked to a supervisor and she also did not want to resolve the issue. Instead she advised me not to use calling card services and use their international calling service. I feel I am being robed by the telephone company by charging $7.10 minute. I hope someone could help me resolve the issue with Verizon Telephone Co.

Doris of Easton MD (12/08/07)
My Billing Guys are charging $8.23 on my Verizon telephone bill, and I do not have any idea what this is for. I called Verizon and was informed I had to call the company direct. I did call the number given to me, and stayed on the line for at least a half hour. No one ever came on the line. What can I do about this?

Sudhir of San Jose CA (11/05/07)
I had signed up with Verizon for phone service however they were not able to provide me the service for the next 4-6 weeks in that area. Given that, I called them and cancelled it and instead chose Comcast. But, they started to send me bills every month until I moved out of that place. The fact is, no one from Verizon ever came to my house to install the phone and I obviously never made a single call from this phone.

I called Verizon several times during that period requesting them to fix this error and close my account. Everytime, I was greeted with a courteous voice on the other end and assured me that the problem will be taken care of. But no one at Verizon did anything about it even though it was logged as an issue in their notes. Finally, Verizon decided to seek help from a collection agency.

Mary Ellen of West Harrison NY (11/04/07)
Over 1 year ago I ordered an additional phone line for my home based business.  Tecnicians assigned to install the additional line could not complete the installation in my home. Thus, I was forced to simply cancel the order. Over the past year I spoke to Verizon customer service informing them of the failed installation and to please stop sending bills for a phone line which was never installed. I continued to receive bills from Verizon. In addition, several collection agengencies have contacted me for payment.

Lawrence of Lompoc CA (09/21/07)
I made a payment by Bill Pay Services. When I paid the bill, I made an error with the decimal point, instead of $76.69, $7669.00 was transfered to Verizon on August 20, 2007. My credit union informed me of this by telling me they transfered funds to cover the payment of $7669.00. I immedately called Verizon on the 23rd of August and tried to explain the overpayment, they showed that I paid $76.69 and showed no credit. I explained that the money was in fact transfered to them and inquired where it was, what was amazing to me is they deducted $76.69 and the $7592.31 was missing.

After my persistance the operator finally located the money, apparently it had been transfered into what they called a slush/overpayment account. The operator said that she made a note and flagged my account of this situation. On August 27, 2007 I called again (after hearing nothing from Verizon)and the operator could not find any record of the overpayment.

It is clear to me that Verizon is making it so difficult to get my overpayment back, that they want to wear you down so you say forget it. How much money have they received in this manner? Why doesn't Verizon show overpayments like other businesses?

Jose of Brooklyn NY (09/18/07)
Verizon is charging me for a long distance phone call I didn't make. It states that on Saturday, August 4, 2007, at 11:57 A.M., I made a long distance phone call from to Ghana for the length of 19 minutes, charging me a total of $100.85. I spoke to a Verizon supervisor but he insists I made the phone call and have to pay the amount. I didn't make the phone call and no one in my family made the phone call.

Jennifer of Woodside NY (09/14/07)
when you want to speak to a representative you go through the prompts then they hang-up on you because we are experienceing high call volume ,please call again. i have tried numerous time to get a customer representative. average wait to get the message...14 minutes!!

John of Lawton MI (07/30/07)
Last month, the charges on my land line phone increased by 50% without any notice or warning. Previously I had charges of ~$16.00 per month. New charges are now $24.00 per month. Explanation is an increased line charge, an increased cost for the local minimal package offered, and new surcharges to be added (on a per call basis?). This phone is used infrequently and I have also contracted with Midwest Energy Co-op for their lower charge long distance.

A better approach would have been: Things are about to change, and here are your choices.---instead of Here, pay this higher amount. And if you want, look us up on the web to see if there are other options. Now, can someone convince my employer to increase my wages by 50%?

Regina of Brooklyn NY (07/24/07)
I signed up for a $19.99 in May 2007 special after that would last for 6 months and after the 6 month I would be charged 39.99 I received a bill in June 2007 for over $100.00 which included 3 way calling which I did not sign up for. I notified them that they had made an error and that I needed a new bill the send me another bill for over $100.00.

I tried getting help by calling customer service, instead they cut off my service on July 23, 2007 and when I called the collection service rep told me I will now have to pay additional fee to turn the service on.

As a result I cannot contact my mom who is 87 years old and lives alone in South Carolina. Just recently she was ill and I need my phone to call her. I am also a single parent with a minor child in the household. THis cut off was unnecessary.

Barbara of East Meadow NY (07/16/07)

There is a metal box dangling from the overhead power lines in our backyard. I have called numerous times to have the box repaired or removed before it pulls down the electrical wires or falls on someone. I've made repeated requests over the past few months. It is still there. We do not use Verizon as our phone service, and feel that since we are not actually customers, they do not care about our safety.

Joyce of Fredericksburg VA (03/29/07)

It has been 2 1/2 weeks since a Verizon employee used a telephone line from our security access system and the emergency phone line in elevator in an over 55 community to give a line to new customers. Security systems are down and I cannot get Verizon to return to correct their mistake. Seniors are at risk.  If the elevator fails they have no way to communicate with police/fire dept. Entrance access system is off line allowing anyone to enter at any time.

Jean of Wadsworth OH (03/28/07)

I called to clear up a billing question. I have not gotten thru to anyone. I have been on hold for 1 hour and 23 min, and still holding as I write this.

Nancy of Port Elizabeth NJ (01/01/07)

Verizon placed a charge on my phone bill from a company named ILD for a voicemail I never ordered. When I contacted ILD they stated my son ordered this service, though the only information they had was his screen name - not even my address was correct. When I told ILD my son was only 14 yrs. old they immediately stopped giving me the information they had - claiming of all things - privacy issues.

They stopped placing charges on my bill, but I have not been credited for the $67.27 past billings. I got was put into collections and all my Verizon extra services have been cancelled.

Gary of Bryn Mawr PA (12/08/06)

Verizon has permitted outside charges on our statement without permission, even though we have a block against any changes to our account unless there is prior authorization by us. We were charged $16.69 & $14.02. Without checking each item each month on the eight page bill no one would notice the charges and just pay the bill, which we did for one month. We immediately called Verizon, only to be told they can't remove the charges!

Tina of Apple Valley CA (12/08/06)
For years I was finding charges on my bill that I knew were not mine. I would call Verizon and tell them that I never made the calls! They would tell me that the calls were dialed direct and I had to have made them. Then I got a phone bill with over $300.00 worth of charges made on a phone card to my number. I spent over two hours on the phone explaining to them that I did not have a phone card and that I didn’t make the calls. After hours on the phone, they took the charges off....then they asked me if I would like to order a phone card. I answered, "You've got to be kidding"?!

Then one day I received a call from Verizon asking me if I could take a few minutes and update all of my information with them. They proceeded to give me information that wasn’t mine, other than the correct number. The woman said my number was one of ten phone numbers connected to some radio station.

Next, my phone service got completely changed and I stopped receiving bills all together. I called and asked what was going on and was told they would investigate it. Then a few months later I received a bill for over $350.00. I discovered that I had been “slammed".

Nearly two years ago, I paid my bill in full and cancelled service with Verizon. Guess what? I just received a bill from a collection agency stating that they are attempting to collect a debt for Verizon for $80.78, this time for a phone number I have never had. Somebody help me, please!

Wayne of Milford MA (7/16/03):
I am a handicapped person. I signed up with Kelly in October. I explained that I only wanted local unlimited service because I would be online a lot. I told her I was going to use a Franklin number for my Internet connect because it was local. And did not want to run up a bill. She said ok. I told her I wanted Lifeline - it's a discount for the handicapped. And I wanted AT&T for long distance. She told me they are going out of business and I could use Verizon. I said no. She never gave me my phone number. Had to call them back to get it.

Next thing I know I get a bill for $119.00. I called them and they told me Franklin was a toll call at 5 cents a minute. The total cost was $268.00 They said it was my fault and I had to pay it. That was just what I did not to happen when I talked to Kelly. I never received the form for Lifeline. It took two calls to get it. It was a hardship to pay the high bills. The money that I paid them was for glasses I need badly and the clothes for winter I could not buy.

Catherine of Bronx NY (6/27/03):
My line has been broken for almost 2 weeks and Verizon has not done anything other than give me stories of what they are trying to do. They claimed to have found the break in the line but a neighbor refused to allow entry. This is nonsense. I lived here for 50 years and spoke to all the neighbors on the block. No one from any company approached anyone on my block. The R family is the property they claimed they spoke with. Mr. R said that no one rang his bell or left a note or anything. Same with all the neighbors on the block. They know me well and know my phone is down.

My son went out and purchased a cell phone for me but I don't know how to use it. I am 77 years old, on medications and suffer from central nerveous system tremors. I need my phone service that I have been paying for on time for the past 50 years. Verizon has been notified by many of my family members, explaining I am handicapped, elderly, on meds and can't even call 911 if I needed to. They could not only have fixed the line much sooner (still not working) but they could have offered me an emergency cell phone so I could dial 911 under the conditions. They have no regard for human life, no respect for the elderly, no respect for handcapped and NO SOLUTIONS... but I will receive a full bill each and every month.

Called Ms Edwards, left a message, as they never pick up their lines, was called back only to be told that someone did in fact call me. When I challanged her on this, she said "Are you calling me a liar?" I replied that no one from Verizon called back. She said that as far as she knew the issue was resolved. I repeated the issue, only to be told that "it's taken care of" - which was a fabrication. Issue is still not taken care of.

Roslyn of Fresh Meadows NY (6/25/03):
I am trying to get my home phone installed. It was supposed to be turned on May 30, 2003. There was a problem with the line, the follow-up day of repair was given as June 3, 2003; they never showed or called to inform me it was canceled, the next date was June 19th...it was canceled without any call. I subsequently spoke with a supervisor who assured me that everything would be done so that it would not happen again. Repair was scheduled for June 26th ... well it just happened again without a phone call. I'm a single mother with a 4 yr old I need a phone.

Robin of Rowlett TX writes (4/30/02):
We had been a customer of GTE/Verizon for approx. 19 years. Last year we switched to AT&T Broadband local service. We moved on April 25, 2002 to a house in our same town. That neighborhood does not have AT&T so we contacted Verizon a week ahead of time and asked if it would be possible to get our old Verizon number back? The person with Verizon said that would be done and the date was set to install the phone lines on the 25th.

Moving day came and when Verizon had not shown up by 9 am or so we decided to call and see when they planned on comming. We were told the install was cancelled. After numerous calls on the 25th. I discovered the reason. We could not be issued our old number since we had cancelled it a year earlier and they have some rule about not switching a cancelled number to a new address?

We were told Monday the 29th would be the earliest date available. I asked if they could please get someone out by the 26th. I was told they would call me back and they never did, several times. I called back and got in touch with the same supervisor who said she could do nothing. I then asked to talk with her supervisor and was connected. She said that since I was trying to get an earlier date that now the Monday 29th date was gone and Thursday May 2nd. was the best they could do. I have all the names of the people I spoke with and the dates. I feel they are punishing me since we switched. The attitude of the people I spoke with was bad.

We have no phone service now. We have been without phone service since the 25th. and will not have any until the 2nd of May, if were lucky. If they would have simply told us the number was not available we would have stuck with our existing numbers, thats another problem, my number I use in my business that is printed on my fax cover sheets can not be switched without waiting even longer! It seems they forgot to have an independent firm on the line to confirm our switching carriers when my wife initially called in.

I am out of town emailing this from a hotel, my wife is home alone without phone service. I use one line for my business and need to send and receive faxes. I have had to go to Office Depot, Kinko's etc.

Several individuals in our company wished to have a DSL line installed. Yesterday one such individual was scheduled. He was told he had to stay home all day to wait for the service technicians to come and install his line.

He did indeed stay home. By mid-afternoon they had not yet shown up. This individual finally received a call from the Bell Atlantic workmen saying they were at that address but nobody was there. Obviously, that was not true.

At first we gave them the benefit of the statement and thought that maybe he just didn't hear the doorbell. But thanks to a Bell Atlantic service, "Caller ID," we were able to track were they called from. The call was made from the other side of the city, nowhere near this person's residence.

When they finally showed up they were confronted with this and just hemmed and hawed for an answer.

As I said before this is not the only incident I've had with this company. As a matter of fact the same situation has happened a number of times with another individual from my company who is still waiting patiently for them to find the right house to make the installation.