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Verizon Wireless - "Perpetual" Contracts

Verizon Wireless • Rates • Coverage • Contracts • "Perpetual" Contracts • Billing Disputes • Other Verizon Services --- News • Verizon Wireless Opens Network to All Devices, Software • Verizon Agrees to Stop 'Unlimited' Claims • Verizon Wireless Changes Contract Policy • Verizon Wireless Raises Text Message Rate • Verizon Limits Its "Unlimited" Wireless Broadband Service • Verizon Wireless Cuts Early Termination Fee

Mark of Dobbs Ferry NY (10/1/03):
At a Radio Shack store (on Central Ave. in White Plains, NY) I added a phone line as part of Verizon's "family plan" and signed a contract for 1 year for the new line. I then received by mail confirmation of the new 1-year service, and also confirmation that I had extended my original contract for 2 more years, which I was never told nor agreed would happen.

The Verizon customer service rep said my original contract said that if I ordered any change in service or new products I automatically extend my original contract by 2 years. I don't have a copy of the original contract. Even though I'm a lawyer, I had no clue that original contract went as long as it did (2 years). Remedy?

No question it's an outrage. But there's some question about the remedy. Certainly, action on abuses of this kind is long overdue.

Jose of Miami Beach FL (6/20/03):
My Mother 83 years old. She is a customer of Verizon Wireless. She activated a one-year wireless contract on 06/04/02. She apparently "authorized" a renewal as a result of her trying to cancel her contract yesterday. She was told that she called October of 2002 to extend her service but that is impossible since she is legally deaf. She can hear selective sounds and speak but cannot hold such a conversation.

She is now being required to keep the contract until October 2003 or it will cost her $175.00. They also said that she received a new phone and that "automatically" reactivated her account on October. But this referenced "new" phone was not a new phone but a replacement phone due to the original phone being defective. She has a good credit rating and handles her account on time.

Jose should write a letter setting forth the facts of the matter, have his mother sign it and send it to Verizon via certified mail, return receipt requested, with a copy to the Florida Attorney General.

Carol of Elmira NY wires (5/19/02):
I have sent 6 written requests confirming that my account is closed and service discontinued. All letters have been ignored. Sent to various address, called and requested it, requested on e-mail.

All letter mailed completely ignored. E-mail sent response with no signature and a first name only which did not solve the problem. Phone requests said they could not send me anything in writing. Have charged me late fees because I have not paid last bill in full. I am now sending 1 dollar a month until I receive a wrtten reponse and the late fee remains.

Darelen of Brooks Lane, NC (5/15/02):
Verizon Wireless is charging me for service I have cancelled six months ago. I am no longer under contract but they refuse to cancel my cell phone account. I joined under a family plan with my brother and they say he needs to sign me off the account (the bill comes under my name to my address) but refuse to send him the paperwork. He has directly requested this from them twice to my knowledge.

Susan of Knoxville TN (5/28/03):
Over a year ago I contacted Verizon to cancel my phone service as I was planning to combine service with my husband. When I called the 1-800 number to cancel, I was transferred to an individual who kept lowering the monthly rate and doing everything possible to keep me from cancelling. I finally agreed to continue the service for a very low rate. At no time did he mention a two-year agreement and at no time did I agree to a two-year contract as I was planning to change after the next year.

After a year I called to cancel and was told that my service did not expire until February. In Feb. I called back only to be advised that my service was for a two-year plan. I informed the individual that I had never agreed to a two-year plan and had NEVER signed such an agreement. I asked them to send me a copy of said contract with my signature and they said they would put one in the mail. Weeks went by... no contract. I called again. The lady who answered apologized profusely and said she would put a copy of my contract in the mail that day. No contract.

I called back in three more weeks. Same story.. no contract. I then called back and explained to the individual that I was cancelling my service since it was apparent that I did not have a two-year contract. I was advised that I would have to pay an early termination fee of $175.00. I told them that I WOULD NOT pay a fee when I was not terminating my contract early as I DID NOT have a two-year contract. Weeks went by.. I received an invoice with the termination fee.

I sent Verizon a very nice, two-pace letter explaining the problem. No response. I received a late notice with another fee. I contacted Verizon by phone (again) and asked to speak to a supervisor. I was told that she was busy but she would call me back within the next few hours. No call. I called the next day and explained the story to a very nice gentleman who stated that he totally believed me but there was nothing he could do and that he would explain to a manager and have her call me the next day. I left both my home and work numbers. No calls from Verizon.

I have NEVER been late with a payment of any kind but I WIIL NOT pay for something which I did not order. This is fraud in my book.

Susan should send another letter -- this time certified, return receipt requested -- including a copy of her earlier letter, stating once again that she is not under an obligation to continue paying for Verizon service. She should send a copy to the Attorney General and Public Utility Commissions in her state.