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ZPDI: Zero Plus Dialing

ZPDI illustrates what happens when Congress is so busy trying to please warring lobbyists that it overlooks the consumer.

ZPDI • Feds Settle with BSG/ZPDI/Billing Concepts • Disputed Collect Calls • Expensive Collect Calls • Calling Card Calls • Hotel Room Calls • Scam Calls from Mexico • "Regular Carrier Unavailable" • Calls through Opticom --- • Congressional Action Needed to Stop ZPDI • You can fight back • ZPDI: What Can Consumers Do? • Consumer complaints about ZPDI and WXT Communications • Who's Behind ZPDI?

A little history: More than 70 years ago, Congress passed the Communications Act of 1934, which established a very orderly system that regulated telephone service, broadcasting and other public-service utilities. Everyone paid pretty much the same price and everyone got pretty much the same reliable, relatively inexpensive service.

It wasn't until 1996 that Congress once again stirred itself and, after decades of furious lobbying, passed the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which basically deregulated telephone service, cable TV and broadcasting as far as consumers are concerned, leaving in place just enough regulation to protect the big players who employ all those lobbyists.

ZPDI is a creature of the new "market-driven" telecom universe -- you know, the one that's brought you rising cable rates, bankrupt DSL providers and, oh yes, all the new local phone service competitors. (See ZPDI: Behind the Screen)

What can you do?

• Fight back. We have reports from consumers who've done it and won.
• Write your Congressional representatives. Unless you live in Washington, D.C., you are represented by two Senators and one Member of Congress. To get their addresses, type your Zip code in the box above. More on this topic.
• Complain loudly, publicly and bitterly to ZPDI's "partners." ZPDI is a billing agent for companies and institutions that own the telephones in hotels, hospitals and prisons and for payphones located in stores, airports, schools and on street corners. The owners of the phones are getting a big cut and you should let them know you don't like it.

Here are a few sample complaints. You'll find many more in the categories listed to the right.

ZPDI • Feds Settle with BSG/ZPDI/Billing Concepts • Disputed Collect Calls • Expensive Collect Calls • Calling Card Calls • Hotel Room Calls • Scam Calls from Mexico • "Regular Carrier Unavailable" • Calls through Opticom --- • Congressional Action Needed to Stop ZPDI • You can fight back • ZPDI: What Can Consumers Do? • Consumer complaints about ZPDI and WXT Communications • Who's Behind ZPDI?

Ernestine of Granada Hills, CA September 11, 2008

Ernestine of Granada Hills CA (09/11/08)
I got charged for two collect calls from this company 35.41 ea fpr 6 min. There customer service person who was (from India) told me that I was informed of the charges before I accepted the call, which is a lie. If I would have known that it was going to cost me this much I never would have excepted the call. Mysister was stuck in Santa Ana I live in Granada Hills. There is only a 50 mile difference

The amount came out to 70,82 plus all the taxes applied the bill is 79.27. This is an outrage.

David of Bartlett, IL August 8, 2008

David of Bartlett IL (08/08/08)
Placed a 4 minute call from New mexico to my home and was billed 40.00

Chakelia of Eutawville, SC August 8, 2008

Chakelia of Eutawville SC (08/08/08)
I recieved a call from my local company stating that they realized unusual activity that caused them to contact me regarding collect calls. They advised me that several collect calls were showing on the morning of July 4th. I advised thwm that I did not accept any collect calls and if there was anything that I could do to keep that from happening in the future. At that time a block was placed on my phone line. I recently recieved the bill and was very upset. The charges for the calls were outrageous for one thing.

The other thing was when I contacted them to dispute the charges. There are only two people that reside in my home, myself and my ten year old son. I was very furious when they said it doesn't matter who accepts the call it is still considered valid whether you are the account holder or not. The charges are totaling 167.64 for 5 calls made from a local phone booth for a total of 120 minutes. I was then advised that they consider the calls valid and they will not credit the calls. I was told by Dorothry that I needed to contact Custom Collect if I had any further questions regarding my bill.

That is when I got Nina who advised me of the same thing. These charges are ridiculous. I do not even call my family collect. I use a calling card or my cellular. This is ridiculous and I do not believe that it is fair. I am already struggling to make ends make for me and my son and they want me to pay this outrageous bill for a call that I never accepted and I am the account holder the person responsible for the bill.

Genevieve of Los Angeles, CA July 30, 2008

Genevieve of Los Angeles CA (07/30/08)
I demand this service, Zero Plus Dialing be removed from my phone bill immediately before I take further legal action. This a disgrace. I never asked for this service and I DO NOT WANT IT ON MY PHONE BILL. AT & T is playing innocent but they are part of the scam as well. Please respond as soon as possible.

I am in poor health and do not need the stress this has caused me and my husband. Thank you.

Genevieve of Los Angeles, CA July 30, 2008

Genevieve of Los Angeles CA (07/30/08)
I demand this service, Zero Plus Dialing be removed from my phone bill immediately before I take further legal action. This a disgrace. I never asked for this service and I DO NOT WANT IT ON MY PHONE BILL. AT & T is playing innocent but they are part of the scam as well.

I am in poor health and do not need the stress this has caused me and my husband. Thank you.

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