By Mark Huffman
ConsumerAffairs.com
October 15, 2007
Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter has filed a lawsuit against Merrillville, Indiana based-Buzz Telecom, accusing it of billing customers for telecommunication services without their knowledge or consent, a practice known as slamming.
Buzz Telecom also operated as Business Options and replaced itself as the consumers chosen telephone service provider without prior permission.
The lawsuit also names the companys owners, Kurtis and Keanan Kintzel.
Frustrated customers not only found unauthorized charges, but ran into obstacles removing the charges when they contacted the company, Carter said. Telephone service is something people rely on and can feel trapped to pay charges even if they dont believe they are correct to ensure service is not disrupted.
Buzz Telecom offered residential telephone services for customers in Indiana and nationwide. Approximately 60 customers complained to the attorney general that they received bills from Buzz Telecom or Business Options without ever having authorized the company to act as their telephone service provider.
Several other states are also investigating complaints against Buzz Telecom.
In April of this year the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) canceled Buzz Telecom's certificate and fined the company $3.3 million. Last year North Carolina sued the company, charging it with deceptive marketing practices.
Over the years, ConsumerAffairs.com has received scores of complaints about the companys telemarketing practices.
They switched my long-distance without permission and continue to send bills for services not requested, M.V., of Tuckerman, Arkansas told ConsumerAffairs.com earlier this month. They refuse to respond to letters and phone calls. I have pending charges of $81.89 with the balance continuing to increase due to late charges.
Carter alleges the company violated the Indiana Deceptive Consumer Sales Act as well as the Telecommunications Customers Act and seeks an injunction, consumer restitution, costs, and penalties.
