Disputing a 'Legit' Bill

[Vince]

So I recently changed to T-Mobile as my cell phone company, as my Nextel account was fairly expensive on a month-to-month basis, and I was not using the features as much as I would like. Last month, my bill was a bit high (about double what I normally pay), but I had been on the phone a bunch, so I didn't question it too much. This month I have also been on the phone a lot...but my bill is a whopping 8 times what I normally pay. I have a serious problem with this.

Looking over the bill, it seems that everything is legit -- my phone was not stolen, and the calls I have made seem to be in order. However, instead of being charged the typical $0.10/Minute overage charge, I was charged $0.40/minute.

I am trying to track down my contract information, because I am nearly 100% positive that my charge should be $0.10/minute past my 1,000 anytime minutes. However, if there is nothing to back up my claim, what are my options?

[Logan]

Well, you can dispute the bill and say that you know you are only contracted to pay $0.10/minute over your normal usage. When they say "no, your contract says 40 cents," ask them for proof?

Edit: If you're asking for options on how to get out of your contract, I have no clue...

[Easy Mac]

from their agreement
http://www.t-mobile.com/Templates/Po...ons&print=true

Incorrect Charges. If you believe your bill contains an incorrect charge, you have 60 days from the date of the first bill that contains the charge to notify us or you waive any right to dispute the charge. To notify us, please contact Customer Care at T-Mobile.com, 1-800-937-8997, or 611 from your Phone. We may require you to describe the dispute in writing. Any written communications concerning charges must be sent to the T-Mobile Customer Relations address in Sec. 2. If you accept a credit to resolve an issue, you agree the issue is fully resolved. If Customer Care does not resolve your dispute and you still wish to pursue the matter, follow the dispute resolution process described in Sec. 2. California customers: our Utility number is U-3056-C; if you file a billing-related claim with the Consumer Affairs Branch ("CAB") of the CPUC you must, within 24 hours of filing, inform us by writing to the Customer Relations address in Sec. 2 with sufficient information to identify you and your account. If we resolve your dispute, your CAB claim will be deemed resolved at that time, and you agree to promptly withdraw your claim with the CAB. Payments. We may require payment before your due date if we are concerned about your ability to pay us (such as when you have an unusually high balance). For your payment to be deemed received by us and your account to be timely credited, you must provide with your payment information sufficient to identify you and your account (your account number). If we accept late or partial payments or payments with limiting notations, it will not waive any of our rights to collect all amounts that you owe us and it will not be an accord and satisfaction. If we agree to an alternate payment plan, we may confirm it in any manner, including by electronic means. If your financial institution dishonors or returns for insufficient funds your check or credit card, it is a breach of this Agreement and we may (a) charge you a fee of $20.00 or such amount as may be permitted by law, (b) stop accepting checks, credit card or other similar payment methods from you, and (c) immediately suspend or cancel your Service. We may use a collection agency and charge you for their fees billed to us for trying to collect what you owe us. Late Fees. You agree to pay 1.5% or $5.00 per month (or portion of a month), whichever is greater, on any past due balances until paid, subject to the highest amount permitted by law. Except to the extent prohibited by law, this late fee may be charged regardless of any disputes you may have raised regarding your invoiced charges.

[Easy Mac]

dola, of course, all of their current plans say $.40 a minute

you could argue you were never notified of a change, but that probably won't work unless you can prove there was a time when it was $.10.

Oddly enough, about 1 hour ago I just got off the phone with Verizon. It took me 20 minutes, but I was able to cancel the service and have the early termination fee waived because they were increasing the charge for text messaging by $.05. I just argued it was a breach of contract. They offered to put me on a plan or block text, but when I asked if they could do that unilaterally without my consent, they said no, so I said then raising rates without my consent is the same thing, so they let me out of it for free. Now I just have to watch the final bill to make sure they don't sneak anything in.

[Telle]

I'd suggest trying to negotiate with them and see if they'll raise you to a higher minute plan retroactively.