Can Bell win me back?
November 2002 - I move to Canada for the first time and Bell asks me to make a deposit for local phone service, because I've never been a customer of theirs. A bit steep for local phone service (I did not ask for long distance service, nor did I want it), but I needed a phone and so I had to do it. They told me that I would get it back in three years, which again, was pretty steep, but I figured, what the heck, play their little game. (Turns out later, I find that this information is completely incorrect - but that's a completely different can of worms).
December 2006 - I cancel my Bell service for good as the phone line at my current place is crap and Bell was unable to improve that after numerous requests. They tell me it will be a month or two until I can get a final bill, so I play their little waiting game.
March 2007 - I call Bell to tell them that I got my final bill, but they still haven't refunded my security deposit. They tell me they will look into it and get back to me.
May 2007 - after numerous attempts over the previous weeks, to try to get my money back, I still don't have any idea what's going on, and so, it seems, neither does Bell. I've been told that they refunded my deposit in November of 2002, that they never got a security deposit, and that they can't find my deposit. I never seem to get the same story, which is never a good sign.
I track down the number of the assistant to the president of residential services (long story) and call her. She tells me that I will get a call within 24 hours, which I do. This guy finally discovers that my security deposit was given to someone else (previous person with my old phone number). They ask me to offer proof that I ever sent them the money in the first place. I get a copy of the original money order, including the back which shows that Bell cashed it way back when. I fax this copy to him and he assures me that he will try to get the refund check expedited and will call me when he knows.
Fast forward to this week. I call to find out why they haven't sent my money and the contact I had, is off working on other projects for Bell, so I have to fax it to someone new, and they tell me it could be a few more weeks until I get the check.
Bell has had my money for four and a half years, and have been screwing me around for 4 months while I try to get a refund. I think I have been more than patient enough, and at what point to I have to get the media, or my local MP or even a lawyer involved?
The big question for Bell - is there a way to earn me back as a customer that they have screwed over so many times, and who had to go through so much trouble, just to get back money that is rightfully mine?
I know I've been far too patient, but enough is enough. I've asked for the president of residential services to call me back. If he does, then there is a chance for them someday. If not, then we'll have to see what happens.
Thanks for listening to my rant. And don't ever give Bell a security deposit. As much as this pains me to say, Rogers never asked for a security deposit.......
December 2006 - I cancel my Bell service for good as the phone line at my current place is crap and Bell was unable to improve that after numerous requests. They tell me it will be a month or two until I can get a final bill, so I play their little waiting game.
March 2007 - I call Bell to tell them that I got my final bill, but they still haven't refunded my security deposit. They tell me they will look into it and get back to me.
May 2007 - after numerous attempts over the previous weeks, to try to get my money back, I still don't have any idea what's going on, and so, it seems, neither does Bell. I've been told that they refunded my deposit in November of 2002, that they never got a security deposit, and that they can't find my deposit. I never seem to get the same story, which is never a good sign.
I track down the number of the assistant to the president of residential services (long story) and call her. She tells me that I will get a call within 24 hours, which I do. This guy finally discovers that my security deposit was given to someone else (previous person with my old phone number). They ask me to offer proof that I ever sent them the money in the first place. I get a copy of the original money order, including the back which shows that Bell cashed it way back when. I fax this copy to him and he assures me that he will try to get the refund check expedited and will call me when he knows.
Fast forward to this week. I call to find out why they haven't sent my money and the contact I had, is off working on other projects for Bell, so I have to fax it to someone new, and they tell me it could be a few more weeks until I get the check.
Bell has had my money for four and a half years, and have been screwing me around for 4 months while I try to get a refund. I think I have been more than patient enough, and at what point to I have to get the media, or my local MP or even a lawyer involved?
The big question for Bell - is there a way to earn me back as a customer that they have screwed over so many times, and who had to go through so much trouble, just to get back money that is rightfully mine?
I know I've been far too patient, but enough is enough. I've asked for the president of residential services to call me back. If he does, then there is a chance for them someday. If not, then we'll have to see what happens.
Thanks for listening to my rant. And don't ever give Bell a security deposit. As much as this pains me to say, Rogers never asked for a security deposit.......