Here's an example of how Verizon treats their customers:
On 2/26, I paid my balance owed to Verizon Wireless via my bank's online bill pay. After receiving a subsequent notice of pending disconnect for nonpayment, I called Customer Service on 3/13, who confirmed that the payment had not been received. When I asked if I should make the payment again, the representative said no, but said I should notify my bank that the payment had not gone through. I notified my bank the same day, receiving a written response that they would research the issue and notify me of the result.
On 3/26, I saw that my wireless service had been disconnected so there was obviously a problem. I made the payment a second time (this time via credit card) then called Customer Service. I spoke with Ryan, who said that he would help get a temporary number created through tech support, then get my number ported in through the port department. At this point, I had been on hold about an hour and a half and my cordless phone beeped and died, so I called back using a different phone. This time, I was on hold for an hour and fifteen minutes before being advised I had to speak to the Fraud Department before the line would be reconnected. Then the Fraud Department informed me that my account had been flagged as a "never paid", and that, regardless of the circumstances, I was no longer a customer. I was then informed that I could only have service through Verizon if I bought a new phone, applied for credit and got a new phone number, which I declined.
I will be submitting a complaint to the FCC.
