Me vs. Sprint & RMA (sorry - long)
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Posted by Mr. Chump
(68.50.172.99) on December 10, 2003 at 16:43:52:
I'll try to make this as short as possible. A year ago, I ordered an "International Foncard" from Sprint so that my wife could call me while she was in Europe. Sprint sent me the wrong card (which I suspected, but when I called cust. svc. they said it was the right one). Unbeknownst to my wife and I, we were being charged 8 times what we were quoted.So instead of a $150 phone bill, they sent me one for approx. ten times that amount. I disputed this in several phone calls and a certified letter to Sprint, last December. I changed in the meantime, so I made sure to put my new address in the letter. I got a return receipt, but no word from Sprint. Finally in April I got a collection notice from RMA. This was the first I had heard about it since sending my letter. I called Sprint, who claimed the high bill was my fault, because ordering the card was a "self-installation." (Though I have an e-mail confirming what I ordered.) They reduced the debt to $1138, but otherwise refused to take responsibility for their mistake. They also said that the phone card wasn't inteneded for international calls (which blatantly contradicts what it says on their web site, via which I ordered it - and anyway why's it called "International Foncard?") They said if I didn't like it, I could take it up with the state's Corporate Council, which I did. Meanwhile, RMA called me and said Sprint had agreed to reduce the debt by a further $500, and if I paid $200 (a little more than what I should have owed in the first place) they would re-submit my dispute to Sprint, and perhaps that would settle the matter. Needless to say I was a sucker (otherwise I wouldn't be here). The state's office said I had probably taken the best course, because it was easier to cut my losses now rather than face a court battle. Taking RMA's word that the $200 might end the matter, I agreed that the state could close their case on this. Meanwhile I also filed a complaint with the FCC (since Sprint is a phone co. - din't occur to me to try the FTC). The FCC dismissed the complaint because Sprint said it was a duplicate of the (now closed) state complaint. No word from RMA nor Sprint on the status of my dispute. However, RMA did send another bill for a further payment of $200. I chalked this up as a clerical error (duh). Then in July, they hit me up again, asking for $300 and promising it would settle the matter. I asked them to state this in writing, and I'd pay. They refused, saying I could keep that, not pay, and use the statement as proof. I said I didn't want a settlement statement, just a guarantee that you'll settle IF I pay. They still refused but promised to send the settlement after I paid. So I did (I guess I'd given up, or forgotten about the $200 I already paid, it's all hazy now). Well, they sent the fax, all right - but it wasn't a settlement statement, it was the guarantee I'd asked for in the first place! Nothing about the account having been settled as of now. Ever since then I have tried without success to get someone at RMA to fax me my settlement statement. They've given me every excuse (and at one point said they don't have to do anything). Finally I got the HQ number off this board - Thanx! I called them and they sent me a settlement statement. And I need the settlement statement, too, because the leftover $113 has since been assigned to a different CA, Park Dansan! They told me to send them a copy of the settlement, which I will, along with a request to C&D (maybe I should ask for validation, as well?) So just now it's occurred to me (again, thanx to the boards) that by paying one cent to RMA, I've admitted that I've been delinquent in paying my debt. I still intend to fight this with Sprint, but had wrongly assumed that I should deal with RMA in the meantime. But I'm guessing my credit has already been updated accordingly (haven't checked). Can I dispute the amount I have already paid to RMA? At this point, I don't think I should even pay Sprint the $150 or so that I should have been liable for - not after what I've been put through. Can I get this removed from my credit, now that I've already paid it? I'm feeling more invigorated to fight Sprint on this one, I intend to submit this whole mess to the FTC, and resubmit it to the FCC and state office. Also, just yesterday I relaized I still had the e-mail confirming my order, and I did indeed order the right product - Sprint sent me the wrong one. I'm sure the obvious advice is "find a lawyer" but that's just more good money after bad until this is sorted out...
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