Updated: 2/20/02

Date:	1986 (yes, I hold grudges)
Location:	Champaign Il.
Reason:	In my sophomore year of college, we signed up to use Sprint as our long distance carrier. Keep in mind that this was when Sprint was just coming into the market, so we didn't know much about them. Fortunately, they had a pretty good deal on their prices and my roommate and I didn't have a lot of money. Taking some blame for this, we didn't notice we were not getting charged for long distance phone calls for about 3 months. I know, I know, but we were confused over the 50 page local call bill we were getting. We figured it had to be in there some where - what do you expect from CoE Comp Sci students 8^). Well, apparently their systems were screwed up and they were not charging us. on the 4th month we get a bill for roughly $275 bucks. Today I laugh, but at the time, it was like getting a $2,000 charge. There was also a nice little note stating we had to pay that amount immediately! After hunting down a contact to figure out what the deal was, we finally confirmed that we did owe this much for phone usage during the previous three months. What to do, What to do. Well, my parents came to the rescue (again) and paid the bill (thanks Mom and Dad 8^). I believe we switched over to another long distance carrier at that time as well. Now you are probably thinking, "What's the big deal and why are they STILL on the top of your list?". Chill, I'll explain Oh Impatient One. Two months later, we get another bill for the exact same amount as the delinquent bill - down to the penny. Finding this odd, we called again only to find out that it probably got sent out before they received the previous payment and to simply ignore it. Fine with us (students, remember?). Well about two months later, we get another bill for the same amount, but this time the wording got a little harsher. Blah Blah Blah, give me your money now .. Blah Blah Blah, or will break into your apartment and steal all of your twinkies ... Blah Blah Boo. Called home, verified that Sprint had cashed their check and tossed the little threat letter into the garbage. Let's jump to that Summer. I worked third shift that year since I was use to sleeping all day and staying out all night anyway. Why is that important? well, let me tell you. Sprint sends me a letter demanding that I settle up my bill immediately or their turning me over to a collection agency. Whoa, this was getting serious. I passed this on to my parents (did I ever say thanks Mom and Dad? 8^). They dug around, found the canceled check and called them requesting an explanation since they had proof it had been paid. They refused to believe her and demanded payment immediately. Off to the Post Office they went, photocopied the canceled check and sent it off to Sprint's headquarters in a registered letter. You don't actually think it is resolved do you? Of course not, for the next few weeks I received threatening calls during the day demanding payment or I would be turned over to a collection agency, ruining my credit for the rest of my life. If you know me, you understand that you DO NOT CALL ME BEFORE 12:00 NOON EVER!!!! Finally, I had had enough. Unleashing every verbal insult I could think of, I stated my position and told her where she could stick her threats. Around that same time, the registered return comes indicating that they have received the photocopy of the check. Think it's over don't you? WRONG. After living in false confidence for a couple of weeks, (yes, because I had proof they got the check) I suddenly got a letter indicating that Sprint had turned me over to a collection agency - hey, the b*tch wasn't kidding 8^( What to do, what to do. I know, "Hey Mom and Dad ..." Did I explain how great my parents are yet? So, my Mom calls up Sprint, tells them she has a registered letter indicating they have the canceled check and demands an immediate explanation. Get this, they actually claimed that it didn't mean anything because the mailroom people just sign it and send it back and have no responsibility to get it to the right person. Okay, now my mother is upset - mistake. She then demands her bosses name and address in order to send it directly to her. Anyone signing it would be acting in her behalf and thus responsible. Par for course, Sprint was not impressed (big mistake). While waiting for the receipt of the second registered mail to return, I was subject to additional phone calls and collection agency threats. During this time, one of the callers actually tried to claim that we had paid the first bill, but we did not pay the second bill. Spare me, two long distance bills for over $270 dollars down to the exact pennies. Finally, the next registered receipt shows up. What could possible prevent this from being closed now? Oh yeah, I am still dealing with *ssholes. On the next call to my house, my Mother gets on the line, states that she has the second receipt, listens for a little bit and then places the phone down. I thought it was over, but they still didn't believe her so she decided to take a stroll up the stairs from where she worked and converse with the ATTORNEY GENERAL OF CONSUMER FRAUD. HeHe, now they p*ssed off Mom. The next day, the claim was made. To her surprise, it turns out a number of people were experiencing this same problem (as in over 250 of them). The Attorney General told her that if they got any more of these types of complaints they were going to shut down the whole company. Unlike Microsoft, they hadn't bribed their way into the state's pocket yet. Apparently the Consumer Fraud police cracked the whip resulting in another phone call to the house. A little different tone this time - no, A LOT different tone this time. sniveling little weenies. Anyway, what proceeded was a lot of "Sorry sorry, you were right, can't believe this happened, must have been an accounting mistake, hope you are not upset, please don't talk to Mr. Attorney General again ..." Not wanting to go through this again, we demanded a letter directly from the manager claiming that they were at error and required them to send an official letter to credit agencies saying I was incorrectly turned over to a collection agency and that I was a model citizen etc. I even washed my left cheek so I could see the lipstick where the Sprint rep kissed my *ss. Since that date, I have never patronized any Sprint owned company - and no I was not fooled by the name changes in their cellular holdings. Welcome to The List! Almost forgot, Thanks Mom and Dad 8^)