I just received my Bell Atlantic Bill and had a call listed to "EASY NUMBER." It was supposedly made on Feb. 5 at 10.27am. It was charged to me at $5.00 for a one minute call. I did not make this call. My wife and I were out at that time (my birthday) and since I have worked for Consumer Affairs, I am very conscious of 900 numbers. I called Bell Atlantic to try to get more info re the provider but there was none available. Although the $ amount is not large, the fact that this fraud can be repeated on my line or others is frightening. I would just like to be able to have this type of scam eliminated.
Bell Atlantic is obligated to help Howard. He should write them a letter explaining what happened and demanding the charge be removed. He should also file a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and with the Virginia Public Utilities Commission.
Actually, the best thing Howard could do would be to sue Bell Atlantic in Small Claims Court. Is it worth it for $5? No, but if every consumer started suing the phone companies over these charges, they would disappear quickly.
