AOL "Free 6mos"

[shoprat]

Just looking for feedback concerning AOL's billing methods related to their "6 Month Free AOL" software bundled with new computers (Dell). AOL sent me to collections for 3 months worth of access after I quit using there ISP, but never sent a bill to me requesting payment. They claim that since I never sent them a notice requesting a cancellation, that in effect authorized the charges :argue: ! With everthing preloaded on the PC, I do not have any paperwork to rely on, so I thought I would start here. Sorry about the rant.....I dislike AOL more now than I did then...

[alex-vitek]

AOL recently lost some court case related to the way that they bill customers after the customer requests termination of service.

[enfield]

AOL is one of those outfits with whom you need to use the US mail with a return receipt when you cancel your account with them. I have heard other stories of people having trouble cancelling service with them. I had trouble with them charging my card for months after my brief acquaintance with them. I wouldn't touch AOL with a ten foot pole, and I tell that to everyone who asks or who even mentions AOL in my presence. Their "service" stinks (slow and dropped connections), and they have the ethics of used-car salesmen.

Other than that, I have NO opinion.

[Ktulu]

I have heard other stories of people having trouble cancelling service with them. I had trouble with them charging my card for months after my brief acquaintance with them. I wouldn't touch AOL with a ten foot pole, and I tell that to everyone who asks or who even mentions AOL in my presence. Their "service" stinks (slow and dropped connections), and they have the ethics of used-car salesmen.

Other than that, I have NO opinion.

My experience of several years ago exactly. After the "trial period" they start charging your card. It's up to you to cancel. I've even had them restart charging me claiming that I gave a telemarketing company the ok. I did not. Again this was several years ago. I absolutely will never use AOL again.

[G22]

Never used them / never will.
Too many horror stories.

[shoprat]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. It appears this isn't an isolated incident. The lawsuit is in fact listed on the BBB website. It was directly related to AOL's billing methods. The part that really fires me up, is that they never sent a bill, never called, nothing for ten months. I just get a collection notice in the mail from these people. Oh well, life goes on. I'll let the AG's office take it from here.