Currently, I still have AOL, but only because my stepdaughter uses it. She pays me and the monthly charge comes out of my bank account. I’ll be switching it over to her bank account soon and make her the only screen name on the account.
Let’s say, though, I called AOL and they gave me a big hassle about closing the account. So, I decide to close that bank account and stop using the service altogether. Would they have any legal recourse against me?
My daughter had a lot of trouble some years ago getting rid of AOHell, as she called it. It kept somehow re-installing itself when she turned the computer back on. Then AOL would say “hey, you used it again” and charge her. Her computer savvy friend had to remove some sneaky program thingy. I don’t know if they still do that, but they do send out those CD’s that look like a game to some kids.
She had to go to the BBB and the local consumer advocate group to get rid of them.
It’s against the law to close an account to avoid a payment.
Peace,
mangeorge
Even though it’s a “pay as you go” service?
I pay for a month’s service, I get a month’s service.
If I were to call them and they gave me a big run-around (and I know it happens) and never close my account, what’s the worst they do to me?
I have quit AOL a time or two after using the free hours that they advertise. They will try to talk you into staying and possibly offer a reduced rate or some free time but I was persistent and they finally closed the account. I would make sure that you get a ticket number for the closing of the account to ensure that they do it promptly.
Perhaps if you phrased it as transfering the account, rather then closing it, they would not hassle you as much. I haven’t tried this and have no experience in this matter, but that seems to be what you are actually doing.
Anyone have any experience it that area?
I am going to tranfer the account, but I was wondering about the “close the bank account and stop using the service” angle.
There was a Pit thread that contained a “secret number” you would need to call that will guarantee you get the account closed, but I’ll be damned if I can find it since you can’t search for 3-letter words.
Anybody? (I like to keep my options open)
What my daughter finally had to do was follow a formalized written procedure, with letters and confirmations, etc. The consumer group helped her out so she got most of her money back, but she had to let them (AOL) say they were doing it out of kindness.
BTW; she got an email months later that didn’t identify itself as aol, but when she clicked there was aol again, complete with her information (CC and such), ready to do it all over again. She had to click “OK” in a tricky OK/no thanks box to get rid of it. Good thing she read it carefully. This before spam reached it’s present greatness.
There is a way to get rid of them. I hope someone who knows how will come along and share that knowledge.
Never mind. I found the thread. Damn you search option!
(just kidding)
DO NOT POST TO IT, PLEASE! It’s old!
The AOL page where the number can be found
Thanks to QED for that one.
In my experience, with companies that behave unethically regarding account cancellation, it’s best not to screw around. Send a certified letter stating the cancellation, effective date and contact information should they have any further questions. It’s worked for me every time.
Reformat :eek:
Maybe AOL isn’t as bad as it used to be, now that everyone is Spyware/Malware consious… but it used to be about the ONLY sure-fire way to get rid of that crap.