Sprint Woes: Gettin' hassled by The Man

Factual Questions
1

I just learned that I have a long-distance phone service account which has been dormant for 4 years and has just accrued a service charge. They’re squeezing me for it, but I don’t think I should have to pay this. (I’m no deadbeat, I’ll explain my reasons below). I have no experience standing up to The Man so I seek advice here. How do I convince them that I don’t owe this money without causing a hit on my credit?

I thought that the LD account was closed in 2000. The record shows that I haven’t used LD service with that company since that time. In October 2004, they assessed a $10 service charge and are hassling me about paying it. I didn’t get the bill in a timely manner because I no longer live in the US and my mail forwarding is spotty. They’ve turned the issue over to their “internal collections” (whatever that means.)

Honestly, I can never remember having ever intentionally canceled long distance service, ever. I just assumed that this is something that happens when you switch LD providers or cancel phone service at a location. Apparently that didn’t happen in this case, though. Is that a defense against stuff like this?

I know it’s only $10 and I’m considering just paying it and putting it behind me. But the principle irritates me… it’s a $10 service charge for service I never consumed. Also, the cynical part of me thinks that this is a subtle extortion plan.

Advice appreciated.

2

Write a strongly worded “shocked and appalled” letter to coporate headquarter. Address it to The Office of the President. Explain that the account should have been closed four years ago, and to assess a service charge is a shameful example of customer service. Threaten that if they do no correct this to your satisfaction that you will be lodging a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, will never do business with Sprint again, and that you will tell your horrible experience to anyone thinking of switching to ANY Sprint service.