Buyer Be Ware - Problems with cable companies

[Malcolm53]

Maggie and I are going through an interesting situation with Cogeco
Cable and would like to hear if others have had similar problems.

While we were in Welland our internet and tv service were both with
Cogeco. We were renting our internet modem and 1 digital cable
receiver from Cogeco. We bought a second digital receiver in a
private sale. After purchasing the receiver we called Cogeco to
ensure that the receiver was not stolen and to have it activated.
Cogeco activated the receiver with no problems.

When we moved we were no longer in the Cogeco service area so we
cancelled our service. When I cancelled the service I double checked
on the serial numbers of the two units to ensure that I was returning
the rented unit as there was a problem with our unit. We were sent the
materials to return the rented items and mailed them after we arrived
in Midland last November. In January we received a call from Cogeco
claiming that we had not send in the digital cable receiver. I told
them at that time that both units were mailed at the same time and
since they have record of receiving the internet modem then they must
have also received the cable receiver.

This week we received a call from a collection agency demanding the
cost of the receiver. I called Cogeco and after some time on the
phone I finally was told that they did actually receive the modem and
a digital cable receiver but it was not the correct unit. I said
fine, if you return the unit you claim is not the correct unit I will
send in the other unit. They then went on to say that they want BOTH
units or I will be charged for my own unit unless I send them in a
sales receipt or the name of who sold it to me. After this length of
time I don't beleive I have any paper trail of who I bought the unti
from.

I went into the local Police station and was told that all I can do is
tell Cogeco that I disagree with being told to return my unit or pay
for it at full market price and they can take me to small cliams
court. I was also told that once I notified Cogeco of the dispute
that if they continue calling I could then have them charged with
harassment.

Has anyone else been down a similar road and how was it handled? Does
anyone know if the advice given is accurate? Any help here would be
appreciated.

Malcolm

[shelly75]

I have not had this issue is it possible you actually bought a rented
receiver though and when you notifed them to verify it wasn't stolen
they assumed you were taking over the rental?

I have seen many people selling units they are supposed to be only
renting

[bjr]

You need to be clear and focused Malcolm...You are right, they are
wrong. Write this down and put it beside your phone...say "I do not
have a debt with you. You are harassing me. I am reporting you to the
Ministry of Comsumer Protection". It's listed at gov.on.ca under
government services.
Don't answer questions or get engaged in dispute...just repeat the
phrases...and do report them.
Also check to see if there's a better business bureau in your town.

[private....@gmail.com]

Hi Malcom,

 

I am still in the Cogeco area and have delt with this before. I presume you have a bill of sale or a receipt for the unit you bought?

 

If soo then it can be cleared up quick.

 

One never mail things like that. 2.it is perhaps a unit that is or was rented and sold to you for quick cash.

 

it is a small claims court  action but once again as I previously stated if you have proof of the sale then they pretty much have you. It is their equipmentproperty etc... and when you with good intentions called it in to see if it was not stolen you had purchaced it anyways and they slapped the rental on it and simissed the old account.

 

Cavet Emptor = Buyer Beware.

 

David

[Slim Pickens]

The next time you hear from them or the collection agency, let them
know in a written letter, on paper,
that your intention is to take them to court, that the judge will
straighten the matter out. I received numerous letters and calls by a
collection agency over someone's bill who had the same last name (not
first name or address) from another community. I heard no more from
them.They like to threaten court thinking we should all be scared so
now you can play the opening card.

[jbkeh]

It would seem that Cogeco is assuming that both units were rentals.

If that were the case, would not the rental cost for both have been on
your monthly bills?

The onus is not on YOU to "prove" the unit was purchased - it is on
COGECO to "prove" it was rented.

Threatening you with court action or bill collectors in order to
coerce you to pay them money without grounds is not harassment - IT IS
EXTORTION.

[Malcolm53]

Thanks to all for your responses. First I wish to re-iterate that the
unit was not a rental or ever deemed a rental during my ownership.
There were never any rental charges for a second unit on any
statements or during any converstarions with Cogeco.

Cogeco does offer equipment for sale as do many telecom companies so
there are plenty of legally owned units around.

Malcolm

[Frank]

Do be careful. Some have no more rights to collect from you BUT others may try.

For many years I was on OW and ODSP. I could not pay anymore, as much as I would have liked to. Only one was recently persisted.

The lawyer involved sent me a big fat letter. I read and ignored it after getting some advice from a knowing person. They can't collect. I guess the lawyer was some young buck trying to make a name for themselves.

Don't bend if you do not have to.

Take care,
Frank.
____________________________________________

"As long as there is breath, there is hope."

---

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[Annie]

Yup. I bought mine years ago. Can't help you with anything else
though,, sorry.
Annie

[Malcolm53]

Final entry:
After another round of phone calls it now appears as though Cogeco has
modified thier records and claim they can prove the unit was never
sold by them. Funny how a year and a half ago their records showed
the unit as a sold item.
Recommendation:
Treat telecom companies like ODSP - get eveything in writing and make
sure you keep a copy as it is very easy for them to make changes to
their computer systems.

Annie if you don't have a copy of your purchase receipt make sure you
get one! Again another fine example of might makes right - even if it
isn't.

[Annie]

I'll try Malcolm but it's been soooo long... mind you I keep everything
so might just be here somewhere.
Thanks for the advice...
Annie

Malcolm53 wrote:
> Final entry:

>
>
> Annie if you don't have a copy of your purchase receipt make sure you
> get one! Again another fine example of might makes right - even if it
> isn't.

> --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~
>
>

[JMAndersons]

That's amazing news! 

Tell them you want to be compensated for the stress caused! lol

Keep working away at the problem and make them send your box back to you or pay to replace it.

You want  it returned to you working as it did before. Then send the correct unit in - not before.

It sounds like you may have got another department on the phone that has a better way of looking at the history but take caution and keep notes name's and id.

 

Rogers denied they had over billed me every month by $ 60.00 for quite awhile then agreed /admitted they did and said they would correct it after I said I kept all the documents, written notes and had a box of documentation. The cellular time I burned up trying to get them on the phone was very high.

I'm concerned there are STILL  many people out there  being over-billed monthly for something from Rogers and people just have no idea of who or how to get the over billed amount corrected. 

I have learned the hard way to keep calling, stay strong -they are wrong. Double check things with cable companies and phone companies and go up to the executive office, ask for the retention or loyalty department (they don't want to loose you as a customer even if there is a chance of you having service later on)  and threaten to file complaints - or  pay them with money you don't have. I keep everything in a zip lock bag when buying or renting anything  and try to keep it tucked near the item or in some file thats findable for quick reference regarding bills and warranty work.

 

I hope all goes well with the box coming back to you.

Jen

[jbkeh]

Interesting to see how they "prove" a negative. The onus is on them to
"prove" a positive - that they billed you the monthly rental for two
units each month the second unit was activated. And that their "proof"
matches your payments from your bank statements.....