I recently noticed on my latest Verizon bill that I was being charged about $15.00 extra dollars for services from "Other Providers". The services provided were described as "Photo Storage". I never requested this service and when I called the number indicated on the bill, was connected with a company called "PhotoCubbie", which I had never previously heard of. When I inquired as to how I was signed up for the service the cust. service person told me that my name, address, phone and email - all publicly available information - had been submitted for the service. I was "credited" (for some reason the customer service person was reluctant to call it a "refund") for 2 mos. of the service, which at the time I believed was all I had been charged. After looking more closely at earlier Verizon bills, I noticed that this charge has been recurring for most of this year.
I googled "Photocubbie" and found that several users on various complaint forums have noted similar charges and tactics by Verizon/PhotoCubbie. It seems clear to me that (1) Verizon is in collusion w/ PhotoCubbie (probably a subsidiary or offshoot by some Verizon exec); (2) that contract for services cannot legally be established unilaterally by simply submitting someone's information and, given (2) and (1), that (3) Verizon/PhotoCubbie are in clear violation of M.G.L. Ch. 93A.
I personally will be pursuing this matter in small claims or district court, but would be interested in forming a small class action if other MA residents or other Verizon customers have experienced similar issues. Reply to this comment if so and we can coordinate some further actions.
Verizon scam
I am from NJ and the exact thing happened to me. I have been billed for 11 months. Photocubbie refunded 2 and Verizon said "by law" that can only go back 3 months. So they can steal your money by sneaking a phony charge on your phone bill and if you don't notice they get to keep it. How can that be? I hold Verizon responsible! If they are billing you they have skin in the game. This is a revenue stream for them and it can't be legal. I bet there are thousands of people being scammed and don't even know it. I believe a class action suit is in order.
Vz scam
From what I can tell from various consumer related forums, etc. the photocubbie problem is taking place at least all over the N.E. When Verizon says "by law" they can only go back 3 mos., they're just plain lying to you. The "law" in question is most likely just an internal corporate policy unrelated to any actual regulation, statute or precedent. On the contrary, it seems to me that regardless of whatever language Verizon may have in their service contracts about 3d party vendors, it's not possible to establish a contract w/ such vendors simply by having them present your pubicly available information and a claim that you requested some service. If you're interested in getting your money back, I'd recommend filing in small claims court in N.J. (though I can't advise specifically about the small claims ct. in that state, especially w/re to monetary damage limits the court there may have).
You can also at a very minimum request verizon disallow 3d party vendors on your account. Again, I think this situation is ripe for class action, w/ verizon and photocubbie banking (literarally) on the fact that the dollar amount are too small for most people to make that big a deal out of individually and that they appear to be targeting people sporadically throughout the country to avoid the appearance of a large scale, concerted effort.
Verizon/PhotoCubbie
I just dealt with this for my mom who is on hospice this morning. I looked at her verizon bill for the 1st time and notice this.PhotoCubbies wont admit to their or verizons wrong doing though. She will be getting a credit of 383.00 plus the taxes as i received a conformation number and took down the mans name and badge number. Orginally he gave me a really hard time about it but when i threatened small claims court and started spouting off what amendements they are violating, he caved. I hope the rest of you are able to at least get a credit back as well. Its sad that both of these companies are ripping people off.
93A Demand Letter
93A is not my area of practice, but for the Massachusetts residents dealing with this problem, the easiest resolution would probably be to send a demand letter to Verizon requesting a refund of the fees (see contents of letter, below). Most businesses will comply with the demand letter to avoid the multiple damages and attorney's fees that can result from a 93A action.
The letter should include:
1. Your name and address
2. An express reference to "Chapter 93A of the Consumer Protection Act"
3. A reasonable description of the unfair or deceptive act or practice (unfairly billing this service)
4. A reasonable description of the injuries suffered as a result (total amount you have been unfairly billed)
5. The relief requested (a refund of the money unfairly billed)
6. Notice that you expect an offer of settlement within 30 days; and
7. An assertion that you will pursue multiple damages and attorney's fees should relief be denied.
I wish you a speedy resolution in this matter.
Attorney Thomas Swain Smith