Net Zero's deceptive business practices

[Fern]

A few months back I upgraded from Netzero dialup ($9.95) to Net Zero "high speed (same price, you just have to commit to a 1 year contract and they bill month to month).

Well, aside from the fact "hi speed" is still excruiatingly slow, I noticed on my credit card statement that last month they billed me an extra $2.50. When i called Net Zero, they said it was a one-time charge for switching over. They never informed me of that charge when i upgraded. And i've never heard of any other internet access provider charging separately just for the switchover.

On this month's statement, I saw they billed me an extra $4.95. When i called about that, they told me the extra $4.95 monthly was for some kind of add-on benefit, to access certain special websites or something, again, something i had never been offered, and something I never opted for.

I am quite sure that Net Zero counts on the average consumer not checking his billing statements very carefully and just letting the higher charges slide.

Seems like every retailer out there is out to get my money, in any dis(honest) way they can.

[mjrube94]

Did they credit your account when you complained?

[Fern]

Yes, they are crediting the $4.95; not sure yet about the $2.50 switching charge.