Apr 28, 2013 05:30 PM
2395 Views
Airtel charging us on a number not owned or used by me:
In November 2012, I relocated to Bangalore and had asked Airtel for 2 connections, 1 for a regular connection and 1 for an iphone (micro-SIM). I was allotted both numbers, however the number for the iphone & 3G services for A (fraud number in question) was not working.
Since the original micro-SIM was provided by the agent, when I escalated the matter on calling 121, I was told to get the micro-SIM card changed at the nearest Airtel outlet. I accordingly did so, handing back the old micro-SIM and was given a new micro-SIM for the number B, which I continue to use for my iphone. I was told the number A was cancelled after the micro-SIM was returned.
I subsequently obtained another number (C, normal SIM) from Airtel for a family member which is in use.
Today I have come to know that Airtel has been charging me for the number A which I have never used, which never worked, and which I had replaced with the number B. I am told by Airtel than an amount of INR 2771 is pending since November 2012.
On account of this, Airtel has also barred outgoing calls and SMS on the other number C.
I would like to point out out that till date, I have not received a single bill (e-bill or physical) for the number A for which Airtel today claims INR 2771 is due. On March 29th 2013 for the first time I received a message from Airtel on this subject at all. More importantly, I have never used this number and fail to understand how I can be charged.
Let me reiterate - the micro-SIM for the number A was not working when it was given to me and was returned to the Airtel dealership for a new micro-SIM.
The number C was once again deactivated without information yesterday and we have been crying hoarse ever since asking Airtel to show us 'evidence' of even a single mail they would have sent us regarding the non payment of dues on the fraud number. And they have been claiming to send us electronic bills via emails on an address that doesn't even exist! All this when they claim to have all our documents to prove that this number was really ours! They have been asking us for executive details etc which we never kept track of since there were some 10 different people who came to hand over and take back the non functional SIM cards, in November 2012.
Since March 29th, we have been following up with Airtel and all our explanations, emails and calls have fallen on deaf ears. Promises of 'senior appellate officers calling back in 2 hours' and 'investigations are in progress' have all been futile as they have begun harassing us again for the payment of dues on a number we have never used. As I had mentioned earlier, I recognize that this could be a case of either a gross operational error or a case of serious fraud. In either case, the
customer should not have to bear the cost.
Airtel nodal officers and the appellate office has been in touch with us but to no avail. We have had numerous exchanges with them in the past one week without a single resolution in sight. The appellate office spoke to us assuring us of a resolution to the issue by April 26, 2012. As of today, April 28, 2012, we are yet to hear from them. So much for commitments made by a brand that supposedly prides itself in its 'superior' customer service.
*Links to the complaints here: https://consumercomplaints.in/complaints/airtel-airtel-charging-us-on-a-number-n
ot-owned-or-used-by-me-c821946.html
https://grahakseva.com/complaints/153286/airtel-harassment-for-fraudulent-numbe
r*
