T-Mobile

I contacted T-Mobile about a 20-cent charge for an incoming text message on my bill that I never received from a phone number in Vancouver, Washington, where I don't know anyone. I was provided the online chat option to remedy my issue. I would liken the following exchange to partaking in the "Who's on First" routine with Rain Man from Pakistan with poor command of the English language.



This goes in my Book of Moron, so they'll have a guidebook for when the rest of them inherit the earth. I think I got my 20 cents worth out of T-Mobile's third-world customer disservice.

Linda

Please wait while we find an agent to assist you...
You have been connected to Joven H.
Joven H: It's a great day here at T-Mobile Chat. My name is Joven and I would be delighted to assist you today. I am reviewing your concern and the information you provided.
Linda: Hi Joven
Joven H: As i understand that you have inquries regarding your bill.
Linda: Yes I've been charged for an incoming text message from vancouver washington and I never received any text messages and don't know anyone in Vancouver Washington
Linda: It was on Feb 5 from 360-936-4497
Joven H: Is your handset open last Feb 05?
Linda: I also do not subscribe to text messaging
Linda: What do you mean by open?
Joven H: Text messaging is a handset specific feature, you cannot removed it.
Joven H: Turn on.
Linda: OK, but I've not received any text messages and I don't know anyone in Vancouver Washington. Also someone I know tried to send me a text message yesterday and I didn't receive that either.
Joven H: You may try power cycling your phone. You must turn the power off and turn it back on using the power on/off button. This will enable you to re-register on the Network and may need to be done two or three times in succession. In some instances, turning the power on and off may not work completely and you will need to do what is called an IMSI Detach. To do this, take the battery off the Handset when the power is on, then re-attach it and turn the power back on. This is to only be used as a last resort and only if the previous power-cycling efforts fail.
Linda: How is powering off my phone going to correct my bill?
Joven H: May i ask is your handset is turn on last Feb 05?
Linda: It's always on
Joven H: If you will receive a text message, there is a charge.
Linda: I didn't receive a text message and don't know anyone in Vancouver
Joven H: You may try power cycling your handset to properly register on the network.
Linda: What does that have to do with my bill?
Joven H: Someone from vancouver send you a text message last feb 05. However your handset maybe not properly register on the network that is why you did not receive it.
Linda: Who sent me a text message?
Joven H: I cannot assume who send you the text message.
Linda: Why would I assume someone I don't know in Vancouver sent me a text message if I didn't receive a text message?
Joven H: Someone send you a text message from vancouver accidentally or intention. However your handset does not properly register on the network that is why you did not receive it. Please be advice that once a person send you a text message,you will be charge even you did not receive it.
Joven H: Even you did not receive it properly.
Linda: Why is it I receive 800 e-mails and all my phone calls if I'm not properly registered on the network?
Linda: So, then you're saying T-mobile can pad my bills with text message charges that may or may not have existed because if I didn't receive it I have no way of knowing if it was really sent.
Joven H: To properly set up your text messages, i advice you to power cycling your handset.
Linda: I've done that and I have received no text messages.
Joven H: Are you referring to the Feb 05 text message?
Linda: I've never received a text message since I've owned this phone - about four months.
Joven H: There is really a incoming text message register on your handset last Feb 05.
Linda: And how do I verify that and know who it's from and what it supposedly said?
Joven H: There is 24 hours message time frame on handset. If you send text message on a off handset they will receive it for 24 hours. However if they did not open for 24 hours they will no longer receive it and the charges are valid.
Linda: I have never gone 24 hours without viewing messages.
Joven H: There is 24 hours message time frame on handset. If you send text message on a off handset they will receive it for 24 hours. However if they did not open for 24 hours they will no longer receive it and the charges are valid.
Joven H: Is there anything else we can assist you with today?
Linda: I have never gone 24 hours without viewing messages.
Linda: Learning English would be helpful.