3/20: A Bill Sighting (But Not Mine)!!!

So remember my buddy at work who had agreed on rates and then his bill was WAY over the agreed package? This isn't a case of not expecting standard taxes and fees, either. His story is #2 in this post.

Reached for an interview just minutes ago, my cube neighbor provided the following update: "I originally received a monthly bill for $174. I have contacted them many times to discuss the discrepancy from what I was quoted months ago. Each time, they claim to recognize the issue and promise to fix it. Most recently, a woman promised to credit my account (prorated over two months for some odd reason) and confirm the correction via email. In fact, she said she would come into the office last Sunday to do that! Wow. That seemed odd to me, but perhaps she was going above and beyond the call of duty to help me out. Well it's Thursday, and I haven't heard anything."

A few things:
1) How the heck is he spending $174 on basic FIOS phone and TV service (no internet)? He was quoted in the neighborhood of $80 plus taxes and fees.
2) Does his story of incompetent service and missed return communications sound familiar?

But today's discussion with my cube buddy was groundbreaking for another reason. HE HAS A VERIZON BILL!!! One that actually looks like a bill!!! And it came with a payment coupon and a return envelope!!! Why the hell can't I get one of those? I have been working my butt off to get one of those for months?

Unlike those unsubstantiated claims of the Loch Ness monster, I actually have proof of the Verizon bill sighting. BEHOLD!!!!

Notice all the distinguishing features of the bill:
1) The colorful logo
2) "Bill-like" paper
3) A clearly defined "Pay To Address" - And for the record, the "Pay To Address" on his bill is not the same as the unmarked, random address that was printed on my half-assed bill. So you see why I would be concerned sending a payment there with no payment coupon or return envelope, given all my troubles?
4) Multiple months worth of bills - A sure sign on ongoing issues.
5) Countless post-it notes and scribbles - These are my cube neighbor's "battle scars" from all the phone conversations with Verizon's customer service line.

Maybe one day, if I find someone who is able to help me, I can refer my cube neighbor to him/her for some assistance.