Respected sir/madam,
I paid my bill on line, and when I looked at my on-line bank statement the next day, I see they are holding double the amount of the total bill - one entry is described as a "pre-authorized" amount. I called AT&T and after 45 mintues talking with 2 customer service and 1 accounting rep I was basically told this is a figment of my imagination - they aren't holding my money and only charged me once for the bill. The bank verified it, and so I filed a complaint with the BBB. Then I get bombarded with "anonymous" calls to my cell phone, from AT&T. I don't answer anonymous calls from anyone so they responded back to the BBB that they determined my complaint was unfounded, they didn't hold on to this money twice, and I wouldn't return their calls when they tried to call me and lie to me also. I sent the BBB printed copies of my bank statements, showing they held on to the money for 4 days with the complaint so I have proof. If I was 4 days late in paying my bill they'd shut down my services. Why companies are allowed to do this and call it "pre-authorized" amounts is beyond me, the gas stations do it too. They immediately charge your card for $75, even if you only get $20 in gas. They keep it until their system reconciles with your bank and you get charged the actual amount of merchandise you purchased. I filed a complaint with the Attorney General on AT&T. Why should they be allowed to attach my account for double what I authorize?