Answerstop Voicemail Monthly Fee – voicemail you didnt sign up for!

24May/06233

Answerstop Voicemail Monthly Fee – voicemail you didnt sign up for!

If you see the words "Answerstop Voicemail Monthly Fee" on your phone bill for $16.48, you may have a service you didnt sign up for.

My colleague in my office started getting this on her phone bill and I have to sit across from her. I've heard her yelling her head off at these people trying to get this service removed.

The number for these people is +1-866-928-1093 and apparently, the people in charge are Mike and Christina.

Services they illegally put on your phone bill include:

Answerstop Voicemail
Privacy Plus Voice Mail
Voice Express
VoiceXpress
Antivirus Email

It's hard to pinpoint who is perpetrating the crime here, but the companies involved and allowing it to happen are below. If you know any other names, please post them in the comments, and I will add them here when I can:

Enhanced Services Billing, Inc.
ESBI
Billing Concepts
BSG Clearing Solutions Gmbh (why is a company in germany getting away with screwing americans?)
Zero Plus Dialing, Inc.a
ZPDI
USBI
OAN
HBS
ESBI Spec Serv & Prod

Various addresses for these people include:
PO BOX 15624
CLEARWATER FL 33766
PHONE 1-888-523-3724

Enhanced Services Billing, Inc.
7411 John Smith Drive, Suite 200
San Antonio, TX 78229-4898

HBS Billing Services
4242 Medical Drive, Suite 2100
San Antonio, TX 78229

Other Resources

I hope this little blog helps someone. I hate scams & if anyone has any information on how to deal with these scumbags, please share it with the rest of us to help get rid of this scourge on society.

Filed under: Billing Concepts, Dishonest, ESBI, Rip-off, Scams Leave a comment

Don H

I just noticed the 14.13 charge on my Sprint/Embarq phone bill. The charge was by ESBI on behalf of "My Info Guard". What a bunch of BS. I have never heard of this service. I was able to go to past bills and noticed they got my for April, May and June 2006. So now I have to start the process of getting all the charges removed.

I am thinking I am going to make Sprint remove it and let them worry about it. That seems, at the very least, fair. They should give me additional credit for my time.

ALL OF US HERE - we have to waste our time with this crap. And how many other people have paid this and not noticed yet?

ESBI should be put out of business... all the major phone companies should drop them. You know why they won't???? Cuz they get a cut of the action. How sweet is that?

Jeffrey

I have also been charged in the past 3 months for 16.33 each by Answerstop Voicemail without notice.
I called 1-888-301-3724 and talked to Daisy of ESBI (?). She said she will refund my past charges on my next bill and stop the illegal charges. I hope this promise will come true.
I called SBC and talked to Menchaca, who said if Answerstop does not stop the charges, SBc will give me a form to fill to block the charges.
This is crime!
From Houston, TX

Sourav

I have got "Answerstop Voicemail" charges twice in the last 2 months which I never used. It is using ESBI to put those fraudulent charges in my Verizon Telephone bill. I have called them 3 times and everytime they say that they are giving the credit. But nothing happened. I have asked Verizon to put something called 'Bill Block' which stops this company to put any more charges on my Verizon bill. Hope it helps. Now about the credit ... the opearors that I talked to in Answerstop Voicemail :
(1) Mary Pineva on 8th June : said that she is giving the credit for the 2 bills.
(2) Daisy on 13th June : said that she is giving the credit for the 2 bills (what happened to the last credit ?)
(3) On 16th a operator told me that the credit was already given on 20th May. I asked her what was happening with the operators on 8th and 13th if the credit was laready given on 20th May ? And why Verizon can not see the credit on their system ? She just hung up !!
These companies "Answerstop Voicemail" and ESBI are ripping-off. And no one from law enforcement are doing anything. Has anyone really compained to any authorities about them yet ?

Andrew

This has happened to me also. I am calling the Public Utilities Commission of Texas and will be trying to get them to take action.

This is an awful thing that some company can bill you for
something you never ordered nor agreed to, and so therefore I believe the people need to be sued as they are causing us time and money to try to resolve it.

The telephone company needs to be held liable as well for allowing the fraud to be included on their bill in the first place. They need to be held accountable for who they permit to bill as a third party.

Teresa

Same here. What the hec is this. I would love to know if there is anything we can do also. Privacy Plus is billing me and I have no idea what it is. I certainly DID NOT sign up for it. How can they get away with this? I agree...class action lawsuit. I have a Brother who is a Judge, and a Godson who is an Attorney here in Las Vegas. I certainly am going to call them about this.

Ethan

I think a class action lawsuit is in order. If it is possible to fight this legally, I think we should all go full-throttle. Ive had this on my bill since February 06 and nothing has been done about it. If anyone knows of a current action being taken against this company, please let us know!

c

I have this crap on my bill. i have called them for four months to remove it. no luck. my phone company (mfrs) say that can't help. what a load. please someone tell me how to get this off my bill.

Edwin

Same here. Four months. I've called each month--now they're billing me extra because AT&T "generously" removed it temporarily. It's bizarre that AT&T act like they cant do crap from their monopolistic tower about something that is on their own freaking bill.

Julie

I also have been charged for this "service". I called them about the charge last month and was told they would cancel it. They didn't. I called the phone company today and they said there was nothing I could do through them, but gave me a phone number. 1-888-300-3724. I called and again asked them not so nicely to stop. They said they would refund the last 2 months charges. I spoke to a man named Chris, he must have been used to getting these calls as he was a little hostile himself. He told me I had authorized them to take it by completing a survey for a free $50.00 gift card from Walmart. I did no such thing. And where is my gift card if I did??

Candye

I have also had this problem on my mother's phone. I called A T & T thelast two months and they credited the charge but tell me there is nothing they can do. I have to call Answerstop. I have never been able to reach them. I have told A T & T that I don't intend to do this every month and as far as I'm concerned, it's their problem since they are the ones allowing this unauthorized charge. They were not very nice. I have sent that in writing and just intend to pay my mother's legitimate charge and forget the rest. We'll see what happens. What a crock.

Rajiv

Ditto. I have been on the phone with them 3 times in the last 2 weeks trying to get a refund. I actually did get $15.40 back (that was $1.23 shy of what they actually billed me for the first month). I agree that legal investigation should take place. The latest name i got was "Rick Bushman".

M. Brusco

Me too, with AT&T and ESBI. I AM FURIOUS and not relieved to know that it may take many more calls and complaints to get this charge off my phone bill and name off ESBI's list. Thank you for your website and blog.

Bala Kandoth

Yes, I am seeing this ESBI thing in my bill. I don't know if it was there before which I might have missed. I just can't understand Verizon allowing these scam to happen! How much time we will have to waste fighting against this? I will complain to Texas Public Utilities Commission and see if they will stop this. How in the world scam companies are promoted !!!! I tried to call the # listed there in verizon bill for ESBI and there is no way to reach them. The call just breaks. How can any one expect a phone contact for scammers? I don't know if there is any other suggestion?

Will Melton

Well count me in,6/25 Bellsouth,Ala.Billed 12.95 VOICEXPRESS and 14.95 EMAIL DISCOUNTS. sat 7/1 noticed it for the first time and being the weekend will have to stew until Mon,.If need be I'll cancel bellsouth dsl.If that'll put a stop to the charges. Help! Cheers

Chadd

I found this blog entry when I googled: 1-888-301-3724
The charge appeared on my phone bill as "CBC SERVICES GUARDMYMAIL MTH SVC FEE", just so everyone knows that there's another name it seems to go by. Again, nothing we signed up for in this house, so I've no idea where it came from. As someone who used to work for AT&T I know that with 3rd party billing companies, you do have to call them to get the service removed. I also had another suspicious charge that showed up as: AGORA VOICE MESSAGING ONE TIME SETUP; another charge I did not authorize. This is certainly not the first time something like this happens, and again, as someone who used to work in telecom industry, I've seen how people can be cheated. Soon, we're switching over to digital phone service through cable, so hopefully it won't be as a big a hassle. AGORA VOICE MESSAGING number is for a company called IntegrTel, and their customer service is: 1 800 736-7500, where they will tell you that they can block the number, and then give you: 1 800 215 1961 to find out how it got on your bill.
For CDC, the number is: 1 888 301 3724, and their hours are 8 - 6 pm Central Time. I'll check back here soon to see how everyone else is doing. Thanks.
-Chadd

DeWayne

I too just noticed an unusual charge on my phonebill for the last two months. i have it set on autodraft so i didn't notice it at first. Sure enough on the bottom of my SBC/ATT phone Bill I have
"Billed on Behalf of ANSWERSTOP VOICEMAIL #" a charge for $16.63. I have not had the chance to call this company to make them stop charging me... This is CRAP! had I not just happened to glance at my phonebill for a change, I never would have noticed!

Becky

I just got my phone bill July 2006. West Virginia. First time this "Other Charges and Credits" was on there. Is for $15.40 for "GUARDMYMAIL MTHLYCHG". Haven't had a chance to call Verizon yet, but will in the morning. I have no idea what premium service this is providing. Was billed by ESBI on behalf of CBC Services LLC date: 6/22. I plan to contest this charge and refuse to pay. Will notify State Attourney General if necessary. Will keep you posted.

Thanks for this Blog.

LMC

I was charged on my June and July AT&T Bill for $16.52 each month from ESBI (Enhanced Services Billing,Inc.) When I contacted them they said it was for "Guard My Mail" Email service for my website. I had never heard of them and never ordered it (the monthly fee). AT&T was GREAT and credited my bill both last month and this month. AT&T credited the $16.52 as ESBI said they'd credit me the $14.95. This company is obviously a rip off and only making money off those people that don't look over their bills. I thinks it's disgusting!! and they should be sued!! I will also look into contacting the State's Attorney.
Glad to hear others with the same problem. Just try to notify all people you can.

LMC

Update:
GuardMyMail.com's response to be included a toll free phone # 866-452-6941 or email at support@guardmymail.com.
Their address ws Guard My Mail Customer Service
96 Lindwood Plaza # 254

LMC

Update:
GuardMyMail.com's response to me included a toll free phone # 866-452-6941 or email at support@guardmymail.com.
Their address was Guard My Mail Customer Service
96 Lindwood Plaza # 254
Fort Lee, NJ 07024-37011

I certainly wouldn't write to them, thus giving my home address. It's bad enough they have my email and home phone number.
They also said it will take 30 to 60 days or 1 to 2 billing cycles for the phone company to process the refund request. That's a lie as the AT&T credits the amount on the next bill, and it's credited from my balance due immediately. So I never have to actually pay it.
Good Luck to all!!!!

donna

I just got a letter in the mail from Privacy Plus with the following address

96 Linwood Plaza # 254
Fort Lee, NJ 07024

They sent me a check for $30 and signing it let me have no further claims against them.

I am stil looking into it further to see what has een charged on my bill.
I am not sure $30 will be enough.

anyone wanting more info, let me know or IM me

Carol

I'M FURIOUS TOO!! Same as the rest of you, I was charged about $15.00 taxes on my July phone bill (Verizon).
Guardmymail Mthlych Enhanced Services Billing Inc.
I can't make endless personal calls during work hours. I hope I can dispose of this UNORDERED service right away. UGH!!!
Yes - this type of stealing should be illegal in some way!!!

Charles

I just got one on my bill. "Agora Voice Mess Monthly", billed by "The Billing Resource".
Qwest can do nothing, but referred me to the company at 1-888-296-8079. I have to try calling tomorrow as they are closed. Hours are M-F 8am-10pm EST.
Wonder if the FCC knows about this yet?

L. Avery

We received an addition to our phone bill that came from a company call OAN. It was $13.86 including tax. We got in touch with them through # 1 800 367 8006. After an unsuccessful call yesterday, today I was given a confirmation to add to the phone bill and the voice mail would be cancelled.

For all of you that are having problems, I am publishing this number with the hope that it might help to get rid you of this pesty outfit. I was told it would go forever or until it was canclled.

July 19 2006

Patrick Srader

I do not have a cell phone. I did not want the guardmymail service fee. I did not order guardmymail. I know some one is useing my computer I get these messages from my internet manager as a warning.

Douglas G

Yep, watchout they have a new twist to the same old trick now it is a clearing house agent for CBC Services, LLC. The product is called GuardMyEmail Service which was the charge of 14.95 on our phone bill. Fortunatley our phone company must be aware of these scams so they agread to remove it from the bill. TNX for the blog site. We need to be here to fight back and stay aware. I often wonder what our government is doing to stop these folks. Power to the people.

Esther M from Kansas

Just got my AT&T phone bill and this bogus billing for GuardMyMail was on my monthly statement. Called AT&T and the customer service agent told me there is nothing she can do, I have to call the number shown on my bill. Called that number which is Enhanced Services Billing Inc.; they must be in business with this outfit, cause they couldn't help me either. They transferred the call, but then they aren't open on weekends. I'll tell you I am just simply shaking, I'm so mad. You really don't want to get me mad... cause I'll get even... I have my phone bill automatically deducted from my checking account; well I'll be at the bank on Monday morning and I'll have a stop payment put on that bill. My next step will be a payment to AT&T for my phone bill. The next stop will be another telephone service provider and I'll change my service, and I'll let them know that they better not allow this SCAM happen to me again. I'll also send a copy of this website information, my phone bill showing this GuardMyMail charge to our State Attorney General, Federal Communications Commission, local newspapers, all my email contacts... it's gonna get hot around here for a few days.

Nancy From Minnesota

Just got a check for $29.90 in mail stating it was a refund from Privacy Plus Voicemail. Address of 96 Linwood Plaze # 254, Fort Lee, NJ 07024. Be careful if you sign the agreement for cashing this check which is called a refund.
Verfication statement that they want signed: states
that I , verify that I SIGNED UP up for voicemail services, have paid the fees totaling $29.90... This is totally bogus because I did not sign up. What are they up to now????? Do they want me to cash the check and then that will verify that I signed up for this bogus voice mail crap?

I am confused is this happening on cell phones or land lines or both?

Gloria from Dallas

I, too, rec'd check this morning for 29.90 stating it was refund from Privacy Plus. The letter states that I'm entitled to a refund, but says I signed up for privacy plus services, which I did not. I would check with an attorney before I sign the release. I think a class-action may be in the works.

Megan from Illinois

Here is the real kicker about how we all got signed up. Anyone who has completed an "online offer" for ANYTHING, is at risk for this scam. Even if the offer has NOTHING to do with your phone, by filling out these forms, your information is being used to sign you up for these "services". It is a bunch of crap that you have to fight with them to get the services, which you really didn't sign up for in the FIRST PLACE, removed.

Debora from California

I have ahd the charge on my phone bill for two months.
I recevied a check from Privacy Plus Voicemail for $29.90.
I was advised if I cash this check I cannot seek any further claims against them. I really think A class Action is the best way to go. Which State has the toughest
rules to punish these guys?

Chadd

I took a quick look at our Attorney General's website, here in Missouri. The number one complaint filed by consumers is for "Telephone slamming, cramming and billing".

Link: http://www.ago.mo.gov/publications/slamcram.htm

As I had said before, I'd worked for the Big Telecom a number of years ago, and this was problem them, and seems to be becoming a bigger problem now.

It gives the same gerneral info that you have heard many times before, but also offers a few extra links to the FCC for complaint filing.

LORRAINE IN TUCSON

I GOT BILL THROUG QUEST, AN ADDED 8.43 FOR AGORA VOICEMESS, IT WENT THROUG THE BILLING RESOURCE AND THEN TO QUEST. I CALLED QUESTAND TOLD THEM IT WOULDN'T BE PAID.
ICALLED THE AGORA NUMBER GIVEN BY THE BILLING RESOURCE 1-800-21501961, NO ANSWER, BUT LEFT A MESSAGE THAT THEY WERN'T GETTING THIS PAYMENT NO OR EVENR AND TO GET ME OFF THE LIST.
WHY IS THE FCC NOT HUNTING THEM DOWN?
I IMAGINE THERE AR SO MANY PEOPLE NOT EVEN AWARE THEY ARE GETTING THIS CHARGE. WHY ISN'T OUR GOVERNMENT PROTECTING US?
I SAW ON LINE AN AGORA WEB SOLUTIONS THAT HAS MANY BRANCHES AND SUBOUTLETS,LEFT A MESSAGE THERE TOO.
AGAIN, WHY ISN'T THE FCC OR GOVERNMENT TRACKING THESE PEOPLE?

Gloria Midgette

I didnot sign up for guard my mail. Please take me of the list for a billing cycle. thank you. gloria midgette

Kathy

Rec'd our Verizon phone bill Sat. (7/29/06) Showing up was a charge from GUARDMYMAIL for 15.71 and another from something that said "VOICEMESSAGING SETUP FEE" for 16.21 We hadn't ordered either and didn't have a clue what it was. I called Verizon 1st thing Mon AM and they recommended we report it to the Federal Trade Comm at 1-877-382-4357 (toll free #). I did, and then called Guardmymail (at 866-452-6941) to let them know I had! Verizon did remove the charges for me. You can also contact the Fed Trade Comm at WWW.FTC.GOV to report it and see what's happening. Good luck! Kathy

Jeanette

How do they get this information. ESBI used my daughter's name and e-mail address. ESBI said she filled out a form on the web which she didn't because she is normally at school with a different address.

Audrey

I've been trying to get this charge of $16 off my verizon phone bill for 4 months also with no luck. Can anyone help me? Please let me know.

Audrey

Verizon did remove the charges, but they are still being added to my telephone bill. We need a law suit against these people. Audrey

SONJA

I also have this charge from CBC SERVICES GUARDMYMAIL MTH SVC FEE on my phone bill for 4 month and couldn't find there web site on line does this company really exist?

Ken

Our July AT&T bill included a 16.23 charge (14.95 taxes) from Enhanced Services Billing, which is a service used by CBC Services, LLC. The charge was for "CBC Services Guardmymail Mth Svc Fee", which no one here ever knowingly signed up for. I called AT&T customer service, who said I could dispute that part of the bill, pay the balance, and attempt to contact that company to stop the charges.

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Answerstop Voicemail Monthly Fee – voicemail you didnt sign up for!

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