Got a call from Convergia Networks last night. I asked the agent where he got my information from (said Bell) I mentioned I had asked to be placed on their Do Not Call list months ago so why are they calling. I asked for my unique registration # for reference that I was on their internal Do not call list and asked to be put through to their supervisor - both did not happen - they hung up ! I called Bell to confirm that they had no affiliation with them (which they did not) and called back their 1-866# and was put through to a manager (Mr. Brooms) who hung up on me.
When I dialed the displayed number back - I got through to a NY company called B&H who said they did not even know that this number was being used and had no idea who Convergia was.
Being in the Call Center industry these guys give our business a poor reputation - I know that laws and so far they have broken 3:
Telemarketers must display the originating calling number or an alternate number where the call originator can be reached (except where the number display is unavailable for technical reasons).
DNCLs are to be maintained by the telemarketer on its own behalf or on behalf of a client of a telemarketer and remain active for three (3) years effective within thirty-one (31) days from the date of the consumer's do not call request.
A consumer's request not to be called that is made during the telemarketing call shall be processed at that time. The consumer shall not be asked to call elsewhere to make their request.
The telephone call shall be answered either by a live operator or a voicemail system to take messages for the consumer. The voicemail must inform consumers that their call will be returned within three (3) business days.
The telemarketer or the client of the telemarketer must return consumer's call within three (3) business days. (On hold for 45 min with no live answer today July 4th 2008 at 12:45pm.)
Must be provided with a unique registration number to confirm that I have been added to the “Do Not Call List”
My next step is the CRTC with whom I will work to shut this group down and charge them for misrepresentation !
I encourge everyone to register in September on the National Do No Call List to stop these types of calls. There are some stiff penalties for those who do not comply !
Subject: Complaint against illegal switching of long distance line from Call Select to
Convergia on the basis of old address information’s.
Sir/Madam,
I hope you will be fine. Today, when I was going through Convergia website I got yours contact. I decided to contact you may be you would be able to help me in resolving my issue as I am up-set for the last 2-years and want to resolve the issue but no one want to straighten it.
I would like to provide you some detailed information about this past due account. I had a long distance plan with Convergia probably back in 2004 when I was living at 407-Richfield Road Edmonton. It was all paid off and I cancelled my service. My record proved that I never had any late payment of any bill in my previous life. In May, 2006 I got my long distance plan with another service provider, Call Select @ 12¢/min for Pakistan. A Convergia agent called me and offered the rate for Pakistan at 20¢/min, which I refused. Convergia agent switched over my line on the basis of my old address information which they already had on file. Whereas I moved to a new place in April, 2005 (3212-71 Street Edmonton) about one year before. In the beginning of June, 2006. I went to Pakistan and I came back at the end of June, 2006. My wife asked me that she had not received any bill from Call Select. I said ok still I am busy in some other priorities I will call them some time later on. When I did not received my second monthe bill, I called Call Select and about my bill. The Call Select agent informed me that Convergia is my long distance service provider and my line was switched over by Convergia very next day when it was taken by Call Select. It was a shocked for me. I called Convergia and asked them why they illegally switched over my line. When I verified my information agent verified my old address. He also mentioned that my bill was going there for the last 2-month. First of all I updated my address and cancelled service with Convergia and request for supervisor. After long discussion with supervisor, Michael he offered me an alternative way. If I could send rate list of Call Select, Convergia will send me a new bill according to the rate of Call Select and issue will be resolved. I accepted his proposal just for resolving of issue and piece of mind. I faxed all papers on 7/28/2006. Later on, when I called Michael wasn’t available and Bridget advised me to send fax on his # ( 1-514-429-0254 ). I did it again on 08/01/2006. After sending the fax I called second time on the same day than Bridget was off and and another supervisor, Abdul, gave me his fax # (1-514-429-0278) and assure me that if I will send her all paper this issue will be resolved. I again sent fax but no one bothered to resolve the issue!
I called so many time and spoke with agents/Supervisors, but every time I was informed charges are disputed and under investigation. During this time I also received calls from Convergia and I asked the agents to read my file after reading note in file they always told me it was under investigation for which finding I have not received yet accept receiving a letter from a collection agency.
I am really up-set since that day, sorry to say if all the management of Convergia is irresponsible than how successful would be the business. I think all the Convergia management need training how quality of work could be improved. This is simple if I am paying 12¢/min and satisfy with it than why I should pay 20.¢/min, businesses are not run on the basis of illegal switching of long distance line which convergia is doing. Moreover, if something happened like this than customer should be informed and excused. Sir, what you think on the basis of my last 2- years experience what I will say to other people about Convergia? Would Convergia qualify I say to someone that convergia people are compassionate and take care of there customer.
I request you please look into matter. Inspite of all the things I am still ready to pay if interest should be waived off and bill send to me according to Call Select rates. Otherwise, I have the right for legal action.
I hope you will consider my request and I shall receiv any response too.
Sincerely yours,
(Aman Ullah)
3212 71 Street
Edmonton, AB T6K 1K9
August 4th, 2008
780-485-0352
A representative from the above mentioned company called in April 2008 offering lower rate for overseas calls. Upon my inquiry, (if there were any kind of hidden charges or monthly minimum or network charges,) they told me there were none. At the time I was with the PULSE telecoms long distance provider who was not charging any of those extra monthly charges. Since CONVERGIA offered rates were lower, I agreed to switch to CONVERGIA. But with in 24 hours, after searching more information about the company and not seeing the offer on the internet I called the company in Montreal; spoke to there agent Jessica she told me there was a mistake on the agent part. So I told them I did not wish to switch to there company, at the same time a called my existing long distance company PULSE telecom to not let me switch to any other company. After 48hourse I called back CONVRGIA to make sure I was not switched to CONVERGIA. I was assured it was not done and not to worry. During this time I continued calling and receiving bill from PULSE telecom. Now CONVERGIA started sending me the bill that I did agree to there service. And that I have been with them from April 17th till June 9th. According to them I only canceled my subscription on the 9th 2008. But Pulse Telecom has informed me that there was never a switch or even a request to switch my long distance calls to CONVERGIA. When I told CONVERGIA that, they said I have to pay for opening an account with them or my case will be referred to the FED COLLECTION OFFICE. When I try to speak to some one in CONVERGIA they simply hang up the phone on me and keep on telling me that the only way out is to pay it up. I am thinking to take the company to court, any suggestions
who is the idiot that put my name as a convergia contact?? I have never worked for them and there are no other Gerry Felice in Canada or USA. I got a call from someone complaining to me about convergia. I am shocked
My mother is 84, has trouble even getting ot the phone when it rings..swears she has not remembered giving any info to a caller..would not understand or hear a request...she has just received a bill demanding $45.12 for long distance service she does not have for calls she does not even know how to make....this crap must stop...targetting old people who of course wld sooner pay a few dollars to a scam artist-company than admit to even answering such a call...Susan