Leaving AOL…aka Mob Tactics 101

As I mentioned, I recently installed cable modem/service and made the decision to cancel AOL. When I mentioned my plan to a friend, he laughed and told me “good luck”. Apparently, leaving AOL is not the easiest thing to do. After putting it off for a few days, I made the call today.

AOL Jack: Thank you for calling. How can I improve your internet service today?

Diva: Hi Jack. I’d like to cancel my account, please.

AOL Jack: I’m sorry to hear that. I can help you.

:::Name, address, account info verification:::

AOL Jack: Ok, I see you’ve been a member with us since 1996. Why are you wanting to leave such a great service?

Diva: I honestly don’t utilize the majority of the features, Jack…and I’m ready to cancel.

AOL Jack: I can certainly understand that. I see that you’re running version 6.0 of the service. What I’ll do is send you the most current version so you can enhance your AOL experience.

Diva: I just want to cancel my account, please.

AOL Jack: May I ask why you want to discontinue your service?

At this point, I’m getting pissed off. I decide to go the sob story route

Diva: Jack, I’ve recently lost my job and AOL is an expense that needs to be cut immediately.

AOL Jack: I think I can help you. Uh huh The next time you sign on to AOL, go to Keyword: Job Search. That will help out your situation.

Can you believe this ASSHOLE?

Diva: Jack, I want to cancel my service…now…without anymore customer saves.

AOL Jack: No problem. Your cancel code is ******. The request will go through immediately. You’ll be able to access your account through the end of the month and will not be billed for November. I’m sorry that you decided to leave the service, but we welcome you back at any time.

Thanks, JackASS…

My paranoid nature caused me to call back an hour later to make sure the account was canceled and the number Jack gave me was valid. AOL Mike advised my account was in a “state of cancellation”. Umm, not good enough. So, I called AGAIN. AOL Lisa advised that my request had been handled. I’m going to call again later this week. LOL

You know, AOL brags about the millions and millions of members it has. I wonder how many of them are folks that want to cancel, but don’t want to deal with the drama? Chesty works for a credit card company and she said there are quite a few people with recurring monthly charges that don’t even realize it. These folks just write out a check every month to pay the credit card bill without looking at the detailed statement. Incredible.

By the way, my new email address is wwdiva@attbi.com. Please do not use the mob address any longer.