Raves, Rants & Roses

RANT: On Monday, June 16, I made a payment to Suddenlink for cable and internet services. I did this by calling and giving them my debit card information. Not an hour after this transaction my account was charged $90 and $75 to a company called BillMatrix.

When I discovered this, I called BillMatrix to inquire about the charges and was told they were cell phone payments.

In informed her that I paid my cell phone charges directly to AT&T, and this may be a mistake. I then called Suddenlink to report this, and I was told there was nothing they could do about it.

I then contacted my bank and was told these charges were pending and could drop off at midnight.

The next day I checked my account and it was charged $371 to a Tyler retail store. I then went to my bank, reported the activity and completed a dispute form and filed a police report. I also had to cancel my card and order a new one.

My bank, (Southside Bank) was very helpful, as well as Tyler Police Department. However, I am very upset that Suddenlink does not care to investigate possible fraud committed possibly by an employee. When this person is arrested, I guess that will be an eye opener.

I have been a registered nurse for 30 years and each time I renew my license, I have to swear that I have not committed a felony. This past year, we now have to be fingerprinted. Every job that I have had, I went through an extensive background check. Since so many employees are now trusted with valuable financial information, shouldn't their employees submit them to criminal background checks to protect consumers?

I have learned my lesson, and will never release personal or financial information on the phone.

Faye Cantrell
Tyler