From an AOL Watch reader...

I recently, (stupidly), signed up for AOL's service, under the impresssion that I could get on-line, see what it's like, then delete the service before ever coming close to expiring my so-called "50-Hours" free. This I did, spending approximately 30 hours online before deciding that the service sucked. . .

However, just a few weeks ago, my father recieved in the mail a bill from AOL for $240. Apparently, the offer HADN'T been for "50 hours" (which would never have expired, leaving any kind of bill,) but rather for 30 Days! (A blatant example of false advertising.) Not only that, but somewhere (probably written in the fine print of the service agreement, which AOL knows nobody reads) it was stated that AOL is under no obligation to ever inform you when your free trial has expired, and that it is rather the SUBSCRIBERS duty to inform AOL that they they would like unsubscribe from their service, and if you do not, they automatically subscribe you to their "Unlimeted Acess" for a year! All this under the impression that the free trial was for fifty hours which would never have expired!

Then, when my father called AOL attempting to get his money back, he was informed that this procedure could not take place over the phone, or even over e-mail, but he had to write a LETTER to AOL, requesting any sort of refund. Then, of course, AOL could simply state that "no such letter was received" or something like that. THIS FROM A COMPANY THAT ADVERTISES ITSELF AS THE WAVE OF THE FUTURE.

Thank You,
Sam Black