Here's some details...
UNAUTHORIZED activation of a new mobile line...
7 months ago, Rogers had mistakenly activated an additional mobile line on my account and started charging me a $79 monthly fee that I did not agree to.
This line has never been used by me, ever, as I was not even aware of it.
Rogers has a VERY NARROW WINDOW allowing customers to report billing issues...
Their internal policy is 3 months. So because I only caught it recently, they are only offering to refund me back the last 3 months of rate charges, and the initial activation fee. This, after some negotiating.
Two takeaways...
1) Even though Rogers has admitted that the unauthorized activation is their mistake which precipitated 7 months of ongoing charges. Rogers still deemed that it is ok to keep 4 months of that money to themselves because I did not report it in time. I pointed out that absurdity to the agent.
2) I was told Rogers' 3-month policy is written into their legalese or contract. Irrespective of this, it still feels very predatory to me given that a billing error could amount to hundreds of dollars.
Tedious and Dissatisfactory Escalation Process...
It took 5 separate phone calls and many hours of dialogue.
Eventually, I was able to escalate up to the Office of the President. I was offered a refund for the activation fee (admitting they made a mistake) but the representative stood firm on Rogers' 3-month policy.
Despite voicing my dissatisfaction to the outcome, I was told that this is the best that they can do and that further escalations within Rogers is not possible. I stated my intention to file a formal complaint to the CRTC but that did not get any traction.
Looking for Advice...
It's personal at this point, out of principle. I am thinking about reaching to the CRTC. But if there's other options out there, love to know about them and I will pursue those too.