Custom Teleconnect
reviews and complaints

On 4/5/202, I was stuck in San Diego, CA with no transportation, no phone, no cash or change. As a female, alone at night, there was some urgency to get a phone call out to my boyfriend to let him know that I was by myself, in a city I wasn't familiar with, and was going to yry to make it home (approximately 45 miles away) using public transportation. Since it was late and the last scheduled busses and trains were approaching quickly, I was concerned about not finding someone to let me borrow their cell phone in time. That's when I spotted the payphone at the transit center and saw that there was an option to place a call using my credit card. I could not find any explanation of charges written on or near the phone, but I recalled the last time I used a payphone, I had change and only needed about 5 quarters to make and complete the call., I figured it was worth the reduced stress of just getting that phone call out quickly. At no point in making the call and providing my credit card info was there ANY explanation of charges that would be placed on the card. Figuring it would likely be on the order of $1-$3, I made a mental note of the likely charge and the remaining balance on my debit card, as I was very strapped for money and carefully "counting pennies." Unfortunately, the call went straight to voicemail, so I was only able to leave a brief message and then hung up the phone and went on my way to catch the bus. I did make it home that night by the skin of my teeth and I had calculated that I had about $30 left in my account, which was all the money I had to my name.

The next morning, I went to the convenient store to get somethingsnall to eat for breakfast and was stunned to find that I only had $2 left in my account. I assumed my boyfriend carelessly spent that money wothout telling me and was furious at him until I looked at my transaction history and found that I was charged $28 for that payphone call that wasn't even answered! I immediately called this company listed on the transaction as CUSTOM TELECONNECT. I spoke with a representative who assured me that this was a temporary hold and that money would be returned within 3-5 business days when the actual charge would be finalized. Still pissed off that it would take so long, I was at least relieved to find out the money would be returned. That relief quickly turned into disbelief and anger again when the hold time was past and the finalized charge was still $21.01 (see transaction details pasted below)! Again, I'm stuck with pennies in the bank and unable to eat food that day. I called again and spoke with a representative that let me know she didn't like my attitude. She then stated quickly, "Well there's a minimum $20... well... uh... I'm not customer service, so I'll have to transfer you to that department..." click... she transfered me to nothing but a "beep" with no customer service on the other end. I've tried calling back several times and have been unable to get through to customer service to resolve this charge.

This should absolutely be illegal! Not only is this company placing an outrageously high minimum charge for a payphone call, but they are praying on people that are already in need and clearly down on their luck, hence not having a cell phone to use. In addition, there was absolutely no forwarning of the charges that would be incurred AND it is very difficult (if even possible at all) to get the charges reimbursed. Please do something about this! I am shocked that in this day and age, this type of THEFT is still occurring. Please Also help me get my $20 back. I literally have no money for food now because of this. Please help stop these criminals!

Date: 4/8/2023 07:03:04
Transaction:
MC PURCHASECUSTOM TELECONNECT INC866-8985880 NV75265863
Status:
Completed
Amount: -$ 21.01

On 11/07/22 I made a 2 minute phone call from a payphone at San Diego Balboa trolley station because I didn't have any quarters and was charged $21...outrageous!

I accepted collect call from brother. Company did not disclose fee for accepting collect call. Fee is about $87 a hour. Company does not disclose because consumers would not accept fee. These fees are unacceptable, most of the people that accept collect calls are lower income people, and this company takes advatage of them. Where are the politicians that protect the poor cause this company should be investigated.

On September 23, 2010 on a trip to Montana we stayed unexpectedly at a Inn that did not have cell service. Since my sister was in critical condition back in NY I was forced to use the pay phone with collect call service.
When I returned home I received the bill for $33.35 from Custom Teleconnect, Inc. (CTI). The call was no longer than 3-4 minutes for conversation. Thinking it had to be a mistake I wrote to the company. Since my letter was not answered one month later, I sent a second letter and after 7 weeks received a reply. The Chief of Operations provided me a dissertation of how collect calls work and suggested that I purchase a prepaid phone card in the future to avoid collect calls. She also provided me with the courtesy of blocking any billing numbers in the future from calls in the CTI network. I found the blocking of calls quite hilarious since when I get through with the story of this call through CTI none of my relatives, friends, of mere acquaintances would be so inclined to use their service.
Reading other complaints on this website I am surprised that this can continue. The CTI representative calls it a bona fide charge; however, a SCAM is a SCAM is a SCAM no matter how you color it.

I was locked out of my house this week, without a cell phone, or my wallet. I drove around searching for a payphone (not an easy task these days). I finally found one at Safeway. My coins did not work — just kept falling through — so I used my credit card (which I know by heart). I made 3 calls for help without even talking to anyone (only left messages). I checked my account today and was utterly shocked to find a $69 charge on my card! Are you kidding me? 23 dollars a call?!

I agree with what others have said here — this company should not be allowed to be in business. They are preying on people's misfortune. After all, who uses payphones anymore, unless it's for an emergency? What a racket. I am filing a complaint against them and will also talk to Safeway about discontinuing using them as their payphone service provider.

CUSTOM TELECONNECT INC LAS VEGAS NVUS Telecommunication Services -$31.24
CUSTOM TELECONNECT LAS VEGAS NVUS Telecommunication Services -$21.14

These are the charges that I received for a single collect phone call from my daughter who is in treatment. I was given no information as to how much I was going to be charged for the call so that I could decide whether to accept it or not. This is outrageous, is anything at all being done about this company? Has anyone successfully disputed charges from this company? I cannot afford over $50 for a single phone call!

My brother-in-law is permanently in a wheelchair, suffers from cerebral palsy and lives ina private room in an assisted living home. His speech is unintellgible to anyone except family and friends who know him very well. He is currently on Universal Lifeline and seldom uses the phone. Custom Teleconnect put through a total charge of $26.34 for a 3 minute collect call from a pay phone in Gardena. After 15 minutes of going over the same information with Enzo (agent ID [protected]) at Zero Plus Dialing, she agreed that she would issue a credit that would take 2 or 3 billing cycles to go through. I asked her repeatedly the total amount of the credit and she repeated $22.25 (the amount of the call) plus taxes and fees. After pressure, she stated that $26.34 would be refunded.

I intend to call AT&T later today to put a block on collect calls and third party calls on this number and advise that this amount will not be paid.

My names are Omonigho Joshua Onoge. It just came to my notice as of today 01/01/2010 that the above named company charged my chase card when i never authorized the charges, the total amount chargedto my card is $124.68, now my bank is going charge me fur unsufficient fund for the checks i wrote, and i expect them to pay those fees also, because i won't hold back taking this to the FBI.

I just got released from the columbiana county jail and was calling around trying to get a ride back home. I made 2 phone calls from this pay phone at 12 mins and 14 mins. The pay-phone never told me once on how much the calls were. So they take out $80 dollars from my girlfriends card. WTF..! Are you serious.?!?! If i would of known that I never would of called from that ###ed Custom Teleconnect phone. Never again will I and anybody I know. I can't believe you ***holes would do that.!

I made a phone call at a pay phone on Sept. 9th using my debit card. I checked my online checking account and had been charged 20.00 for the call even though I only talked about 4 or 5 min. A few days later I was online checking my account and the charge for $20.00 was gone and a new charge was on it. This call was made Sept. 12th and was for $70.80 . Then I checked on line and found out all the scams this company had made.

A "collect" call billed as a third party on my regular phone service amounting to $125.00. Never received such a call - explained to no avail to customer service rep.
Asked her if it came in to answering machine or voice mail is it possible it could have gone through?Was told they have record of a 60 minute call and that charges were legal. When I called the number, it range and then went into fax mode. Custom Teleconnect said it was a phone booth? After several arguments, was eventually credited $50. Will further dispute the $75 balance with my own carrier!