I don't know how they did this because I haven't talked to my guy since thursday the bill was for 61.00, I wonder why he haven't called me so I checked the account online, it say 104.24, but if I pay enough to get under the limit then I could increase by 50.00, but I dont know where all these charges come from, I like MCI it's cheaper for me but now its getting crazy.:angry: :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry:

I am sorry to hear that. I check my account at least 3 times a day because I know how they can mess things up. I also had them send me several payment coupons so I can mail them checks..I dont' want or need them messing up my account if I try to use a debit or credit card. I sent them a check a week ago and it just credited today.

I am so upset... my phone isn't accepting collect calls and I owe nothing (zip, nada, zilch) to MCI, AT&T or whomever else wants money from my phone bill. I pay that thing as soon as I get the bill, online, with my debit card to ensure that there is no chance to miss a call.

I'm so mad and I am sure my guy is upset that he can't reach me... probably worried sick!

This phone system stinks!

Check with them again on your account status, I think that MCI is blocking everything OVER 100.00 until that is paid down, if I read your comment correctly it says 104. so you will have to get that down then I would challenge and ask for a emailed print out of what calls were made using your account to what numbers. Make them prove to you all that money is gone. Well I would if I were you that is.
GOOD LUCK

MCI double dips and charges for calls NOT received.
I started to receive calls in May. I have verizon, so the first bill came under verizon,with MCI listed as an additional provider. That first bill listed a ONE minute call...I dont think so. I would never just talk for one minute. So, I called and had that call deleted off of my bill.
Then one day MCI calls and via an automated message, telle me that I am blocked, but offers NO other info. So I call MCI and they tell me that they are NO longer billing through a third party and that I have to set up an account w/ them by faxing them my local phone bill. I did. The account was set up w/ a 100 limit. Once the limit was reached, you had to make a payment to get it below $100.00. Fine.
I used it for a month and paid $143.00 total (maybe a little bit more than a month).
Well, I just received another Verizon phone bill. This has the SAME charges I just paid.....It also has a 2 minute call. So, I called Verizon and they took off the 2 minute call but swore that I had NOT set up any sort of account w/ MCI ("That doesnt sound right", they said). So, he said to send him a hard copy bill from MCI from online (online they do not give the break down of the charges and once you pay it, you only see amount due). So, I am in a quandry. How do I PROVE that the charges that showed up on the verizon bill were duplicates of the charges paid ? According to Verizon I owe them $155.00, if one would minus my 14.83 local charges, that comes up to almost identical the amount paid to MIC themselves.....I know the charges are duplicated because I only talk once a week, I think once it was twice in one week...So, I know that the bill isnt THAT high.
I was told to dispute the charges from MCI (the ones on my verizon bill).
Any suggestions?

I just got a call from MCI saying that I have been receiving calls from a correction instituation and in order to continue to receive these calls I need to set up an account with MCI directly within 2 days.

Sunshine - after reading your post I'm nervous about doing this but I dont want to miss any calls.

Does anyone know why MCI is doing this?!

I really don't know but if you don't want your phone to be blocked I would call them right away!

Yes, you do have to set up an account with MCI or your number will be blocked from receiveing "correctional insitution calls"...you only need the first page on your bill. Once you call them they will direct you on what to do and where to fax it.

they are doing this because there is too much fraud going on. Peolple ringing up very large amounts of bills and never paying them then getting service in someone elses name. Also since it is being billed thru a third party ex. at&t/sba, verizon. they are not getting paid from these companies in a timely manner so that's why you get blocked even if you did pay your bill on time. Then when you call to get the block off they have to call you phone company and verify that you DID pay the bill. So if they bill you seperatly they no longer have to do that anymore and inconvenience you.
I personally like the new account set up. You can view all your calls and balance over the internet and as long as you dont go over $100 you will never get blocked and if you do all you have to do is pay $5 to get under and the block comes off immediatetly. So if you dont have the full amount to pay off the bill in full you can still get calls. Before you get an account they wouldnt take the block off UNTIL it was paid in full, and wait days for the block to come off. I like the new system way better.:D

Ooohhh well that makes sense. I just wish they gave some notice instead of calling to say - set up your account and by they way your blocked for 3-5 days until we get you in the system.

It does sound like it will be better in the long run.

Man, i hear horror stories about them.

MCI is good you just have to watch you calls now on line they show call recived and when you made your payment so they are improving and after 6 months you can increase by 50 dollars.

I just talked to the High Toll department today. They say if you give them the last 4 of your social they will be able to verify on an automated system that your bill is paid through your local carrier and then they won't block your line til they get verification. The high Toll number is 800 937-1048.

Just set up an account with them. It's so much better and you wont get billed bt your local phone company. You just pay online.

I have been paying these darn phone bills for four years now and I think MCI's new system is the best way to go about the whole process..... We all know that our loved ones get outta loop sometimes with the phone or at least I know my husband has several times in the past. Its hard on everyone, but without the phone his time is harder, mine is harder, the kids dont get to talk to their dad. You know it goes on and on...... Bottom line MCI gave me control back when they did this. I have more control over the amount that I spend on the phone bill, I pay on line, I view calls online, and I still recieve a paper statement at the end of each billing statement. I am very happy with the new way about things!!!!!

I have been paying these darn phone bills for four years now and I think MCI's new system is the best way to go about the whole process..... We all know that our loved ones get outta loop sometimes with the phone or at least I know my husband has several times in the past. Its hard on everyone, but without the phone his time is harder, mine is harder, the kids dont get to talk to their dad. You know it goes on and on...... Bottom line MCI gave me control back when they did this. I have more control over the amount that I spend on the phone bill, I pay on line, I view calls online, and I still recieve a paper statement at the end of each billing statement. I am very happy with the new way about things!!!!!

DITTO

It's funny that this thred started off so negative and got to a positive point once we all had a chance to adjust/understand the change. It's much better and I've been happy with it so far!

Make sure you set it up with inmate services. I just had to reset up mine becuz they didnt tell me they had a seprate section for it.