Legal Question in Business Law in Massachusetts

Re: Phone bill

I have seen this kind of thing a number of times, and even the big reputable Bell companies are not immune to this kind of thing. It certainly comes as an unwelcome surprise when the "correct" bill materializes for much larger $$ than the original.

Do understand, however, that if the revised bill is actually correct, the customer has been paying less than full price for services admittedly received. In that light, it is difficult to argue to a court that the service provider should be estopped from asserting a claim for the correct amount. Likely the telephone company will not assert any claim for interest and will give the customer payment terms for the old unbilled amounts. I doubt that they will compromise on the amount owed.

Best wishes,

LDWG

Re: Phone bill

Generally one cannot profit from the mistake of another, e.g. Bank mistakenly puts $1 Million in your account. It's still not your money and use of it would be larceny. Here, you contracted for services and they were provided but not billed. Since you got the benefit of the bargain, you are, in my judgment, liable for the cost. You may try to negotiate with the carrier. YOu certainly should get anagreement to pay it over time.