Traveled to multiple countries in Asia and Europe in May 2016. After I got back to the US, found that I got charges for 13 text messages during my 3-weeks trip. Look into my phone and found only 8 messages including 4 messages from AT&T's Free Message. Called AT&T Customer service. The operator, Justin, show me how to view PDF version of my bill online. In the PDF version of my bill, it shows that I receive 12 messages from AT&T Wireless and there is 20cents of change for each of the message. Operator told me that I got changes for all messages that I receive because my mobile plan does not include free text message. And this is including AT&T;s free text messages when I travel oversea. *** This does not make sense and unacceptable! How can "Free Message" contains changes? **** The the operator then told me that the only way to avoid these changes the followings:
1. Block all message in my Account - this is not true. I did not unblock messages until April 2016. And I did receive AT&T message when I was in the US and oversea. And no charge for those "AT&T Free Message"
2. DO NOT turn on my phone when I am oversea - meaning I am not allow to use my camera on my phone nor view any local files saved on my phone! That's ridiculous!
3. Temporary suspend my voice and data plan during my trip oversee - meaning that I am not even allowed to use my phone for for emergency use. Who in the world will accept this!
***None of these suggestion acceptable. In fact, I found them be ridiculous. ***
Besides, I have "International Data" settings set to OFF all the time; no matter in the US or oversea. But AT&T charge me 21cents total for data roaming. Raised the question to the operator but he cannot answer that neither.
Asked the operator to file complaints for my concern. But the operator, Justin, told me that he can only waive the changes as a one time thing. But the system does not allow him to file any customer complaints; including his supervisor
Overall, this experience gave me feeling that AT&T Wireless is trying to change customer in whatever way they can find. And hope that his customer will just pay for the bill without question.