North Fort Myers man relieved after $1,800 phone bill cleared by WINK News

Larry Hammond, who attended a WINK Listens event, shared his frustration about his brand new iPhones that couldn't make calls at home.

“We can be on the phone, turn on our street, and part way down the street, it drops a call,” said Hammond.

Hammond documented his issues with a detailed spreadsheet of dates, calls, and notes after making 18 calls to the company and visiting the AT&T store. Despite switching carriers, he was left with a bill of more than $1,800.

“They can't give me service at my house, and nobody wanted to listen,” said Hammond. “Then a collection agency got a hold of me and threatened to go against my credit, if I didn't do something.”

WINK News anchor Taylor Petras reached out to AT&T on Hammond's behalf. The company allowed Hammond to return the phones and cleared his bill.

“And she said, ‘OK, I'm gonna take the bill down to zero, write it off.’ And I said, ‘Well, that's great, too bad it took so long,’” Hammond said.

Hammond expressed gratitude for the help he received.

“But I would like to thank WINK TV. I would like to thank you, Taylor, because you have not only saved us that bill, but it was just the aggravation, the aggravation we've had for a year,” he said.

In a statement to WINK News, an AT&T spokesperson said, “We want our customers to be completely satisfied with their service and any devices they purchase from us. On those rare occasions where they find it necessary to make a return, our goal is to make the process as effortless as possible. Customers have 14 days to make a return. We worked with Mr. Hammond to address his concerns with his account."