Did not get my refunds, help from readers needed. Review on Youtelecom

I just wanted to place my horrible experience with Iqara, but before that, I need to give a huge credit to Mouthshut - I read so many poor experiences of Iqara subscribers who had placed a review on Mouthshut; that I decided to urge the readers not to sit down silently: its time we do something under the Consumer Protection Act.

Well my case is that I used Iqara for about 7 months at Baroda with ID 218136. I disconnected the connection on 1 June 07 and surrendered my modem. At the time of surrender, my records were looked up upon and I was told that I have over Rs 2000/- as security refund, which will be given to me in 1 months time.

I did not receive any money. I have complained to call centre on different days and raised 3 complaints in August. Again, no action. Some dumb lady closed my case saying "account not found". How can this happen? while receiving payment or modem surrender the account was there, now it isn't!!!

I have also sent emails to Mumbai head office and the Baroda office saying that I want to place a consumer court request, but there has not been any reply!

I would like to request the readers to help me out with some advice: I need to be prepared esp when I will be travelling from Pune to Baroda to fight this case, not for the mere 2000 bucks, but for the betterment of other consumers who are facing issues with Iqara/Youtele.

1. Can I appoint a legal representative to deal with the case in consumer court in Baroda during the time I am in Pune?

   
   




2. can I claim my travel fee (multiple instances), legal rep fee, harrassment fee, loss due to salary cut for missing few days of office (I believe I will have to make 2-3 trips for this matter)? If yes, can this be projected between 25, 000-75, 000 depending on the expenses and inconvenience or is it too big a figure? (i want to raise it to 1 lacs)

   
   




3. I got the connection when the ISP name was Iqara, and now its Youtele. Does any reader think that since they co changed its name, they can argue that they have no concern with security deposits to previous co? can they run away with my money..or "our" money in case of existing old customers?

   
   

I really want the consumers to get up and fight for their rights... some help will be appreciated before I launch my battle in a week's time or so...

Regards.

Dr. Gagandeep Singh

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Update as of End-2007:

With the ever increased pressures in YouTele through my repeated calls and email regarding sueing in consumer court, I finally received my cheque. Its important to mention that the company takes advance rent of internet. However, the refund did not have some portion of amount that was to be refunded to me on pro-rata basis. This amount was close to Rs 250. I thought its not feasible to boil my blood over this small amount. The good thing is that I got my Rs 2500 back.

My success factor was that I made repeated calls to Vadodara and also to Mumbai circles and lodged new complaints each time. Plus the emails, written in a "formal legal tone" were sent to all the YouTele IDs threatening them of a law-suit if they did not return the money, and that these emails would be produced in court. These email had a "delivery" and "read" notification, which would have added more "dum" to the law-suit.

I would encourage readers not to be taken for granted. If they think they are smart, we are already smarter than these losers.

Dr. Gagandeep Singh