Man gets $17,505 wireless bill

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- A Philadelphia man said he received a $17,505 Verizon Wireless bill after using his wireless USB modem overseas.

Carlos Mota, 52, said he signed up for a $60.75 per month plan when he bought the modem in March and he brought the modem with him when he visited family during the summer in the Dominican Republic, the Philadelphia Daily News reported Monday.

Mota said he used the modem for about an hour and a half June 19, and discontinued using it in the country when he attempted to log in for a third time and a message informed him he was roaming.

Mota said he returned home to find the $17,505 Verizon bill, with $17,445 of the total accounting for roaming charges. Mota said he was not warned about international use of the modem when he bought it.

He said he contacted Verizon several times and a supervisor eventually told him he was responsible for the charges and the company has threatened to take him to court. He said the current total, including late fees, is $18,225.87.

A Verizon spokesman told the Daily News the company is looking into the matter.

"We go to great lengths to educate our customers on our products and services so they avoid any unintended bills," spokesman Sheldon Jones said. "We understand our customers don't like surprises. Neither do we; it's bad business. We are looking into Mr. Mota's case."