$1,234,330

THE FIXER HAS SAVED YOU

While I was trying to get the bills sent to the correct address, I tried four times to get the Internet reconnected after the new wiring was in. I couldn’t afford to take work days off because of the surgeries, so I asked my landlord to let the technician in. Twice, they arrived after 5 p.m., after the landlord’s office was closed. Another time, the technician called me on my cell phone asking the address. I was teaching and didn’t get the message until after 5 p.m.

Finally, the land line bills started arriving. However, by then I was so frustrated, I had decided to switch providers.

I went back to the AT&T store and explained that the amount of money AT&T owed me for the cut-off Internet was about the same as they were demanding for the land line. The lead sales rep told me not to worry, that he would zero everything out. But unfortunately, he wasn’t able to. I started receiving letters from a collection agency.

I’m hoping you can help sort this out. I’ve written letters explaining all this to the collection agency and to AT&T, and still the bills keep coming. Help!

Anne Marie Smith, Hinsdale

Dear Anne Marie: We’re sorry to hear that along with fighting cancer you had to battle your phone company. Not a good situation!

The good news is we were able to take this off your plate so you can concentrate on getting healthy. The Fixer took this to local AT&T spokeswoman Mollie West in the hopes that she could find someone there who could backtrack and untangle this mess. It didn’t take long. Once they went through which services were being used and which weren’t, they determined you have a small credit of $13.05.

They’ve contacted you to settle up. Meanwhile, Team Fixer is sending warm wishes for a speedy recovery.

And now, a tip for other readers: If you’re having a hard time fixing an incorrect phone, electric or natural gas bill, the nonprofit Citizens Utility Board may be able to help. You can find CUB at CitizensUtilityBoard.org or (312) 263-4282 or (800) 669-5556.