Are verbal "contracts" binding?

[patrick t. cakes]

Was sent a bill today from Media-Com (internet, cable provider in the area)
For $150.00 for an "early" termination fee. I explained that I never signed a contract agreeing to 2 years of service and
I was informed it was a verbal "contract" when I signed up for service (over the phone).


I explained that I was in no way informed of this supposed "contract"
because if I had been I never would have agreed to it, not planning on needing
the service for two years (temporary housing while a student.)

They said a supervisor is going to check the phone record and get back to me.
It may be waved.

This is why I don't put bills in my name if possible.


:mad:
Verbal contract. What the hell is a verbal contract? What a fucking racket!

[WolverineDG]

1. Some can be nt

[JDPriestly]

2. Check with a lawyer in your state.

[patrick t. cakes]

3. Does it differ from state to state?

I suppose that makes sense.

[stranger81]

6. It differs from state to state, and based on the subject matter of the contract

You can't have a verbal real estate contract, for instance -- has to be in writing. But for this kind of subject matter, at least in California where I practice, a verbal agreement would be enforceable if proven sufficiently.

[boston bean]

4. If they sent you to an automated system where you agreed with pricing

they can go back and get the recording of you saying yes, yes, no, no etc.
That is standard for cable companies, as you get special pricing for signing on for two years.

[sarcasmo]

5. Messing with a lawyer would cost you way more than the 150 you owe.

[patrick t. cakes]

7. No, I wont be getting a lawyer

maybe I'll just file for bankruptcy.