For the last decade, Jeffrey Kriv remained loyal to America Online, but when he signed up with another company for broadband service, the Chicagoan decided to part with his old Internet friend. He figured it made little sense to pay AOL $14.95 per month when the broadband company allowed him to log on 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
In March, Kriv called to cancel his AOL account, but an AOL customer service agent persuaded him to stay, he said, for the rock-bottom price of $4.95 per month, unlimited usage included. It seemed like a good deal until his April bill arrived--for $1,595.69. Kriv said that when he called to complain, he was told his $4.95 plan covered only the first three hours of service. After that, he was charged by the minute.