[Albert Lionheart]

I had a call from a close friend this morning who has just returned from an extended trip abroad of several months. Whilst away he had closed his ISP account with AOL - or so he thought. He had not closed his bank account as he was coming back to it and as there had been no traffic in and out of the account he had not bothered to have the statements sent on.
AOL had failed to close the account as instructed and have been merrily taking a payment from his account for the last 7 months (it was a long trip).
I have heard of this several times before and getting the money back from the thieving AOL can be very difficult. The last time I recommended that they take AOL to the Small Claims Court and make sure the media heard about it. Payment of the refund was prompt.
Moral of this tale - don't trust AOL when you close your account.

[Daveskater]

Maybe the moral of the story is just don't use AOL at all

[Gunner]

I like the moral "Don't use it!!!" Yes I have had experiences with AOhell also.
Not being a user but helping users get out of the jam.
It almost takes an act of congress to quit AOL.

[Albert Lionheart]

I heard of another problem recently - not a client at the time - who closed his AOL account and after a long tedious conversation with the 'retention team' insisted that they close the account within 24 hours.
Thet closed it within 30 mins and he lost all his messages and the contents of his address book.
Moral - set up a new account with anything (Hotmail or GMail) and forward everything you want to keep to the new account before yelling at AOL - they can be and will be vindictive!