"No explanation. This is the amount I owed:" Contact 6 helps viewers resolve billing issues

GRAFTON/RACINE (WITI) — How closely are you looking at your phone, internet and cable bill? The numbers can really add up — and so can the frustrations if you're hit with unexpected charges.

Now-a-days, the majority of people are constantly connected and, to be connected, it often means signing a contract.

Earney Yocum signed a two-year deal with AT&T for cable, internet and phone.

"Those three bundled together was suppose to come to $142," Yocum said.

When Yocum's bill came in the mail, it wasn't what he expected.

"It came in at $223, which is a considerable difference," said Yocum.

Yocum called AT&T and they fixed the issue. However, the fix didn't last long and the bill kept changing.

"No explanation. This is the amount I owed and this went on for six months," Yocum said.

Thomas Knudsen, also, spent a lot of time trying to work out his billing issues with Verizon Wireless.

"I spent about 15 hours on the phone trying to resolve this," Knudsen said.

Knudsen upgraded his family's cellphones. To get credit, he shipped back their old ones. Instead of credit, Knudsen was smacked with a huge fee.

"About $800 plus," Knudsen revealed.

After getting nowhere with calls to Verizon, Knudsen was at a loss.

"I didn't know what to do. I did everything I could myself to try and get it fixed," Knudsen said.

Yocum and Knudsen are not alone.

In a new report from the Federal Trade Commission, telephone and mobile services ranked 4th for consumer complaints nationwide.

In Wisconsin, they ranked 3rd and made up 8% of complaints filed in 2014.

Fed up, Yocum and Knudsen turned to FOX6's Contact 6.

"It turned out to be the best move I could have made," Knudsen said.

"I filed with you guys online and, I would say, within 3 or 4 days I got a phone call," Yocum said.

AT&T says it tries it's best to make things easy for customers. AT&T spokesperson, Jim Kimberly, sent this statement to Contact 6:

Verizon Wireless told Contact 6 it has similar options.  Andrea Meyer, a public relations manager, sent a statement that read, in part:

Verizon Wireless gave options like calling customer service, visiting a retail store, joining a live chat or reaching out to them on Twitter via @VZWSupport. The company statement revealed:

With the help of Contact 6, AT&T reimbursed Yocum $446.33

"Since you got involved, I got the next bill and that was at the proper amount of $144," Yocum said.

Verizon Wireless credited Knudsen $649.00 after he reached out to Contact 6.

"Contacting FOX6, it helped me in that, I felt there was someone that was willing to fight for my needs," Knudsen said.

Before signing up with any communications company, make sure you know what you're signing up for. It's important to read your contract and if you have any questions — just ask.

Also, check your bill every month to make sure you aren't dealing with unexpected charges or changes.

If you have a consumer issue or complaint for Contact 6, click HERE.