Bad CompuServe Experience

[singhss]

I bought a laptop some months ago and i thought it came with 1 yr free CompuServe. I called CS to confirm and they said yes it did and they sent me a CD and issued me a registration number and password. After the !st month they charged my credit card and I called em to get it fixed and they assured me it was free and would credit my account. They never did so I cancelled, but now I get bills in the mail saying I am liable for those charges and they are sending it to collections etc. I spoke to em on the phone and they say it was one of those rebate CD's, however I initially confirmed it wasnt before i signed up.

Am I liable for those charges, what recourse do i have, if any?
thanks in advance

[SEALTEAMTHREE]

Was it one of those "$400 instant rebate if you sign up for 1 year of Compuserve" deals? If so, you have voided the contract with CS and the retail store and will end up owing them the $400 back.

If not and it came with a 1 year free trial of Compuserve, I hope you have the 1 year free deal in writing, because the bill collector isn't going to care about a verbal contract-they're going to get a cut of the money Compuserve is trying to collect, so you're at their mercy. I'd get a lawyer and contact Compuserve to try to fix this problem.

[singhss]

No it wasnt one of those $400 rebates, it was the free year, and after they charged me i kept calling em and they said they would reverse the charges, but never did. Thats when i cancelled, so they want me to pay the 2 months, about $43. Wont they have to take me to court to get the money?? I would of paid it happily if they didnt lie to me like that. Its the principal of it that bothers me.