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I just finished a month long battle with Sprint, my cellphone provider, over some excessive charges to my account.

Long story short, I changed to a cheaper plan online in April, but the change apparently never went through, so I continued to pay the higher rate for a few months, even though their Web site told me it was continually "set to change" soon.

I called them in July, complained that the change never went through, and told them I wanted at minimum a $75 credit for the difference. Of course, the low-level customer service help told me the biggest credit they could give me was $15, which was unacceptable.

After getting hold of a supervisor, they said that they would have their technicians look into the issue. I had proof of the change request — it was even on their Web site — and wanted the difference in costs.

I realize that I could have averted all of this had I been active in checking my cell phone bill, but the message on the Web site — that the change would be effective (next week) — certainly made it seem like the plan change would be made soon.

In any case, the supervisor told me I'd be receiving a call within 3 business days, and gave me a case number (I asked for his ID).

About five business days later, no call. Big surprise.

So I called Sprint back up, gave them the case number and immediately asked to speak to a supervisor.

The customer service rep said that his supervisor was busy, and after I re-described the case, he said he would confirm a $75 credit to my account with his boss. A few minutes on hold later and the credit was mine.

The problem came, however, when the credit was issued. Sprint had already deducted my monthly bill — the new, lower fee this time — despite the credit.

So, because my payment was set to go through right around the same date as the credit was issued, I paid my bill without needing to.

It's a little annoying having to "invest" money toward my cell phone bill, but these kind of things happen when you aren't 100% in control of your payments.