GASTONIA, N.C. -- A Gaston County man was charged hundreds in early termination fees he claimed were not fair.

Roy Smith recently changed his cell phone company. Before switching to Sprint four months ago, Smith had two phones through Verizon. One was for him, one for his wife. He signed up in 2002 with a two-year contract. But when he cancelled earlier this year, he was in for a big surprise. “They sent me a bill for a $175 for her phone and $175 for my phone. My contract was up close to two year, past the deadline. I didn't think it was right,” Smith said

Smith thought it was because of a contract on a third phone he added last year. He cancelled that service, but paid Verizon's early termination fees on that phone.

Verizon said the contract on his two phones was extended after he changed his calling plan on his third phone.

"They claimed they changed my calling plan, which I did not authorize them to change a thing about my plan. I just wanted to get another phone,” he said.

When Smith refused to pay $350 in fees, Verizon turned him over to a debt collector.

Action 9 contacted Verizon. It said records indicate Smith changed his rate plan which extended his contract to June of 2008. Verizon removed all charges saying Smith had been an excellent customer and apologized for any miscommunications.