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Consumer Cellular Complaint - Unauthorized Charges To Debit Card For Supposedly Free Battery Replacement - Motorola W259
Motorola W259 - Complaint
First, let me mention, that I only chose Consumer Cellular as my mobile phone carrier because AARP recommends them. That decision was a mistake. My recommendation is to do your own research and due diligence, because thus far, AARP has been non-responsive, except for acknowledging my complaint, since I first reported this unauthorized withdrawal of $17.50 from my bank account for a free battery.
My phone stopped working in March; prior to this I'd experienced multiple dropped calls and 'failure to connect' reports. Upon contacting Consumer Cellular, and going over the trouble-shooting protocol, the call center representative tried to upgrade me to a 'free' newer model, and, I only had to pay an activation fee of $35.00: I declined. He then said there was probably nothing wrong with the phone, and, since it was still under warranty, I was qualified to receive a new battery shipped to me at no charge. Free.
A review of my bank statement disclosed that a charge of $17.50 was tucked into my monthly bill. After many emails and calls to various supervisors, I am still not pleased with how this complaint is being handled by Consumer Cellular nor AARP. ORG.
If anyone is having similar billing, rude and non-responsive customer service issues from one or both of these companies, I suggest filing a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at 1 (888)-CALL-FCC; fax: 1-(866-418-0231; email: fccinfo@fcc.gov. Also, contact the Federal
Trade Commission (FTC) at (1-(877)382-4357, to file a complaint. If you are a member of AARP, their contact information is member@aarp.org.
Be sure to have pen and pencil ready to record your case or reference number with the FCC and FTC. According to their websites, the more people who contact them with complaints, the better able they are in protecting consumers by investigating, and in some cases, filing court actions against companies that don't follow rules and regulations.
My phone stopped working in March; prior to this I'd experienced multiple dropped calls and 'failure to connect' reports. Upon contacting Consumer Cellular, and going over the trouble-shooting protocol, the call center representative tried to upgrade me to a 'free' newer model, and, I only had to pay an activation fee of $35.00: I declined. He then said there was probably nothing wrong with the phone, and, since it was still under warranty, I was qualified to receive a new battery shipped to me at no charge. Free.
A review of my bank statement disclosed that a charge of $17.50 was tucked into my monthly bill. After many emails and calls to various supervisors, I am still not pleased with how this complaint is being handled by Consumer Cellular nor AARP. ORG.
If anyone is having similar billing, rude and non-responsive customer service issues from one or both of these companies, I suggest filing a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) at 1 (888)-CALL-FCC; fax: 1-(866-418-0231; email: fccinfo@fcc.gov. Also, contact the Federal
Trade Commission (FTC) at (1-(877)382-4357, to file a complaint. If you are a member of AARP, their contact information is member@aarp.org.
Be sure to have pen and pencil ready to record your case or reference number with the FCC and FTC. According to their websites, the more people who contact them with complaints, the better able they are in protecting consumers by investigating, and in some cases, filing court actions against companies that don't follow rules and regulations.
Comments:
Posted by trmn8r on 2011-06-04:
I don't see why AARP is involved in resolving this complaint, since you got the battery from Consumer Cellular and they billed you directly.
What did CC say when you called and told them you were told it would be free, but were billed?
What did CC say when you called and told them you were told it would be free, but were billed?
Posted by Jay on 2011-06-04:
Never give any company your debit card number. As you just found out you loose control of your money.
Posted by FaFaFhooey on 2011-06-06:
Always use a credit card, never a debt card, except at an ATM.
Posted by MRM on 2011-06-06:
Fafa, thats exactly how I do, use credit when making purchases and I use debit for ATM.
And welcome to the site, FaFa! I look forward towards your first star!
And welcome to the site, FaFa! I look forward towards your first star!
Posted by nick may on 2012-08-16:
Consumer Cellular has been a very good company for us, I own a radio shack in Toccoa, Ga and have been very happy with the consumer cellular product. I have not heard of any complaints like this. Every complaint I and the customers have about consumer cellular has been very quickly resolved and fixed. I would recommend this product to anyone. If you have any problems with your service or anything call them and tell them you want to speak to Mike Kerm, he is a manager for the company and that is who I always go to. And if that doesnt help come on by Radio Shack in Toccoa, Ga Zip:30577 1499 Big A Rd, We are right across from wendy's and quality foods.
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