AT&T Wireless, Cingular ripoff Nationwide
I have been an AT&T customer since 1996 it is sad to see the deterioration of the services. I called on 10/29/04 because I wanted to add a third line and wanted to see what new plans they may have to accomodate the new line.
I was told by one of their representatives (I have a name and date) who said they had a shared plan for $59.99 and the third phone could be added for $9.99 more a month. I had to commit to a two year contract. Tha plan met my needs and I agreed to sign.
The next two bills were different since it had partial billing from the previous cycles and credits for rebates, etc. I was charged for an activation fee (which no one ever told me about) Since I was an existing customer I called and they removed that charge.
My problem is this, I just received the first bill without all the confusing credits and partial billing and it was higher that I anticipated. I called and spoke to a representative and later a supervisor since I was being charged $19.99 for the third line. They said I must have been given the wrong information by their representative about the cost of the third line. I had 30 days to cancel if I was not happy and now it was too late. I told them it wasen't until now that I noticed the charge since all the other bills were so confusing. Bottom line they say I am stuck with them for two years even though one of their representatives gave me the wrong information. This is fraudelent. I am fit to be tied. How can a big company like that get away with making mistakes and then having the customers pay for it. They need to train their representatives better. Getting information on promotional plans is the bigget mystery. Every time you get a different person you get a different answer. I know of other customers who are not happy with how they are treated by their cell companies. I would like to know if there is an aggressive attorney out there who would want to file a class action law suit agains such blatant ripoff.
I am sure there are others with similar horror stories. They make the mistake and we have to pay for it. I could never get away with that (nor would I want to) with any of my customers.
Idoris
Davie, Florida
U.S.A.
6 Updates & Rebuttals
Alice
Chandler,Arizona,
U.S.A.
My Advise None of the Reps seem to record any changes made to your account, the manager calls you a liar
#7Consumer Comment
Mon, March 14, 2005
I too am having similar problems with cingular. None of the Reps seem to record any changes made to your account, the manager calls you a liar,(in so many words) it is frustrating.
We were with AT&T for years, no problems, and were happy with the level of costumer service we received, all of that has changed now that we are with cingular.
What we are going to do about it is pay the $150.00 and cancel the service. I figure it is well worth it to not be talked down to by their lowly employees. I have better things to do with my time then to argue with people who could care less about having your business.
We have already ordered a replacement phone through another carrier, I don't look forward to porting the number with Cingular however, if the pattern of total disregard for accuracy, and efficiency that has been exhibited continues, we are in for a real challenge.
My advise, pay the money, and get out!
Alice
Chandler,Arizona,
U.S.A.
My Advise None of the Reps seem to record any changes made to your account, the manager calls you a liar
#7Consumer Comment
Mon, March 14, 2005
I too am having similar problems with cingular. None of the Reps seem to record any changes made to your account, the manager calls you a liar,(in so many words) it is frustrating.
We were with AT&T for years, no problems, and were happy with the level of costumer service we received, all of that has changed now that we are with cingular.
What we are going to do about it is pay the $150.00 and cancel the service. I figure it is well worth it to not be talked down to by their lowly employees. I have better things to do with my time then to argue with people who could care less about having your business.
We have already ordered a replacement phone through another carrier, I don't look forward to porting the number with Cingular however, if the pattern of total disregard for accuracy, and efficiency that has been exhibited continues, we are in for a real challenge.
My advise, pay the money, and get out!
Gary
San Diego,California,
U.S.A.
Cingular is the unscrupulous one
#7Consumer Comment
Tue, March 01, 2005
You said in your rebuttal that, "unfortunately for society there are some very unscrupulous people out there who have taken advantage." I have to agree with that but, from the hours upon hours of reading on this site it seems that Cingular master of being unscrupulous. Why don't you try and rebutt some of the more serious and difficult complaints about Cingular here on this site, like mine that I just posted today. As far as changing your account anytime like you said. Well... That would be the worst thing they could do. It seems to me that most problems with Cingular start when even the slightest change is made to an account. Just like this case. Unfortunately I think thier problems in this case are just the tip of the iceburg that is to come..... I'll be waiting for a rebuttal from you on my problemSSSSSSSSS with your sorry company that can't get anything straight!!!!!
Thomas
St. Louis,Missouri,
U.S.A.
Typical response
#7UPDATE Employee
Thu, February 17, 2005
I by no means am stating that the rep she spoke to might not have misinformed the customer. It unfortunately does happen because everything in this industry is constantly changing in order to remain competitive. I am stating that after 30 days, there is nothing we can do about it. It is a he said/she said situation. That is why there IS a return policy.
As the customer stated, she began to question it MONTHS after the transaction took place. And we would like to be able to believe the customer everytime, but unfortunately for society there are some very unscrouplous people out there who have taken advantage in the past and now there are policies in place as a result of this.
So don't blame the wireless company, blame the milions of people who have ripped off the company and made it necessary to implement the protocols that limits the amount we can do..
John
Imperial,Missouri,
U.S.A.
Typical Response from Cingular
#7Consumer Comment
Fri, February 11, 2005
The response from Thomas in StL is typical of the average Cingular employee. Although Idoris clearly states that she signed up for the $59.99 plan, he immediately assumes that Idoris must be wrong and simply can't read the reams of fine print that Cingular will give you at the time of purchase. I'll admit that Idoris may be in error, but it is typical of a Cingular/AT&T employee like Thomas to automatically assume that "the customer is always wrong".
I too have had several dealings with Cingular (duly reported several years ago!), and it generally took 3-4 trips to the store to discuss issues with different employees before I could find one who would actually admit that Cingular may have made a mistake. Several gave the same lip-service that Thomas did, but there are a few conscientious employees out there.
Good Luck Idoris!! My advice is not to give up. If you keep at it, you might find someone who will actually take the time to review your situation and give it a fair hearing.
Thomas
St. Louis,Missouri,
U.S.A.
rate chang
#7UPDATE Employee
Thu, February 10, 2005
With the new Cingular, you have the ability to change your rate plan on a month to month basis. The 59.99 rate plan alows you to add 3 additional subscribers at 9.99 each. If you are on a 49.99 rate or lower, the additional lines are 19.99 each. Also, you at some point had to agree to the terms and conditions of the contract.
Going over the phone to get the additional line, they would have sent you a Cingular Service Summary that explained everyting and had it spelled out. Once you accept this, you have thirty days. If you waited months to report this, there is nothing we can do.
We have the most generous return policy in the buisness, but if you neglect to read what you are agreeing to, this type of thing will happen to you in all aspects of life...