Complaint Review: InPhonic

I answered a survey online that said they would send me a free gift of an ipod for completing thier survey. Instead, I recieved a cell phone complete with service already activated, and a bill! I called T-Mobile and explained what happened, and they said another company was responsible. They disconnected the service, appologized, and said I would not owe them anything. They also said to keep the phone or donate it to a charity.

I also had responded to an e-mail that was sent to me when they sent me the phone that gave me the option to request a call tag if I didn't want the phone. The call tag never came! About a month later I get this bill from a company called InPhonic telling me I owe them $150 for a early disconnection fee since I didn't keep the phone active for a minimum of 181 days. I tried to call them, but could never get a person. I left messages, but never got called back. They are also calling my home with automated messages telling me to pay the bill.

I got another e-mail from them wanting another 9.99. I called that number and was able to talk to one of thier reps. He was not interested in helping me. He was very rude. He said that there was no proof that I didn't order the phone and that I had to pay or they will turn me into collections!! He would't agree to send a call tag for the phone. He said I would have to send it back at my own expense, which I won't agree to, since I didn't order it. I asked to speak to a manager, but he just transferred me to another rep. That rep treated me the same way and told me I had to pay the bill. I called the main office and left a message on the Vice President's voice mail, but he didn't return my call either. I told them I can't believe it is legal to use someone's information like that and just send them something they didn't order or want! They told me it was legal and insisted that I pay. The last rep I talked to even ended up hanging up on me!! They have no interest in resolving this.

Kathie
Aptos, California
U.S.A.