MCI WorldCom Wireless, Allstate Cellular Deceptive & Fraudulent Business Practices, No Phone Service Jackson Mississippi
I was deceived by an agent of Allstate Cellular that signed me up with WorldCom Wireless instead of the carrier I requested. I did not discover this fraud until my cell phone service died and I called customer service. When I discovered the fraud by which I was victimized WorldCom was not interested in getting to the bottom of it or relinquishing their hold on me by waiving the early termination fee. They have filed 3 trouble tickets and told me on many occasions that my phone service would be revived variously within 2-4 hours, 2 hours, 24-48 hours, and 24-72 hours. Some of their agents have volunteered that they would call me back within the time period they stated, but that has not happened either. I have now been some weeks without service and so far all I get out of customer service and technial support is that they will have to file another trouble ticket and I will have to wait at least 24-72 hours; nothing can be done any more quickly as they must follow the established policies and procedures.
This is one of the stupidest and most inept companies with which I have ever had the misfortune of dealing, and I am not convinced they are very honest either. To make matters even worse, they do not have 24 hour, 7 day customer service or technical support, which is ridiculous. They just pretend to be a bigtime telecom company, but they are clueless. It looks like they have their system so messed up they cannot get it unraveled and are chewing up their customers in the clashing gears.
In addition, they have billed me toll charges for calls that are clearly made within the home call, no extra charge area. The charges were supposed to be reversed, but they were not. From my experiences and what I have read, I have little hope this will ever be resolved satisfactorily. That this will serve as a warning to others before they are victimized is the best I can hope for at this point.
Jim
San Jose, California
2 Updates & Rebuttals
Charles
Atlanta,Georgia,
John...Very nice but...
#3Consumer Comment
Wed, April 17, 2002
John--
You, as an employee of WorldCom make everything sound so easy. But...There are over 300 complaints on here. And thousands on other websites. I don't think that all of us are being stupid.
Everything in your suggestion is what we have tried OVER and OVER again. There's a reason that WorldCom's stock has dropped from over $40 to around $5.
Because no one addresses our complaints. Perhaps you would like to provide your direct extension so we can all have you resolve our complaints? If things were really as simple as you imply, I would not still have a $500 balance on my account, I would not have an outstanding FCC complaint, BBB complaint, SEC complaint, Attorney General complaint...I would not have had to speak with the CEO's secretary because you all refuse to speak with me.
Quite simply, I would be on my way, and WorldCom would be in my past. Unfortunately, because of responses, such as yours, to all of our problems, my complaint persists.
Please don't come on here and use this forum to defend a company that is as corrupt as this. I don't want to hear it anymore, and I think I speak for the thousands of others who have been screwed that it is insulting.
John
Skokie,Illinois,
Help to all
#3UPDATE Employee
Thu, April 11, 2002
As a current employee for the company, there are a few things that I would like to say a few things in our defense and hopefully to help you all out.
First,
We are currently adding representatives at a fast rate. We have planned of an increase of over 800 people by the end of the quarter. That will mean the reduction of wait times for you.
Second,
A lot of the issues with activation are stemming from the original agents that are selling you the account. It is their responsibility to set up the account correctly and ensure that your phone is good to go for you. As with any other deal, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Please read and agree to the terms and conditions of your contract before you sign it. A signed contract is the most power that you can have. Also, never start service without receiving and reviewing your contract. One thing to remember, ALWAYS return merchandise via some kind of registered mail or package delivery service. This is a good idea no matter what you are returning and regardless of the company you are returning it to.
Third,
Calling some of these numbers that are listed on these pages unfortunately will not help you get into customer service faster. All that it will do is get you sent to the wrong department and then you will have to wait twice. Please refer to your bill for the proper number to call. The best time to call is usually between 2-4 CST because that is when we have the most representatives online to answer your calls.