Verizon Wireless ripoff Helps Cell Phone Thieves Basking Ridge New Jersey
I have been a loyal Verizon customer for more than 10 years, but when my daughter's cell phone was stolen from her athletic locker during afterschool softball practice, Verizon Wireless REFUSED to assist. Long story short, hers was the FIFTH cell phone stolen in as many weeks. The other stolen cell phones were recovered with assistance from T-Mobile and Congular who provided the phones calls that were made from the cell phone after the time it was stolen. This led the parents directly to the little thief.
When I contacted Verizon, to suspend the service and get a listing of the phone numbers called since the theft, I was told 1) it wasn't possible to get the numbers, then.. 2) well they could get the numbers but they wouldn't, then.... 3) get a supeona! Get a supeona to get my own information. Verizon's web page promises that they will make your problems their problem and will respond within 24 hours - LIARS!!!!!!
FOUR LONG WEEKS went by before I finally received the list of phone numbers that had been called - I say received, but what I really mean is that I finally got the d**n bill and all the called numbers were on it.
Of course it was the same young girl who had stolen the other four (some big surprise), but she admitted that after a few days, she had thrown the cell phone away because it didn't work anymore.
Because Verizon Wireless would not provide the phone numbers, I wasn't able, even with the help of the police, to recover that phone and because there's no phone to recover, there aren't going to be any charges filed. But, and this is the kicker, I have to keep paying for service to her cell phone at $9.99 per month for the next 18 months. To replace the phone will cost over $300.00 (Of course, I didn't have the insurance). To cancel the service will cost $175.00.
Verizon claims to have no culpability, they are not sorry they refused to supply the phone numbers, the will not cancel her service, they will not replace the phone and basically told me too bad so sad.
Verizon Wireless is a huge thief in my opinion, a bigger thief than the thief who stole the cell phone because they are going to make me continue paying for a service I will not be receiving and they not only helped the little tramp get away with the theft, they have several times announced that they are quite proud of the fact that they wouldn't give me the information - phone numbers that I owned in the first place.
As each phone on my account comes to the end of it's contract, you can bet that I will be ending its service with verizon and finding another wireless provider.
Sheri
Austin, Texas
U.S.A.
2 Updates & Rebuttals
Robert
Buffalo,New York,
U.S.A.
Something not right in this story...
#3Consumer Comment
Sun, June 17, 2007
I've had Verizon cellphone service since the start of the company with no problems.
About the calls made with the stolen phone. You could have checked the account online, as I do - each outgoing call will be listed, as well as the time and duration. Basically, it's the same info that is on the printed bill they mail.
Also, unless it's specifically mentioned in your contract or you purchase insurance for the phone, Verizon is not obligated to replace any loss or stolen cellphone. That is up to you.
I agree with the other comment that it's unfair of you to claim to be ripped off under these circumstances.
Jeff
Marengo,Illinois,
U.S.A.
ID Fraud
#3Consumer Comment
Sat, June 16, 2007
I understand that when faced with any situation of this nature, you would be frustrated. It's a tough situation. However, this type of thing is not unique to Verizon or the cell phone industry. For instance, if you have a total loss on a car that your value was 'upside down' (low car value vs. high loan), you might likely be making payments on a total loss vehicle that sits in a junkyard. A much larger issues.
That really isn't my point, it is to say that Verizon likely was protecting you and I would think that during the phone conversation, might have said as much. While it would have helped you to resolve the issue at the moment, it is not a good security policy for any company to give out your personal info. Imagine the huge legal liability it could be if something horrific happened due to the release of records over the phone. To that end, many people have probably tried to obtain info about estranged spouses during divorces, stalkers or even more so, selling your data (see the link below)
It's easy to be mad at Verizon when you need help but Verizon can't be certain that it is you without just sending records to your of record.
I also think it may be unfair to say that Verizon had 'ripped you off' when enforcing the remaining contract. Like my car example, the phone that you were told would noow cost $300, I'd guess was much cheaper at purchase. That's what, I believe, the contract is for. If the wrote off $150 of the cost, they want to keep you around for a while to offset that cost. That's my assumption anyway. I'm also guessing (honestly, I know since I've washed and ruined 2 phones) that Verizon had other options for phone replacement. They have (for a contract extension) a discounted phone that may not be as cheap as the original, the have cheaper replacements that may not be as cool and you could (as I have now...which replaced my third phone...yes 3..I really have an issue) insure the phone.
What it comes down to as it did for me, I was responsible for the equipment I bought and had to find ways to replace it. Granted, mine were really stupid and your situation was none of your doing. To a company like Verizon, they must look at the legal standing for you vs. their role as a service provider. In the end, Verizon didn't steal the phone and has a right to enforce a contract. I'm just thinking that it is somewhat unfair to call them a rip off when they really acted in your best interest and probably offered you the same option I got when I needed them.