Really, a free phone with 500MB of data? I knew it was too good to be true.
I got the phone simply to use the data with my Escort radar detector. I already have a reliable phone.
I did not expect much. You get what you pay for. This company, however, is ridiculous.
I carefully selected all choices to remain free, without monthly charges. I ordered a phone from a $79 link. I was charged $129. I sent an e-mail to FP which went unanswered. I called customer service, and perma-hold yielded no help. I hung up after 20 minutes. I followed the link again, and the sale went through for $79. I called my cc company, and was credited the $129. The e-mail was answered 8 days later, saying I could cancel an order. The first order never showed as fulfilled, so I did not bother.
The second order went to "processing" pretty quickly. The phone arrived after 18 days, though the usage month began the day I placed the order. I could receive no incoming calls for the first few days, but that seems to have sorted itself out. When the month expired, I was charged a $9.99 "monthly fee." Called the CC company again, disputed the charge and cancelled the card to prevent further charges / abuse / fraud / whatever you choose to call it.
It looks as if I was given a months free trial of "Premier" service, which is $9.99 after the first month. I was charged after having the phone 12 days. I called customer support. 16 minutes on hold, a guy answers, puts me on hold for a few minutes. Said he is looking into it. I thought I am put back on hold, but am continuously prompted to do a customer service survey. After 5 minutes, I answer the survey questions, and am promptly disconnected. 22 minute phone call, no results. I sent an e-mail, to which I expect no response.
If you ever want support, or a question answered, this is not the company for you. I have now called the CC company to get my $79 back. I'll stick with my Verizon phone. I never thought anyone's customer support could make Verizon shine.
frickjp
Buffalo,#2Author of original report
Fri, December 12, 2014
As of 12/12/14, they are still charging $9.99 per month. $9.99 10/8/14, $9.99 11/26/14, and $9.99 12/8/14. I submitted a complaint 10/15/14 with the BBB of San Jose, and they (freedompop) responded after 6 weeks. They are fully aware of the issue, yet continue to fraudulantly charge my account. My card was cancelled, a new number issued, and now they somehow charge the amount to the new card number. I will have to close the CC account permanantly.