- Report: #186230
Complaint Review: Inphonic A1Wireless - Washington District of Columbia
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Author Confirmed
Why?
Inphonic A1Wireless
1010 Wisconsin Avenue Ste.600 Washington, 20007 District of Columbia, U.S.A.
Phone:
301-883-0040
Web:
N/A
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Business Rating:
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Inphonic, A1Wireless Rebate Ripoff - Dishonest Company Washington District of Columbia
I purchased two cellphones from A1Wireless (Inphonic) which offered combined rebates of $250 for purchasing them from them. The rebates were the main deciding factor for my purchase, and were supposed to be paid within 10-12 weeks after complying with all of the requirements they had.
I carefully followed each requirement and sent the rebate materials to the addresses provided. I then began checking their website for the status of my rebate. It showed that nothing had ever been received. I knew this wasn't true and after finally finding contact information, wrote them and told them that I would be seeking some type of legal assistance in having them honor their rebate promise.
I was then called by Tawana (301-883-0040 x5350), who according to her voicemail works in the Office of the President, and told that they had received the 4 rebate forms on January 10th, and that I had met all of the qualifications for the rebates and that they had changed the website to check the status of my rebate. I was also told that she would get back to me the next day after she contacted the correct person to have my checks sent.
That has been about 3 weeks now and she hasn't called me, answered her phone, or returned any of the 6 subsequent messages I've left for her. They still haven't sent me my rebates and the 12 weeks have passed. It appears that the call was just a stalling tactic and they have no intention of honoring their promised rebates.
After researching more about this company I have come to find out that they have a reputation for doing this, which caused them being terminated from membership in the Better Business Bureau. Had I know this earlier I wouldn't have purchased the phones from them.
It's a shame that a company should be allowed to advertise falsely and take advantage of consumers with impunity. I filed a complaint with the FTC and am seeing who else I can contact and what else I can do to get my rebates.
Ken
Kissimmee, Florida
U.S.A.
I carefully followed each requirement and sent the rebate materials to the addresses provided. I then began checking their website for the status of my rebate. It showed that nothing had ever been received. I knew this wasn't true and after finally finding contact information, wrote them and told them that I would be seeking some type of legal assistance in having them honor their rebate promise.
I was then called by Tawana (301-883-0040 x5350), who according to her voicemail works in the Office of the President, and told that they had received the 4 rebate forms on January 10th, and that I had met all of the qualifications for the rebates and that they had changed the website to check the status of my rebate. I was also told that she would get back to me the next day after she contacted the correct person to have my checks sent.
That has been about 3 weeks now and she hasn't called me, answered her phone, or returned any of the 6 subsequent messages I've left for her. They still haven't sent me my rebates and the 12 weeks have passed. It appears that the call was just a stalling tactic and they have no intention of honoring their promised rebates.
After researching more about this company I have come to find out that they have a reputation for doing this, which caused them being terminated from membership in the Better Business Bureau. Had I know this earlier I wouldn't have purchased the phones from them.
It's a shame that a company should be allowed to advertise falsely and take advantage of consumers with impunity. I filed a complaint with the FTC and am seeing who else I can contact and what else I can do to get my rebates.
Ken
Kissimmee, Florida
U.S.A.
4 Updates & Rebuttals
Ken
Kissimmee,Florida,
U.S.A.
Got my checks!
#2Author of original report
Sat, June 03, 2006
Well, I just want to report that Doreen came through for me and I received all of the promised refund checks. I would NEVER do business with this company again, but to be fair, after all of the trouble they DID come through. I think Doreen is awesome and the ONLY one who tried to help - if she was the company president they'd probably be off these complaint boards and websites! UNLESS THE CHECKS BOUNCE, this will conclude my complaint. Thank you Rip Off Report and Doreen Dennis!
Ken
Kissimmee,Florida,
U.S.A.
Doreen
#3Author of original report
Wed, May 03, 2006
Maybe she doesn't "remember", but I think it would be obvious to anyone that Tawanna isn't the type of name I would just pull out of a hat. I also don't know how I would get her extension 5350 if SHE didn't give it to me. It's not like I can find Inphonic's telephone directory online. I have left her six messages - so saying that she's never received a message from me is an un-truth. Very bad business. But on a more positive note, I appreciate your offer if you are really sincere. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and a chance to get it straightened out. I will send you my information, and track what happens on this site. Thank you.
Doreen
Washington,District of Columbia,
U.S.A.
response from Tawanna
#4UPDATE Employee
Wed, May 03, 2006
Ken, I talked to Tawanna about your report and below is her email reply to me. I honestly don't know what the problem might have been, but I ask that you try calling her again, or send me an email with your full customer information and one of us will find your check information for you. If you have received your check in the mean time, please let us know. ========================== Sent: Tuesday, April 25, 2006 10:12 AM To: Doreen Subject: RE: Ken from Kissimmee Importance: High ======================================= Doreen, I do not recall this customer. When I speak to customers, I give them my direct number not our rebate 800 number. There would be no reason for this if I did not call them back. I check my voice mail everyday and have not had any calls from this customer. Is there any other information regarding him. There is no way I can find his order with just his 1st name. I copied the URL and it does not give me his full name, order number nor an email address [to this web page]. I tried a name search with his 1st name and stated but he could not be found. Tawanna Financial Operations Thanks, Doreen ddennis @inphonic. com
Ken
Kissimmee,Florida,
U.S.A.
Update from the FTC
#5Author of original report
Thu, April 13, 2006
Just got an email back from the Federal Trade Commission. Here is part of what I was told: "Promoters of rebate or coupon plans use their independent business judgment in offering such plans to distributors or to the public. However, if a company decides to offer a rebate or coupon plan, it must fully disclose the material terms and conditions of the offer and must provide the promised rebate. If a company systematically fails to do so, it may be engaging in deceptive or unfair practices in violation of Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act." It also said that it will open a full investigation if they see that there is a widespread problem. SO PLEASE FILE YOUR OWN COMPLAINTS AT FTC.GOV!! I also filed a complaint with the Washington DC Attorney General. If you want any justice, I'd encourage you to do the same.
