I have read the ripoff stories regarding Inphonic again and again since I bought two cell phone and a family plan through INTELENETWIRELESS.COM on Jan. 7, 2006. So, I carefully followed all the rules and warnings made by my ripped off peers. Yet, I am still trapped in their fine woven trick.
First, I was given two phone numbers with wrong area code. Being aware that my rebate might be denied if I changed my phone numbers, I keep the wrong phone numbers. It caused numerous inconvenience because some of my friends/colleagues who did not have long distance could not call me.
Secondly, I submitted all four rebate forms followed exactly all the rules but was told two of them were invalid/incompleted on March 30, 2006. I phoned the customer services immediately (1-866-800-4303) and asked which two forms were invalid because the message was pretty vague. On the same day I faxed the correct the forms to them again (fax number: 480-606-4313). Then the following week, I checked my rebate status, where was the "being processed" message. I was asked to wait 10-12 weeks for the check.
I checked my rebate status at 8, 10, and 12 weeks, the message still was "being processed". I was nervous and did not know what's wrong. Yet, I still trust them. Because I was going to move in June, I called the customer and asked where were my rebates. She said they were being reviewed for accuracy. So, I requested a change of address (too much trust!). I also followed up with an email inquiry and change of address. On June 29, 2006, 21 weeks after my purchase, 13 weeks after my rebate information was entered successfully into their system, I received an email as the following:
"Thank you for your recent inquiry regarding the status of your rebate. Our records indicate a valid rebate is currently being processed. A Customer Appreciation Rebate will be issued and mailed to you upon completion of processing.
Your rebate was entered successfully on 04/03/06. Please allow 10-12 weeks for processing from this date."
I told myself, "Okay, Hope they fulfill their promise soon". Two weeks later, I received nothing from their company and check my rebate status again. Sometimes the website worked and sometimes it didn't. I tried to phone the customer service but the line was always busy. I also emailed the customer service but got no response. I felt frustrated and upset. Why is it so hard to get my money back though everything I did is right? My rebate status once displayed the following message,
We are currently unable to approve your rebate for the reason listed below.
InPhonic is reprocessing your submission with a new service provider and will contact you with further information regarding your rebate request. You will receive a letter or postcard describing this problem. The letter or postcard may have instructions on how to correct this error.
Yet, I did not receive any letter or postcard. I emailed the customer service and request an email notification, but no response. I was worried and searched the website to see what's wrong. I came across a message by so called Mr. Jon Delahay, office of the president. I emailed him (
[email protected]) asked for speed-up processing. I got a note from him on July 31, 2006, over 17 weeks after my rebate information was entered successfully. He said in the email, "your checks totaling *** are included in the next check run which is set to go out in 5-10 business days"
Well, I finally got a date. We'll see if he could keep his promise. If I still did not get my checks in 3 weeks (I still give them some trust), I will join the class sue.
Yiyuan
Centereach, New York
U.S.A.
Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on InPhonicClick here to read The *EDitorial: The Marketing Rebate Rip Off ...Manufactures invent reasons why not to pay the consumer