My son posted this in the residential forums as well, because we didn't know which was the proper place.
My 87 year-old grandfather went into our local Verizon retailer (PCS Verizon Wireless Authorized Retailer in Camarillo, CA) to fix his phone. He still uses a 6 year-old flip phone, so it was nothing major. While there, he was talked into taking home a tablet, FIOS Internet, new TV channels, and a data line for the tablet. He was told all of it would be "free", and in fact cheaper than his current bill. Not using technology at all (therefore being unaware of scams like this), he agreed. When his next bill arrived, he had over $300 in extra charges, from activation fees and new service lines. He's on a very thin fixed income, and can't afford this at all. We went back to the store, and they were incredibly unhelpful. They wouldn't let us return the tablet or reverse any of the fees. My aunt has spent almost 18 hours of the past month on the phone (usually on hold) and in person at Verizon locations trying to rectify this, and it's been superbly disappointing to see how little help we've gotten.
First, that anyone would take advantage of an older person for a commission at all, let alone under the Verizon banner, is despicable. Second, that they wouldn't help us fix these mistakes when we asked is shady in the extreme. Third, being given the run-around by every agent on the phone, and not being able to talk to the same person about the issue makes it incredibly hard to deal with; every new phone call we have to explain the entire situation over again, and we're constantly being put on hold so they can pull up details and notes that sometimes don't even exist.
Our entire family has been with Verizon for a very long time, and nothing has given us cause to change our minds about that until now. I realize the store isn't an official Verizon location, but Verizon not taking responsibility for someone operating under their banner when that store fails to help is just unacceptable. I would very much like to find some way to have this resolved for my grandfather, as the last thing he needs is any more stress due to finances.
