Why can't I refill my prepaid phone myself?

[bec1984]

Hey, there,

I'm curious:

I have a prepaid wireless phone that has the 1.99 a day plan.  I visited a Staples when the time was about to run out, and I just brought the card to the register and paid for it.  I followed the instructions and successfully added the amount at home.

Now, I just went to a Radio Shack, and brought 2 cards up.  I was asked for the phone numbers (2 separate phones, myself and my sister's), so I asked why since Staples simply scanned the card and I just did it myself.

I was told "this is not Staples, ma'am"  that every store is different, blah, blah. and that Radio Shack does it for you.  But no one explained why they need a bunch of refill cards hanging up in the first place, nor why they need to do it when I could just add the amount myself.

So I just wanted to know if anybody out there has the answer?

Thanks so much in advance!

[Minniehaha · Accepted solution]

I would tell Radio Shack to forget and go somewhere else. You should not have to give them your personal phone cell number or any information, I have never had this happen to me in all the years that I have had a cell. I would ask for a Manager and also call Radio Shack Headquarters, itf its a young guy he may just want your cell number. I certainly would check that out.