Tablet Scam
unbelivable
Enthusiast - Level 2

 

I have a depressing story about the type of customer service coming out of the store at 9431 US 19 in Port Richey, FL.  My 89 year old father went into the store on Dec 17th to look into a blue tooth ear device.  He was helped by Jeremiah.  Jeremiah offered him a tablet and my father said he did not need or want one. Jeremiah, not taking no for an answer kept pushing and pushing telling him it was free and he should take it. My father is known in this store because he can't even figure out his phone and makes frequent stops for help so they are aware of his technical abilities and they still forced this tablet on him insisting it was free and he would be crazy not to take it. Unfortunately he is a trusting sole and believed Jeremiah.  Then 3 weeks later he gets his bill and sees that the free item was far from free.  I took him to the store today and spoke to the manager, Matthew and he could have cared less because the 2 weeks period had passed.  I called customer service and spoke to a really sweet girl Natalie, that couldn't help me but was sympathetic and set up a joint call with Matthew but he held steady. No return and no refund.  My father is basically stuck with a tablet he will never use because that store was more interested in getting their bonus than actually caring for the customer.  Come on, an 89 year old man that is in there frequently for help with the phone.  Anyway, this is just a warning to those out there to be very careful about Verizon's unethical practices. 

 

I have warned them to be aware of thugs and thieves that might try to take advantage of them but I guess I forgot to include supposedly reputable businesses.

 

Can anyone direct me to someone that can help me with this.  Appears from other comments that this is normal business practice for Verizon and I wish there was a way to get someone interested in a class action suit.

 

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Labels (1)
Re: Tablet Scam
ynggrsshppr91
Specialist - Level 2

The biggest question here is why did you not go with him in the first place?

Re: Tablet Scam
vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

We're very saddened to hear that your experience with the tablet promotion was less than stellar.  The promotion really is a great offer to be able to receive a tablet for free. While the actual device has no cust, there's still a 2 Year contract required with activation as you know. If you no longer would like your father to be able to make authorized transactions on the account, then we can certainly assist in removing him as an Authorized user.

Since the return period has expired, do you have any other use for the tablet or the line (i.e. home phone connect, cell phone, jetpack devices)?

Please let us know if we can assist any further. Thanks.


TrevorC_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

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Re: Tablet Scam
Weth
Legend

I agree this is ethically challenged move by a salesperson. Unfortunately, little legal recourse. I would try to get the message to the executive level by phone, email or letter. I would say that is your only hope of a reversal.

Leadership | Verizon Wireless

Re: Tablet Scam
Ledsteplin
Contributor - Level 3

Even though there were some charges and a 2 yr contract, you might consider using the iPad yourself. They're great devices. You might even find a relative who might use it and pay any monthly data charges. Just saying.

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Re: Tablet Scam
unbelivable
Enthusiast - Level 2

Thanks for the response. It only goes to show how shady your actions are. It is past the return time.' Did you even read my complaint. You have this set up so that no one knows about the charges until the return time has passed. I pray every night that some attorney will take this issue on with a class action suit that includes punitive damages for the unethical sales practices. My father is far from the first person caught up in this scheme.

To respond to your other suggestion, No I nor no one else that we know either needs or wants your "Free Tablet."

I guess I need to take this up with Lowell McAdam, Daniel S Mead, Craig Silliman and the Board Of Directors.

Re: Tablet Scam
unbelivable
Enthusiast - Level 2

Because I do not live near him and cannot drive 3 hours every time he goes out but thanks for the concern

Re: Tablet Scam
tarheelfanbc
Enthusiast - Level 2

Verizon, you are liars, the tablet is not free. I was told i was getting a free tablet too when i upgraded only to get a bill later charging me a 100 dollar equipment charge, plus a 40 dollar activation fee. You guys know exactly what you are doing to scam people. Can't wait to leave you!

Re: Tablet Scam
sw15
Enthusiast - Level 3

Seriously? How about they shouldn't take advantage of people with this free tablet scam. Offering in-store only discounts that are dishonest and not true. Thank god I googled and found out how this scam works and returned mine before the 14 days was up. This should not be allowed at an actual Verizon store.

Re: Tablet Scam
Sassy2731
Enthusiast - Level 2

I too was told of the free tablet at Verizon when I upgraded my cell phone last year.  I told them I already had a Samsung tablet and didn't need another one.  He said I could upgrade my tablet for free.  Well by the time my bill came in it was past the return date also.  Now I am being charged for 2 notepads a month instead of one. One is on a month to month and I seem to not be able to turn that one off even though it is past the contract date.  I need help in getting that on turned off now.  Also the NEW tablet has stopped working a month and a half after I got it and I had to send it in for repairs.  It has now stopped again but I'm still in a contract on it and can't even use it.  At least let me close out the table that is not on a contract and put that one on the contract so I can at least use it and not be paying for 2 tablets every month.