Complaint Review: Wirefly/Inphonic - Washington DC Nationwide
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- Author Confirmed
- Wirefly/Inphonic 1010 Wisconsin Ave Nationwide U.S.A.
- Phone: 866-274-8573
- Web:
- Category: Cellular Phone Companies
Wirefly, Inphonic Online Fraud & Deception Washington DC Washington District of Columbia
*Author of original report: UPDATE
*Author of original report: UPDATE
*Author of original report: UPDATE
*Author of original report: UPDATE
*Author of original report: update
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Online Fraud & Deception
Cell Phone Rebate Scam - Wirefly / Inphonic
August 31, 2006
I purchased a cell phone on November 19, 2005 from Wirefly. I was to receive a rebate of $200.00 per the Wirefly associate provided I file a rebate form no earlier than 180 days from activation and no later than 210 days. I would then receive a $200.00 rebate 10 weeks later. Per the Wirefly associate I spoke with on the phone.
The rebate form was not available on the Inphonic website until April 1, 2006. After printing the rebate form I was surprised to see a different date for filing the rebate form. The form stated, The rebate form must be postmarked no earlier than 60 days after the activation date and no later than 120 days after the activation date. With this window, I lose. (128 days had lapsed since my phone was activated by T-Mobile.
I submitted all proper UPC's, receipts, rebate forms, my paid T-mobile cell phone bill. This was also a condition a condition of the rebate. I filed the rebate form April 3, 2006 certified mail.
I waited 10 weeks, it was around June 26 and I had not received any communication from Wirefly/Inphonic whatsoever. I check the status on their website and discover that my rebate was not approved. It stated, Your submission was not postmarked within the valid timeframe. You will receive a letter or postcard describing this problem. The letter or postcard may have instructions on how to correct this error. Never received the letter or postcard.
Call T-Mobile Customer Service on 6/27/2006.
The T-Mobile CSR called Wirefly/Inphonic and stayed on the line, I was informed that I had filed too early. The 180 days 210 days rule applied. I mention that the rebate form had different dates, 60 days 120 days for filing. The Wirefly/Inphonic CSR had no knowledge of this filing date for a rebate. I faxed the forms I had submitted. He said that I could check their website in 14 days for an update. I checked the website 14 days later, July 11, 2006, it was not updated nor did I receive the letter or post card as referred to on their website. At this point I'm not within either date range.
This business model has one intent, to defraud the consumer. I'm not the only victim. Search the Internet for Wirefly Inphonic scams - you will find plenty.
I called T-Mobile Customer 6/12/2006 to share the outcome of this scam. I really surprised T-Mobile has a business partner that operates in such a deceptive manner. I have yet to receive a rebate from Inphonic nor do I expect one.
BRS
Newton, New Hampshire
Bill
wilmington, Massachusetts
U.S.A.
This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 09/23/2006 10:31 AM and is a permanent record located here: https://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/wireflyinphonic/nationwide/wirefly-inphonic-online-fraud-deception-washington-dc-washington-district-of-columbia-212406. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year. Ripoff Report has an exclusive license to this report. It may not be copied without the written permission of Ripoff Report. READ: Foreign websites steal our content
If you would like to see more Rip-off Reports on this company/individual, search here:
#5 Author of original report
UPDATE
AUTHOR: B - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, September 24, 2006
Wirefly advertises on their website they are a member of the BBB(Better Business Bureau. The following is from the BBB.
Sunday September 24, 2006 3:55:02 PM PRINT
BBB of Metro Washington DC & Eastern Pennsylvania
1411 K St. NW, 10th Floor
Washington, DC 20005-3404
BBB Reliability Report
May Not Be Reproduced for Commercial or Sales Purposes
InPhonic
1010 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Suite 600
Washington, DC 20007
District of Columbia County
General Information
Original Business
Start Date November 1999
Registration or
Incorporation Type of Entity Corporation
State unknown
Date unknown
BBB File Opened January 01, 2001
Principal Contact Mr. Richard Calder (President & COO)
Complaint Contact Ms. Hollie Kapos
Other Contacts Mr. Keith Barron (Director of Customer Relations)
Ms. Gwendolyn Cauthen (Office of the President)
Mr. Rob Donnelly
Mr. Ari Fisher
Mr. Errol Harvey (Supervisor - Office of the President)
Ms. Donella Holden
M. Walter W. Leach, III (Corporate Counsel)
Mr. Rick Taylor
BBB Member This company is not a member
Type of Business Cellular Telephone Equipment & Supplies
Telephone Communications
Telephone Equipment & Systems Service & Repair
The information in this report has either been provided by the company, or has been compiled by the Bureau from other sources.
BBB Membership Issues
In November, 2005 this company's membership in the BBB was revoked by the Board of Directors of the Better Business Bureau due to failure to maintain the principles and standards required for membership.
Customer Experience
Based on BBB files, this company has an unsatisfactory record with the Bureau due to unanswered complaint(s).
Customer Complaint Data
Number of complaints processed by the BBB over the last 36 months: 2772
Number of complaints processed by the BBB in the last 12 months: 1733
Complaints Concerned:
Selling Practices (340 complaints)
244 Resolved
29 Unresolved
1 Delayed Resolution
12 Company made every reasonable effort to resolve
54 Company did not respond
Advertising Issues (198 complaints)
137 Resolved
11 Unresolved
1 Delayed Resolution
6 Company made every reasonable effort to resolve
43 Company did not respond
Service Issues (653 complaints)
499 Resolved
8 Unresolved
27 Company made every reasonable effort to resolve
119 Company did not respond
Credit or Billing Disputes (720 complaints)
570 Resolved
34 Unresolved
2 Delayed Resolution
17 Company made every reasonable effort to resolve
97 Company did not respond
Delivery Issues (97 complaints)
69 Resolved
7 Unresolved
1 Delayed Resolution
1 Company made every reasonable effort to resolve
19 Company did not respond
Refund Practices (609 complaints)
474 Resolved
22 Unresolved
2 Delayed Resolution
10 Company made every reasonable effort to resolve
101 Company did not respond
Product Quality (22 complaints)
19 Resolved
3 Company did not respond
Contract Disputes (85 complaints)
61 Resolved
10 Unresolved
2 Company made every reasonable effort to resolve
12 Company did not respond
Guarantee or Warranty Issues (21 complaints)
10 Resolved
2 Unresolved
9 Company did not respond
Repair Issues (4 complaints)
2 Resolved
2 Company did not respond
The company's size, volume of business and number of transactions may have a bearing on the number of complaints received by the BBB. The complaints filed against a company may not be as important as the type of complaints, and how the company has handled them. The BBB generally does not pass judgement on the validity of complaints filed.
Additional File Information
According to information provided by the company, assets of Liberty Wireless were sold in January, 2006. Liberty Wireless was a division of StarNumber. StarNumber is a wholly owned subsidiary of InPhonic. Inphonic shares certain customer service resources with Starnumber. Both Inphonic and Starnumber maintain their corporate headquarters on Wisconsin Avenue in Washington, DC, however, they are independently operated. A separate report is available on Starnumber. Inphonic's products are also marketed through independent affiliate companies. According to the Inphonic web site, it handles processing, shipping, billing, and provides 24 hour customer service for its affiliate program participants.
InPhonic has advised the BBB that it had purchased certain assets of A-1 Wireless USA and did acquire the domain name of that firm. Customer complaints related to online purchases made through A-1 Wireless should be directed to InPhonic. On April 29, 2005 InPhonic acquired VMC Satellite. Mobiledia Corporation in Las Vegas is an affiliate partner of Inphonic.
According to information provided by Continental Promotion Group, it served as a fulfillment group for promotions of Inphonic, Inc.
Licensing Information
This company is in an industry that may require licensing, bonding or registration in order to lawfully do business. The Bureau encourages you to check with the appropriate agency to be certain any requirements are currently being met.
Government Actions
June 8, 2006 District of Columbia
The Office of the Attorney General for the City of Washington, DC filed suit in Superior Court of the District of Colmbia seeking permanent injunction and other equitable relief, restitution and civil penalties versus Inphonic, Inc. The suit alleges that the company discloses terms and conditions of its rebate procedures far from its on-line advertising, utilizes restrictive rebate conditions, fails to disclose hidden charges, and does not provide advertised customer service.
Additional Information
This Business Operates under the Names A1 Wireless
Cognigen Cellular
Continental Promotion Group
InPhonic Inc
Intelnet Wireless
Wirefly
wirefly.com
Wireless Marketplace
Addresses 9301 Peppercorn Place, Largo, MD 20774, Prince Georges County
Office of the President, 10790 Parkridge Boulevard, Suite 100, Reston, VA 20191, Fairfax County
10803 Parkridge Blvd Ste 100, Reston, VA 20191, Fairfax County
1010 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20007, District of Columbia County
1010 Wisconsin Avenue Suite 60, Washington, DC 20007
Phones (1) 888-378, x8091
(202) 333-0001
(301) 361-1011
(703) 636-4600
(866) 635-7400
(877) 277-9233
(888) 378-6509
(888) 378-8091
(888) 947-3359
Reported on Sunday, September 24, 2006
As a matter of policy, the Better Business Bureau does not endorse any product, service or company. BBB reports generally cover a three-year reporting period, and are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. Information contained herein is believed reliable but not guaranteed as to accuracy. Reports are subject to change at any time.
The Better Business Bureau reports on members and non-members. Membership in the BBB is voluntary, and members must meet and maintain BBB standards. If a company is a member of this BBB, it is stated in this report.
2006 BBB of Metro Washington DC & Eastern Pennsylvania
Sunday September 24, 2006 3:55:02 PM PRINT
#4 Author of original report
UPDATE
AUTHOR: B - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, September 24, 2006
Wirefly advertises on their website they are a member of the BBB(Better Business Bureau. The following is from the BBB.
Sunday September 24, 2006 3:55:02 PM PRINT
BBB of Metro Washington DC & Eastern Pennsylvania
1411 K St. NW, 10th Floor
Washington, DC 20005-3404
BBB Reliability Report
May Not Be Reproduced for Commercial or Sales Purposes
InPhonic
1010 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Suite 600
Washington, DC 20007
District of Columbia County
General Information
Original Business
Start Date November 1999
Registration or
Incorporation Type of Entity Corporation
State unknown
Date unknown
BBB File Opened January 01, 2001
Principal Contact Mr. Richard Calder (President & COO)
Complaint Contact Ms. Hollie Kapos
Other Contacts Mr. Keith Barron (Director of Customer Relations)
Ms. Gwendolyn Cauthen (Office of the President)
Mr. Rob Donnelly
Mr. Ari Fisher
Mr. Errol Harvey (Supervisor - Office of the President)
Ms. Donella Holden
M. Walter W. Leach, III (Corporate Counsel)
Mr. Rick Taylor
BBB Member This company is not a member
Type of Business Cellular Telephone Equipment & Supplies
Telephone Communications
Telephone Equipment & Systems Service & Repair
The information in this report has either been provided by the company, or has been compiled by the Bureau from other sources.
BBB Membership Issues
In November, 2005 this company's membership in the BBB was revoked by the Board of Directors of the Better Business Bureau due to failure to maintain the principles and standards required for membership.
Customer Experience
Based on BBB files, this company has an unsatisfactory record with the Bureau due to unanswered complaint(s).
Customer Complaint Data
Number of complaints processed by the BBB over the last 36 months: 2772
Number of complaints processed by the BBB in the last 12 months: 1733
Complaints Concerned:
Selling Practices (340 complaints)
244 Resolved
29 Unresolved
1 Delayed Resolution
12 Company made every reasonable effort to resolve
54 Company did not respond
Advertising Issues (198 complaints)
137 Resolved
11 Unresolved
1 Delayed Resolution
6 Company made every reasonable effort to resolve
43 Company did not respond
Service Issues (653 complaints)
499 Resolved
8 Unresolved
27 Company made every reasonable effort to resolve
119 Company did not respond
Credit or Billing Disputes (720 complaints)
570 Resolved
34 Unresolved
2 Delayed Resolution
17 Company made every reasonable effort to resolve
97 Company did not respond
Delivery Issues (97 complaints)
69 Resolved
7 Unresolved
1 Delayed Resolution
1 Company made every reasonable effort to resolve
19 Company did not respond
Refund Practices (609 complaints)
474 Resolved
22 Unresolved
2 Delayed Resolution
10 Company made every reasonable effort to resolve
101 Company did not respond
Product Quality (22 complaints)
19 Resolved
3 Company did not respond
Contract Disputes (85 complaints)
61 Resolved
10 Unresolved
2 Company made every reasonable effort to resolve
12 Company did not respond
Guarantee or Warranty Issues (21 complaints)
10 Resolved
2 Unresolved
9 Company did not respond
Repair Issues (4 complaints)
2 Resolved
2 Company did not respond
The company's size, volume of business and number of transactions may have a bearing on the number of complaints received by the BBB. The complaints filed against a company may not be as important as the type of complaints, and how the company has handled them. The BBB generally does not pass judgement on the validity of complaints filed.
Additional File Information
According to information provided by the company, assets of Liberty Wireless were sold in January, 2006. Liberty Wireless was a division of StarNumber. StarNumber is a wholly owned subsidiary of InPhonic. Inphonic shares certain customer service resources with Starnumber. Both Inphonic and Starnumber maintain their corporate headquarters on Wisconsin Avenue in Washington, DC, however, they are independently operated. A separate report is available on Starnumber. Inphonic's products are also marketed through independent affiliate companies. According to the Inphonic web site, it handles processing, shipping, billing, and provides 24 hour customer service for its affiliate program participants.
InPhonic has advised the BBB that it had purchased certain assets of A-1 Wireless USA and did acquire the domain name of that firm. Customer complaints related to online purchases made through A-1 Wireless should be directed to InPhonic. On April 29, 2005 InPhonic acquired VMC Satellite. Mobiledia Corporation in Las Vegas is an affiliate partner of Inphonic.
According to information provided by Continental Promotion Group, it served as a fulfillment group for promotions of Inphonic, Inc.
Licensing Information
This company is in an industry that may require licensing, bonding or registration in order to lawfully do business. The Bureau encourages you to check with the appropriate agency to be certain any requirements are currently being met.
Government Actions
June 8, 2006 District of Columbia
The Office of the Attorney General for the City of Washington, DC filed suit in Superior Court of the District of Colmbia seeking permanent injunction and other equitable relief, restitution and civil penalties versus Inphonic, Inc. The suit alleges that the company discloses terms and conditions of its rebate procedures far from its on-line advertising, utilizes restrictive rebate conditions, fails to disclose hidden charges, and does not provide advertised customer service.
Additional Information
This Business Operates under the Names A1 Wireless
Cognigen Cellular
Continental Promotion Group
InPhonic Inc
Intelnet Wireless
Wirefly
wirefly.com
Wireless Marketplace
Addresses 9301 Peppercorn Place, Largo, MD 20774, Prince Georges County
Office of the President, 10790 Parkridge Boulevard, Suite 100, Reston, VA 20191, Fairfax County
10803 Parkridge Blvd Ste 100, Reston, VA 20191, Fairfax County
1010 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20007, District of Columbia County
1010 Wisconsin Avenue Suite 60, Washington, DC 20007
Phones (1) 888-378, x8091
(202) 333-0001
(301) 361-1011
(703) 636-4600
(866) 635-7400
(877) 277-9233
(888) 378-6509
(888) 378-8091
(888) 947-3359
Reported on Sunday, September 24, 2006
As a matter of policy, the Better Business Bureau does not endorse any product, service or company. BBB reports generally cover a three-year reporting period, and are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. Information contained herein is believed reliable but not guaranteed as to accuracy. Reports are subject to change at any time.
The Better Business Bureau reports on members and non-members. Membership in the BBB is voluntary, and members must meet and maintain BBB standards. If a company is a member of this BBB, it is stated in this report.
2006 BBB of Metro Washington DC & Eastern Pennsylvania
Sunday September 24, 2006 3:55:02 PM PRINT
#3 Author of original report
UPDATE
AUTHOR: B - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, September 24, 2006
Wirefly advertises on their website they are a member of the BBB(Better Business Bureau. The following is from the BBB.
Sunday September 24, 2006 3:55:02 PM PRINT
BBB of Metro Washington DC & Eastern Pennsylvania
1411 K St. NW, 10th Floor
Washington, DC 20005-3404
BBB Reliability Report
May Not Be Reproduced for Commercial or Sales Purposes
InPhonic
1010 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Suite 600
Washington, DC 20007
District of Columbia County
General Information
Original Business
Start Date November 1999
Registration or
Incorporation Type of Entity Corporation
State unknown
Date unknown
BBB File Opened January 01, 2001
Principal Contact Mr. Richard Calder (President & COO)
Complaint Contact Ms. Hollie Kapos
Other Contacts Mr. Keith Barron (Director of Customer Relations)
Ms. Gwendolyn Cauthen (Office of the President)
Mr. Rob Donnelly
Mr. Ari Fisher
Mr. Errol Harvey (Supervisor - Office of the President)
Ms. Donella Holden
M. Walter W. Leach, III (Corporate Counsel)
Mr. Rick Taylor
BBB Member This company is not a member
Type of Business Cellular Telephone Equipment & Supplies
Telephone Communications
Telephone Equipment & Systems Service & Repair
The information in this report has either been provided by the company, or has been compiled by the Bureau from other sources.
BBB Membership Issues
In November, 2005 this company's membership in the BBB was revoked by the Board of Directors of the Better Business Bureau due to failure to maintain the principles and standards required for membership.
Customer Experience
Based on BBB files, this company has an unsatisfactory record with the Bureau due to unanswered complaint(s).
Customer Complaint Data
Number of complaints processed by the BBB over the last 36 months: 2772
Number of complaints processed by the BBB in the last 12 months: 1733
Complaints Concerned:
Selling Practices (340 complaints)
244 Resolved
29 Unresolved
1 Delayed Resolution
12 Company made every reasonable effort to resolve
54 Company did not respond
Advertising Issues (198 complaints)
137 Resolved
11 Unresolved
1 Delayed Resolution
6 Company made every reasonable effort to resolve
43 Company did not respond
Service Issues (653 complaints)
499 Resolved
8 Unresolved
27 Company made every reasonable effort to resolve
119 Company did not respond
Credit or Billing Disputes (720 complaints)
570 Resolved
34 Unresolved
2 Delayed Resolution
17 Company made every reasonable effort to resolve
97 Company did not respond
Delivery Issues (97 complaints)
69 Resolved
7 Unresolved
1 Delayed Resolution
1 Company made every reasonable effort to resolve
19 Company did not respond
Refund Practices (609 complaints)
474 Resolved
22 Unresolved
2 Delayed Resolution
10 Company made every reasonable effort to resolve
101 Company did not respond
Product Quality (22 complaints)
19 Resolved
3 Company did not respond
Contract Disputes (85 complaints)
61 Resolved
10 Unresolved
2 Company made every reasonable effort to resolve
12 Company did not respond
Guarantee or Warranty Issues (21 complaints)
10 Resolved
2 Unresolved
9 Company did not respond
Repair Issues (4 complaints)
2 Resolved
2 Company did not respond
The company's size, volume of business and number of transactions may have a bearing on the number of complaints received by the BBB. The complaints filed against a company may not be as important as the type of complaints, and how the company has handled them. The BBB generally does not pass judgement on the validity of complaints filed.
Additional File Information
According to information provided by the company, assets of Liberty Wireless were sold in January, 2006. Liberty Wireless was a division of StarNumber. StarNumber is a wholly owned subsidiary of InPhonic. Inphonic shares certain customer service resources with Starnumber. Both Inphonic and Starnumber maintain their corporate headquarters on Wisconsin Avenue in Washington, DC, however, they are independently operated. A separate report is available on Starnumber. Inphonic's products are also marketed through independent affiliate companies. According to the Inphonic web site, it handles processing, shipping, billing, and provides 24 hour customer service for its affiliate program participants.
InPhonic has advised the BBB that it had purchased certain assets of A-1 Wireless USA and did acquire the domain name of that firm. Customer complaints related to online purchases made through A-1 Wireless should be directed to InPhonic. On April 29, 2005 InPhonic acquired VMC Satellite. Mobiledia Corporation in Las Vegas is an affiliate partner of Inphonic.
According to information provided by Continental Promotion Group, it served as a fulfillment group for promotions of Inphonic, Inc.
Licensing Information
This company is in an industry that may require licensing, bonding or registration in order to lawfully do business. The Bureau encourages you to check with the appropriate agency to be certain any requirements are currently being met.
Government Actions
June 8, 2006 District of Columbia
The Office of the Attorney General for the City of Washington, DC filed suit in Superior Court of the District of Colmbia seeking permanent injunction and other equitable relief, restitution and civil penalties versus Inphonic, Inc. The suit alleges that the company discloses terms and conditions of its rebate procedures far from its on-line advertising, utilizes restrictive rebate conditions, fails to disclose hidden charges, and does not provide advertised customer service.
Additional Information
This Business Operates under the Names A1 Wireless
Cognigen Cellular
Continental Promotion Group
InPhonic Inc
Intelnet Wireless
Wirefly
wirefly.com
Wireless Marketplace
Addresses 9301 Peppercorn Place, Largo, MD 20774, Prince Georges County
Office of the President, 10790 Parkridge Boulevard, Suite 100, Reston, VA 20191, Fairfax County
10803 Parkridge Blvd Ste 100, Reston, VA 20191, Fairfax County
1010 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20007, District of Columbia County
1010 Wisconsin Avenue Suite 60, Washington, DC 20007
Phones (1) 888-378, x8091
(202) 333-0001
(301) 361-1011
(703) 636-4600
(866) 635-7400
(877) 277-9233
(888) 378-6509
(888) 378-8091
(888) 947-3359
Reported on Sunday, September 24, 2006
As a matter of policy, the Better Business Bureau does not endorse any product, service or company. BBB reports generally cover a three-year reporting period, and are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. Information contained herein is believed reliable but not guaranteed as to accuracy. Reports are subject to change at any time.
The Better Business Bureau reports on members and non-members. Membership in the BBB is voluntary, and members must meet and maintain BBB standards. If a company is a member of this BBB, it is stated in this report.
2006 BBB of Metro Washington DC & Eastern Pennsylvania
Sunday September 24, 2006 3:55:02 PM PRINT
#2 Author of original report
UPDATE
AUTHOR: B - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, September 24, 2006
Wirefly advertises on their website they are a member of the BBB(Better Business Bureau. The following is from the BBB.
Sunday September 24, 2006 3:55:02 PM PRINT
BBB of Metro Washington DC & Eastern Pennsylvania
1411 K St. NW, 10th Floor
Washington, DC 20005-3404
BBB Reliability Report
May Not Be Reproduced for Commercial or Sales Purposes
InPhonic
1010 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Suite 600
Washington, DC 20007
District of Columbia County
General Information
Original Business
Start Date November 1999
Registration or
Incorporation Type of Entity Corporation
State unknown
Date unknown
BBB File Opened January 01, 2001
Principal Contact Mr. Richard Calder (President & COO)
Complaint Contact Ms. Hollie Kapos
Other Contacts Mr. Keith Barron (Director of Customer Relations)
Ms. Gwendolyn Cauthen (Office of the President)
Mr. Rob Donnelly
Mr. Ari Fisher
Mr. Errol Harvey (Supervisor - Office of the President)
Ms. Donella Holden
M. Walter W. Leach, III (Corporate Counsel)
Mr. Rick Taylor
BBB Member This company is not a member
Type of Business Cellular Telephone Equipment & Supplies
Telephone Communications
Telephone Equipment & Systems Service & Repair
The information in this report has either been provided by the company, or has been compiled by the Bureau from other sources.
BBB Membership Issues
In November, 2005 this company's membership in the BBB was revoked by the Board of Directors of the Better Business Bureau due to failure to maintain the principles and standards required for membership.
Customer Experience
Based on BBB files, this company has an unsatisfactory record with the Bureau due to unanswered complaint(s).
Customer Complaint Data
Number of complaints processed by the BBB over the last 36 months: 2772
Number of complaints processed by the BBB in the last 12 months: 1733
Complaints Concerned:
Selling Practices (340 complaints)
244 Resolved
29 Unresolved
1 Delayed Resolution
12 Company made every reasonable effort to resolve
54 Company did not respond
Advertising Issues (198 complaints)
137 Resolved
11 Unresolved
1 Delayed Resolution
6 Company made every reasonable effort to resolve
43 Company did not respond
Service Issues (653 complaints)
499 Resolved
8 Unresolved
27 Company made every reasonable effort to resolve
119 Company did not respond
Credit or Billing Disputes (720 complaints)
570 Resolved
34 Unresolved
2 Delayed Resolution
17 Company made every reasonable effort to resolve
97 Company did not respond
Delivery Issues (97 complaints)
69 Resolved
7 Unresolved
1 Delayed Resolution
1 Company made every reasonable effort to resolve
19 Company did not respond
Refund Practices (609 complaints)
474 Resolved
22 Unresolved
2 Delayed Resolution
10 Company made every reasonable effort to resolve
101 Company did not respond
Product Quality (22 complaints)
19 Resolved
3 Company did not respond
Contract Disputes (85 complaints)
61 Resolved
10 Unresolved
2 Company made every reasonable effort to resolve
12 Company did not respond
Guarantee or Warranty Issues (21 complaints)
10 Resolved
2 Unresolved
9 Company did not respond
Repair Issues (4 complaints)
2 Resolved
2 Company did not respond
The company's size, volume of business and number of transactions may have a bearing on the number of complaints received by the BBB. The complaints filed against a company may not be as important as the type of complaints, and how the company has handled them. The BBB generally does not pass judgement on the validity of complaints filed.
Additional File Information
According to information provided by the company, assets of Liberty Wireless were sold in January, 2006. Liberty Wireless was a division of StarNumber. StarNumber is a wholly owned subsidiary of InPhonic. Inphonic shares certain customer service resources with Starnumber. Both Inphonic and Starnumber maintain their corporate headquarters on Wisconsin Avenue in Washington, DC, however, they are independently operated. A separate report is available on Starnumber. Inphonic's products are also marketed through independent affiliate companies. According to the Inphonic web site, it handles processing, shipping, billing, and provides 24 hour customer service for its affiliate program participants.
InPhonic has advised the BBB that it had purchased certain assets of A-1 Wireless USA and did acquire the domain name of that firm. Customer complaints related to online purchases made through A-1 Wireless should be directed to InPhonic. On April 29, 2005 InPhonic acquired VMC Satellite. Mobiledia Corporation in Las Vegas is an affiliate partner of Inphonic.
According to information provided by Continental Promotion Group, it served as a fulfillment group for promotions of Inphonic, Inc.
Licensing Information
This company is in an industry that may require licensing, bonding or registration in order to lawfully do business. The Bureau encourages you to check with the appropriate agency to be certain any requirements are currently being met.
Government Actions
June 8, 2006 District of Columbia
The Office of the Attorney General for the City of Washington, DC filed suit in Superior Court of the District of Colmbia seeking permanent injunction and other equitable relief, restitution and civil penalties versus Inphonic, Inc. The suit alleges that the company discloses terms and conditions of its rebate procedures far from its on-line advertising, utilizes restrictive rebate conditions, fails to disclose hidden charges, and does not provide advertised customer service.
Additional Information
This Business Operates under the Names A1 Wireless
Cognigen Cellular
Continental Promotion Group
InPhonic Inc
Intelnet Wireless
Wirefly
wirefly.com
Wireless Marketplace
Addresses 9301 Peppercorn Place, Largo, MD 20774, Prince Georges County
Office of the President, 10790 Parkridge Boulevard, Suite 100, Reston, VA 20191, Fairfax County
10803 Parkridge Blvd Ste 100, Reston, VA 20191, Fairfax County
1010 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20007, District of Columbia County
1010 Wisconsin Avenue Suite 60, Washington, DC 20007
Phones (1) 888-378, x8091
(202) 333-0001
(301) 361-1011
(703) 636-4600
(866) 635-7400
(877) 277-9233
(888) 378-6509
(888) 378-8091
(888) 947-3359
Reported on Sunday, September 24, 2006
As a matter of policy, the Better Business Bureau does not endorse any product, service or company. BBB reports generally cover a three-year reporting period, and are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. Information contained herein is believed reliable but not guaranteed as to accuracy. Reports are subject to change at any time.
The Better Business Bureau reports on members and non-members. Membership in the BBB is voluntary, and members must meet and maintain BBB standards. If a company is a member of this BBB, it is stated in this report.
2006 BBB of Metro Washington DC & Eastern Pennsylvania
Sunday September 24, 2006 3:55:02 PM PRINT
#1 Author of original report
update
AUTHOR: B - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, September 24, 2006
I called T-Mobile Customer 6/12/2006 to share the outcome of this scam. I was really surprised T-Mobile has a business partner that operates in such a deceptive manner. I have yet to receive a rebate from Inphonic nor do I expect one.
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