Cricket Wireless Communications fraudulant billing, poor customer service, unethical, Little Rock Arkansas

Cricket is an absolute nightmare....this employee who is trying to defend them is an idiot! This past two weeks I have had nothing but trouble with cricket and the service in my calling area. Today, I called them to try and troubleshoot the problem....they told me to take my battery out for 5 to 7 minutes and turn it back on.....STILL DIDNT WORK.. Then they told me to call *228 to program the phone....STILL DIDNT WORK! So then I called back and then they hung up on me.....Called back again and got into an arguement with a supervisor....MY PHONE WILL NOT WORK.....cricket service is thee worst service on the face of the planet...my phone wont make or recieve texts or calls, service in my area sucks and their customer service is at no help at all. It is a hoax and a scamming company...I would not reccomend cricket wireless  ever to any one! When I try to make a call on my phone its says...."were sorry, your phone is not authorized for use at this time..." screw cricket!!!!!

To explain what happened to you T.E., you were a victim of identity theft. The reason why your features were changed without your consent was because someone called in and verified your information and acted as you. No representative can reject service to a customer if they verify all security information and say they are the account holder...regardless of if the person doesn't sound like the customer (like if the customer is a man's name but it's obviously a woman on the phone).

Cricket doesn't have a service plan for $77. However, there are many things that can cause your bill to be that much...like late payments or feature changes during the middle of a bill cycle. Did you ever take an offer from Cricket where you reactivate an old phone?

The reason why you received a bill 2 months later is because you disconnected your phone in the middle of your billing cycle...you would be charged for 13 days of service if your bill was due on the 1st of the month.

I agree with you Cricket did me the same way but i did get paper bills by the way they charged $.50 for it. My billing cycle was the 31st of each month. I got my phone in 1998 and it was all good because i had not to worry bout the overages, i got a free phone and free activation.

Back when i got cricket the service areas was so bad you basiclly had to sit in one spot to use your phone. But at the end in 2005 i started to notice that my plan had went from 39.65 a month to 45 then eventally to 77 dollars when i call cricket they said that someone called and made changes in the begining of 2005 they said they didnt know who they talked to or any thing.

i spoke to a manager and she credited all the money back to me about 125.00 and but it back at 35 like when i started but i changed again then the added some kind of service fee and some more mess. so i didnt fill like argueing any more. i paid the $77 on the first of Feb. and on the 13 switched providers as well. i took my number. do you know the next month i received a bill. so i called and told them that their business is no longer needed, i received bills for four months after i had no number and no service.

two weeks ago the sent me a final bill say they was going to send my account to a collection agency. Cricket is very crooked

Despite what's being written here, flip phones are actually pretty darn sturdy. We've had flip phones for the last 5-6 years (of HARD use) -- the FREE ones from Cingular. You know what? THey still work perfectly - the only issue being battery life after this long. As a matter of fact, we do still have them, even if they are sitting in their boxes (because we got the Razrs).

Personally, after hearing all these stories, reading, and personal experience I just think Kyocera is a piece of junk.

The comment about how Cricket is better because they don't penalize people for early termination, etc while that maybe true I can point out one VERY important difference between Cricket and the other players.

If I had the exact same issues with them, that I did w/ Cricket the following would have happened.

1) Phone breaks w/in the first 3 days AND the treatment I received from the stores (as well as when I called their customer non-support), I could have -- well within the law and my rights -- to CANCEL that contract without penality & receive my money back - minus any minute charges that had been on the phone (in my case 0)

2) I could have walked into ANY Cingular branded store (vs Cricket authorized retailer) and simply EXCHANGED the phone

3) Courtney (as well as the woman she witnessed) could have called Cingular at their 800 number, expressed dissatisfaction with the Cingular Branded phone (vs the CRICKET BRANDED PHONE) and.. as I know MANY people have -- the company simply issued a NEW phone and told them to mail the broken one back to them w/in 30 days. In one particular example, the broken phone was 9 months old.

There's more, but this arguement is old. I suppose there are good CS agents. it's just such a shame that -- despite dealing with dozens over the last several months -- I haven't seen one. It's also amazing that none ever seem to poke their heads up above their cubicals for anyone else I've spoken to.

I think, what could be the problem, is a matter of training. Maybe in the OLD days, Cricket had good agents (thus the constant inference that they do) -- but present tense counts for much more than past tense.

Despite what's being written here, flip phones are actually pretty darn sturdy. We've had flip phones for the last 5-6 years (of HARD use) -- the FREE ones from Cingular. You know what? THey still work perfectly - the only issue being battery life after this long. As a matter of fact, we do still have them, even if they are sitting in their boxes (because we got the Razrs).

Personally, after hearing all these stories, reading, and personal experience I just think Kyocera is a piece of junk.

The comment about how Cricket is better because they don't penalize people for early termination, etc while that maybe true I can point out one VERY important difference between Cricket and the other players.

If I had the exact same issues with them, that I did w/ Cricket the following would have happened.

1) Phone breaks w/in the first 3 days AND the treatment I received from the stores (as well as when I called their customer non-support), I could have -- well within the law and my rights -- to CANCEL that contract without penality & receive my money back - minus any minute charges that had been on the phone (in my case 0)

2) I could have walked into ANY Cingular branded store (vs Cricket authorized retailer) and simply EXCHANGED the phone

3) Courtney (as well as the woman she witnessed) could have called Cingular at their 800 number, expressed dissatisfaction with the Cingular Branded phone (vs the CRICKET BRANDED PHONE) and.. as I know MANY people have -- the company simply issued a NEW phone and told them to mail the broken one back to them w/in 30 days. In one particular example, the broken phone was 9 months old.

There's more, but this arguement is old. I suppose there are good CS agents. it's just such a shame that -- despite dealing with dozens over the last several months -- I haven't seen one. It's also amazing that none ever seem to poke their heads up above their cubicals for anyone else I've spoken to.

I think, what could be the problem, is a matter of training. Maybe in the OLD days, Cricket had good agents (thus the constant inference that they do) -- but present tense counts for much more than past tense.

Despite what's being written here, flip phones are actually pretty darn sturdy. We've had flip phones for the last 5-6 years (of HARD use) -- the FREE ones from Cingular. You know what? THey still work perfectly - the only issue being battery life after this long. As a matter of fact, we do still have them, even if they are sitting in their boxes (because we got the Razrs).

Personally, after hearing all these stories, reading, and personal experience I just think Kyocera is a piece of junk.

The comment about how Cricket is better because they don't penalize people for early termination, etc while that maybe true I can point out one VERY important difference between Cricket and the other players.

If I had the exact same issues with them, that I did w/ Cricket the following would have happened.

1) Phone breaks w/in the first 3 days AND the treatment I received from the stores (as well as when I called their customer non-support), I could have -- well within the law and my rights -- to CANCEL that contract without penality & receive my money back - minus any minute charges that had been on the phone (in my case 0)

2) I could have walked into ANY Cingular branded store (vs Cricket authorized retailer) and simply EXCHANGED the phone

3) Courtney (as well as the woman she witnessed) could have called Cingular at their 800 number, expressed dissatisfaction with the Cingular Branded phone (vs the CRICKET BRANDED PHONE) and.. as I know MANY people have -- the company simply issued a NEW phone and told them to mail the broken one back to them w/in 30 days. In one particular example, the broken phone was 9 months old.

There's more, but this arguement is old. I suppose there are good CS agents. it's just such a shame that -- despite dealing with dozens over the last several months -- I haven't seen one. It's also amazing that none ever seem to poke their heads up above their cubicals for anyone else I've spoken to.

I think, what could be the problem, is a matter of training. Maybe in the OLD days, Cricket had good agents (thus the constant inference that they do) -- but present tense counts for much more than past tense.

Despite what's being written here, flip phones are actually pretty darn sturdy. We've had flip phones for the last 5-6 years (of HARD use) -- the FREE ones from Cingular. You know what? THey still work perfectly - the only issue being battery life after this long. As a matter of fact, we do still have them, even if they are sitting in their boxes (because we got the Razrs).

Personally, after hearing all these stories, reading, and personal experience I just think Kyocera is a piece of junk.

The comment about how Cricket is better because they don't penalize people for early termination, etc while that maybe true I can point out one VERY important difference between Cricket and the other players.

If I had the exact same issues with them, that I did w/ Cricket the following would have happened.

1) Phone breaks w/in the first 3 days AND the treatment I received from the stores (as well as when I called their customer non-support), I could have -- well within the law and my rights -- to CANCEL that contract without penality & receive my money back - minus any minute charges that had been on the phone (in my case 0)

2) I could have walked into ANY Cingular branded store (vs Cricket authorized retailer) and simply EXCHANGED the phone

3) Courtney (as well as the woman she witnessed) could have called Cingular at their 800 number, expressed dissatisfaction with the Cingular Branded phone (vs the CRICKET BRANDED PHONE) and.. as I know MANY people have -- the company simply issued a NEW phone and told them to mail the broken one back to them w/in 30 days. In one particular example, the broken phone was 9 months old.

There's more, but this arguement is old. I suppose there are good CS agents. it's just such a shame that -- despite dealing with dozens over the last several months -- I haven't seen one. It's also amazing that none ever seem to poke their heads up above their cubicals for anyone else I've spoken to.

I think, what could be the problem, is a matter of training. Maybe in the OLD days, Cricket had good agents (thus the constant inference that they do) -- but present tense counts for much more than past tense.

Actually, you could have asked for a discount for being a customer with Cricket for over 1 year. Did you ask the CSR at the Cricket Store to take a look at your account to verify the length of time you've been with Cricket?

I can agree, there are some very BAD reps that work for Cricket (as is with ANY company). How they got their job, I have NO idea whatsoever. There are certainly reps out there who do NOT try to help the customer (like the one who didn't help you).

Cricket is just like any other cell phone carrier, except they don't lock you into a contract, which Cingular, Verizon, Alltel, and SunCom will do. And if you have bad credit, EXPECT to pay some sort of CRAZY deposit JUST to get service with them....AND don't forget about the "early service termination fee" if you end up having the same problems that you had with Cricket. You can't just disconnect your service because you don't like it...

From what I know about flip phones, you have to be VERY careful with them. They can easily break, especially if you use your cell phone a lot. I recently didn't know how hard I was on cell phones until I swapped out my phone for my mom's camera phone (she upgraded to a new phone and gave me her old one as well). I realized that I have almost broken that phone...and that's from my "normal" use. I haven't dropped the phone, and I always kept it in a leather case. Now, the little hinge on the flip part is loose, and the phone is on the verge of breaking...just from MY normal use. I'm not saying that is what happened to you, but it's something to consider.

Anyways, all that is to say this: if you have a problem with your phone, it's BEST to go to the MANUFACTURER to see if they can replace the phone for you, NOT your cell phone company. Why? For the exact reason of your complaint. Kyocera DOES offer a 1 year manufacturer's warranty, however, Cricket can only offer a 90-day replacement warranty, if it's not physically & visibly broken. Technically, Cricket (nor any other wireless company) has any type of "warranty" whatsoever on the phones they sell because they DO NOT make the phones....and this is ALL stated in the terms & conditions when you activate your service. Don't believe me? Go see it for yourself on ANY wireless company's website. To see Cricket's Terms & Conditions, go to www.mycricket.com/terms/ and search for "warranty".

Could the rep have offered you a discount on a new phone because you've had more than 1 or 2 years of service with Cricket? Yes, and he should have looked at your account to see if you were eligible for the "loyalty" discount. However, the problem you had with your phone is NOT Cricket's responsibility, really...it's KYOCERA's.

Rose I completely sympathize with you.
I have been a long time since 1999 customer of Cricket, because I didn't have adequate credit to obtain a DECENT cell company like Cingular.
Cricket takes advantage of those who have little or no or bad credit.

I thought it would be a great service, and for the 1st couple of years, I got excellent customer service at the store in Fayetteville Arkansas.

Since then, they changed the way they treat their customers and solve problems.
I am paying an ungodly amount for 2 local service only cell phones. One for me and my husband. The only "extras" we have are voicemail, CallerId, call waiting. Cingular offers a better plan for less money, and better service, with more of a range.

I purchased a new phone last February for $139.99 plus tax, it broke less than a week later. It was a cheap Kyocera flip phone. The woman in line in front of me when I purchased the phone had the same problem, and the clerk told her it was because she dropped it.

She insisted she didnt drop the phone, and I thought "yeah right". She had purchased her phone a little over 3 months prior, and she was told because of the time limit, the WARRANTY COMPANY wouldnt cover the replacement. They did however offer her a refurbished phone exactly LIKE the one she was replacing for $69.

I didnt drop mine, the cover simply cracked slightly at the hinged area for the flip phone. The wires separated and the earpiece no longer worked, so I had to resort to using the speaker phone.

When I took the phone back to the store, along with my receipt, I was told it the warranty company wouldnt cover it. I know for a fact, Kyocera will cover a MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. Since the phone was still in BRAND NEW condition overall, I would think the weakness in the hinge would qualify as a defect on behalf of the manufacturer, and NOT something I had done.

I was told I could purchase a new phone for the sticker prices. So NO discount, even though I have had steady service thru Cricket for YEARS!
I instead brought back an older phone and had it reactivated for $25. (which is a royal pain since I dont live in Fayetteville, but have to go to THAT store) I will never use Cricket again.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to put that title there. I was typing something else at the time and didn't realize that I put that as the title until afterwards.

Anyways, you have taken what I have said COMPLETELY WRONG. I was ONLY trying to HELP and figure out what was going on with your account and WHY the amounts were showing up in the first place. Why? Because charges *usually* (knock on wood, or computer for that matter) don't just "show up" for no reason at all. That's why I don't "get it". Like I said before, I really wish that you had gotten me on the phone so that I could have figured out this "error". I would have researched it, no matter how long it took...and RESOLVED the issue. If I suspected a program/computer glitch, I would have reported it to see if the anomaly could be tracked throughout the whole system for a while.

The way that you said "Cricket just tacked on another $20" is as if one person, who had nothing better else to do at Cricket, singled you out and made the computer add $20 to your bill just for kicks.

You say that I don't read your posts, yet you FORGET what I said in my post: 1) ALL cell phone companies use computers, 2) HUMANS make computers, and 3) computers are IMPERFECT and prone to errors because HUMANS make them. Also, I could see if you got the same rep each time, but you didn't. It's certainly obvious that the reps didn't fully know about how to read the billing system. What I don't understand as well is that EVERY rep you spoke with, including supervisors and managers, couldn't figure out where the extra amount was coming from. I personally think that it was more than likely some computer glitch that was causing the billing error.

Yes, I understand that the rep was WRONG to reactivate your service when you told them explicitly "NO". I NEVER said that they should have reactivated your account anyway. Apparently, YOU don't get THAT, or you wouldn't be saying that to me.

Yes, I agree, dealing with billing errors SUCKS. I used to work for the company, remember? However, I have NEVER seen a billing error like you have described, which is why I tried to get a full understanding and why I asked for the detailed bill you received.

I can understand your "mistake" numbering system, however, you must remember that you are dealing with companies, and companies are made up of people JUST LIKE YOU...and to err is HUMAN. What really matters most is not the number of mistakes, but HOW and IF those mistakes are resolved. If things keep happening to you, does that mean the company is bad? Not necessarily. There are plenty of customers who never have a problem with their phone or service.

If you are calling my trying to help as being dishonest and untrustworthy, then the reps you talked to were telling you the TRUTH. Some people just don't want to be helped...

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to put that title there. I was typing something else at the time and didn't realize that I put that as the title until afterwards.

Anyways, you have taken what I have said COMPLETELY WRONG. I was ONLY trying to HELP and figure out what was going on with your account and WHY the amounts were showing up in the first place. Why? Because charges *usually* (knock on wood, or computer for that matter) don't just "show up" for no reason at all. That's why I don't "get it". Like I said before, I really wish that you had gotten me on the phone so that I could have figured out this "error". I would have researched it, no matter how long it took...and RESOLVED the issue. If I suspected a program/computer glitch, I would have reported it to see if the anomaly could be tracked throughout the whole system for a while.

The way that you said "Cricket just tacked on another $20" is as if one person, who had nothing better else to do at Cricket, singled you out and made the computer add $20 to your bill just for kicks.

You say that I don't read your posts, yet you FORGET what I said in my post: 1) ALL cell phone companies use computers, 2) HUMANS make computers, and 3) computers are IMPERFECT and prone to errors because HUMANS make them. Also, I could see if you got the same rep each time, but you didn't. It's certainly obvious that the reps didn't fully know about how to read the billing system. What I don't understand as well is that EVERY rep you spoke with, including supervisors and managers, couldn't figure out where the extra amount was coming from. I personally think that it was more than likely some computer glitch that was causing the billing error.

Yes, I understand that the rep was WRONG to reactivate your service when you told them explicitly "NO". I NEVER said that they should have reactivated your account anyway. Apparently, YOU don't get THAT, or you wouldn't be saying that to me.

Yes, I agree, dealing with billing errors SUCKS. I used to work for the company, remember? However, I have NEVER seen a billing error like you have described, which is why I tried to get a full understanding and why I asked for the detailed bill you received.

I can understand your "mistake" numbering system, however, you must remember that you are dealing with companies, and companies are made up of people JUST LIKE YOU...and to err is HUMAN. What really matters most is not the number of mistakes, but HOW and IF those mistakes are resolved. If things keep happening to you, does that mean the company is bad? Not necessarily. There are plenty of customers who never have a problem with their phone or service.

If you are calling my trying to help as being dishonest and untrustworthy, then the reps you talked to were telling you the TRUTH. Some people just don't want to be helped...

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to put that title there. I was typing something else at the time and didn't realize that I put that as the title until afterwards.

Anyways, you have taken what I have said COMPLETELY WRONG. I was ONLY trying to HELP and figure out what was going on with your account and WHY the amounts were showing up in the first place. Why? Because charges *usually* (knock on wood, or computer for that matter) don't just "show up" for no reason at all. That's why I don't "get it". Like I said before, I really wish that you had gotten me on the phone so that I could have figured out this "error". I would have researched it, no matter how long it took...and RESOLVED the issue. If I suspected a program/computer glitch, I would have reported it to see if the anomaly could be tracked throughout the whole system for a while.

The way that you said "Cricket just tacked on another $20" is as if one person, who had nothing better else to do at Cricket, singled you out and made the computer add $20 to your bill just for kicks.

You say that I don't read your posts, yet you FORGET what I said in my post: 1) ALL cell phone companies use computers, 2) HUMANS make computers, and 3) computers are IMPERFECT and prone to errors because HUMANS make them. Also, I could see if you got the same rep each time, but you didn't. It's certainly obvious that the reps didn't fully know about how to read the billing system. What I don't understand as well is that EVERY rep you spoke with, including supervisors and managers, couldn't figure out where the extra amount was coming from. I personally think that it was more than likely some computer glitch that was causing the billing error.

Yes, I understand that the rep was WRONG to reactivate your service when you told them explicitly "NO". I NEVER said that they should have reactivated your account anyway. Apparently, YOU don't get THAT, or you wouldn't be saying that to me.

Yes, I agree, dealing with billing errors SUCKS. I used to work for the company, remember? However, I have NEVER seen a billing error like you have described, which is why I tried to get a full understanding and why I asked for the detailed bill you received.

I can understand your "mistake" numbering system, however, you must remember that you are dealing with companies, and companies are made up of people JUST LIKE YOU...and to err is HUMAN. What really matters most is not the number of mistakes, but HOW and IF those mistakes are resolved. If things keep happening to you, does that mean the company is bad? Not necessarily. There are plenty of customers who never have a problem with their phone or service.

If you are calling my trying to help as being dishonest and untrustworthy, then the reps you talked to were telling you the TRUTH. Some people just don't want to be helped...

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to put that title there. I was typing something else at the time and didn't realize that I put that as the title until afterwards.

Anyways, you have taken what I have said COMPLETELY WRONG. I was ONLY trying to HELP and figure out what was going on with your account and WHY the amounts were showing up in the first place. Why? Because charges *usually* (knock on wood, or computer for that matter) don't just "show up" for no reason at all. That's why I don't "get it". Like I said before, I really wish that you had gotten me on the phone so that I could have figured out this "error". I would have researched it, no matter how long it took...and RESOLVED the issue. If I suspected a program/computer glitch, I would have reported it to see if the anomaly could be tracked throughout the whole system for a while.

The way that you said "Cricket just tacked on another $20" is as if one person, who had nothing better else to do at Cricket, singled you out and made the computer add $20 to your bill just for kicks.

You say that I don't read your posts, yet you FORGET what I said in my post: 1) ALL cell phone companies use computers, 2) HUMANS make computers, and 3) computers are IMPERFECT and prone to errors because HUMANS make them. Also, I could see if you got the same rep each time, but you didn't. It's certainly obvious that the reps didn't fully know about how to read the billing system. What I don't understand as well is that EVERY rep you spoke with, including supervisors and managers, couldn't figure out where the extra amount was coming from. I personally think that it was more than likely some computer glitch that was causing the billing error.

Yes, I understand that the rep was WRONG to reactivate your service when you told them explicitly "NO". I NEVER said that they should have reactivated your account anyway. Apparently, YOU don't get THAT, or you wouldn't be saying that to me.

Yes, I agree, dealing with billing errors SUCKS. I used to work for the company, remember? However, I have NEVER seen a billing error like you have described, which is why I tried to get a full understanding and why I asked for the detailed bill you received.

I can understand your "mistake" numbering system, however, you must remember that you are dealing with companies, and companies are made up of people JUST LIKE YOU...and to err is HUMAN. What really matters most is not the number of mistakes, but HOW and IF those mistakes are resolved. If things keep happening to you, does that mean the company is bad? Not necessarily. There are plenty of customers who never have a problem with their phone or service.

If you are calling my trying to help as being dishonest and untrustworthy, then the reps you talked to were telling you the TRUTH. Some people just don't want to be helped...

That in the very first post, it clearly stated that there was a zero balance forward w/ 20 extra tacked on w/out explanation of the overcharges -- and electronic debit in place at the time all bills were being paid.

So, what's equally funny is, I've had to say it .. how many times?... how many different ways?... just so you'd "get it".

Even after I detail the EXACT BILL THAT WAS ONLINE, you still didn't "get it".

You don't get the fact that when Cricket 'resigned me up' for their service, when I declined, was ILLEGAL! It's not a matter of "ignore the bill, you don't have to pay it." it's a matter of, they had the nerve to do this and then act as though I HAD to pay it when I brought it to their attention -- only AFTER I said I filed with the FCC did they actually go in, look at it, and close the account.

It's a waste of my time, and other consumers, who have to deal with this crap.. time after time. That's what you seem to be missing. I, as a consumer, should have NEVER been resigned up for a service that I SAID NO TO. ESPECIALLY, in light of the continual problems that I had with Cricket previously.

1 mistake is a mistake.
2 mistakes is incompetence
3 mistakes - people should be warned to stay away.


BTW, don't worry about my accounts with Cingular --- I have had an account there for over 10 years (way before they were Cingular/ATT. In fact when they were still SWB). I've never had an overage. I've had 2 billing issues that were fixed immediately by the CS reps (I mean, really fixed. Not a $5 credit thrown at it). I've only had 3 dropped calls in all that time -- and that's anywhere in the country (one was when I was going through a tunnel back into NJ and the other 2 were in elevators). THEY have customer service and IMO, a service that is to be recommended. I've purchased new phones from their local kiosks and at one point one died w/in a week of purchase. The local kiosk (who only SOLD the merchandise and is ONLY an "authorized dealer") took the phone back and exchanged it. As MOST ALL "authorized dealers" do. Can you imagine the choas that would exist if they didn't? Oh, sure you can. That's why there's armed guards in the service center stores for Cricket. I guess unhappen and angry customers can encourage a company to hire armed guards, but not consider looking into their policies. (and there's an ATT store right down the street to that Cricket store, and they don't have a guard. In fact, that Cricket store is the only thing in the area who does. I think that states volumes)

Have fun with your cheerleading.
And if you've felt that I've been talking down to you... you'd be right. Somehow it's inconceivable that an EX-EMPLOYEE spend their free time defending a company online. Maybe once or twice... but continually throughout these complaints? I find that suspecious and untrustworthy.

First of all, there's no reason for you to try and talk down to me. All I was trying to do was help you understand what was happening from a employee's perspective. I may be a former employee, but I still remember how Cricket's billing system works. When I was a rep, I was always very thorough in explaining to customers how Cricket's billing works when they had a question about their bill. I have treated you as a customer, even though you're no longer with Cricket. I can understand your frustration and dissatisfaction with Cricket, but don't take it out on me. I've tried to do nothing but help you, so don't go trying to belittle me. I have treated you with respect, and I expect the same.

With your billing, I was simply trying to figure out where the extra $20 was coming from. *USUALLY*, any extra charges would appear either in the "Total adjustments" or "current charges" column. However, there might have been a glitch in the billing system that was causing it to show $20 over what it was supposed to show. However, I RARELY heard or saw that happen in my 2 years of working there (*less* than 3 times, including your complaint). *USUALLY*, most supposed "billing errors" are due to late payment fees or other features that have been added from the previous month. These are the charges that I've had to explain to customers most of the time.

Lastly, I HAVE read and comprehended EVERYTHING that you have posted on this site....EVERY WORD. I tried my BEST to use all the knowledge I know since I was a rep myself and KNOW FIRSTHAND how Cricket's system works.

Many people complain on this site, but don't give complete and accurate information. Then once they do, I have responded and figured out EXACTLY what caused the problem to begin with. Have you READ any of my posts on other reports filed on this site against Cricket? EVERYTIME I have tried to help in any way possible. I have done more than my fair share, and I don't even work for Cricket anymore.

Hope you don't have the same problems with Cingular...and you might want to watch your minutes so you don't get overages...

ALL your questions have been answered in the innitial and subsequent posts I have made. PLUS, you are asking for a supposed "format" of the bill that simply does NOT exist. The format (ie: headings and the order of the headings) I provided in my previous post is exactly (except w/ correct tab formatting) as the bill is.

For the reading and comprehension impaired:
Innitial complaint clearly stated that the balace forward was ZERO ($0). In the post entitled "It really isn't that difficult", it clearly states that the balance forward was ZERO ($0).

(Those who aren't going to bother to READ what already exists on this page) -- there was a ZERO BALANCE FORWARD.

They debited 35.65 and then applied 1 (one) $10 credit. For the math impaired a total of $45.64 was owed in July -- AND PAID IN FULL.

That is WHY there was a zero balance forward

New charges for the month of AUGUST were and should have ONLY BEEN for the service (and taxes). TOtal on that should have been ONLY $34.80 -- which it clearly states that in the "charges" column and in the "current charges" row.

That means that the ONLY current charges on the bill that was due in August was the $34.80.

And then, the line right below that it clearly states --- Amount due by 8/25/06 -- 54.80.

THat is IMPOSSIBLE -- since current charges were only 34.80 and there was a ZERO BALANCE FORWARD.

PLUS the fact, that even if there was a charge that totaled that $20 (and there's not)-- of any amount above the regular phone service (and taxes) -- it is NOT mentioned nor itemized on the bill.

Cricket simply tacked $20 onto my bill - for no reason. And because it was paid through their automatic bill paid --- they not only overcharged me that money, but they took the money and made it IMPOSSIBLE to get it back w/out me filing a complaint with state agency (State Attorney General).

YOu can try to help all you want. I don't really care. The more you talk and ask questions that have already been answered --- shows exactly why this report exists.

A problem existed. CS representatives were ineffective. Why? Because the best they could do was offer me a $5 credit. BFD. I was being overcharged by $20. I talked to rep after rep. I spoke to supervisors. None of them could explain WHY something existed on my bill, yet every single one of them said, "too bad you have to pay it"......... or rather.. "god, sorry that amount got drafted from your bank account. Let me offer you $5".

How is the theft of $15 of MY money a good deal for me?

It's not.

If you want more information.. it all exists in these posts honey. Exercise your intellect and attempt to read and comprehend the situation since all the information is provided.

If you are unable to do so. Then you are no better than the half-wit CS reps I've dealt with in this company.

And god only knows how much I loath stupidity and laziness.

You should have these headings for your billing:

First, across the top of the bill:

Prev Bal = 45.64
Pay Recvd = 35.64
Total credits = -10.00
Bal fwd. = ???
Total adj. = ????
Current charges = 34.80
Amount due = 54.80


Next, the payments, charges, and credits

Prev balance =
Payment detail > (type of payment) =
Total Payments received =
Balance forward =
Total adjustments =
Monthly charges =

Total Current charges =
Total Amount due by (date) =


Lastly, your detailed monthly service charges for each phone #:

Monthly Service

Charges for (phone #) =
Monthly Service (date -> date) =
monthly charge (date -> date) =
Total monthly Charges =
___________________________________


From what you've provided, I can see that the problem started before that bill. What was the first bill you received? Can you fill in headings that I have above with the amounts for each that have the = sign next to it? The bill should have all of the above headings and amounts for each. I really want to figure this out...if you don't mind.....

I loved your report. You explained yourself well and thoroughly. Good job! And I can see why the EX-employee is an ex he/she just doesn't seem to get the point even when it's laid out so concisely in front of them. Geesh.

I too have been a victim of Cricket's tactics... only for a couple months though. I went through just about the same scenario as you. I was successful in getting back everything I was out, because like you, I complained loud and hard. That is the only way to get anywhere with companies like this - they count on people being namby-pamby and not sticking up for themselves. Write a factual letter to the State Attorney General's office, you have a tendency to get a response; and even though the BBB is about as useless as can be, at least you'll have the opportunity to state your case.

In my case, I was issued a refund after going through the complaint process (phone calls, personal store visits, emails, and regular mail [return receipt, tracked and certified of course!]. After all this, and stating how much I expected back and why, they actually better sit down for this one, it's hilarious! sent me an OVER payment of a dollar and 55 cents. Which of course I didn't complain about, it just cracks me up that they did this.

I waited for them to catch their mistake (hey, miracles can happen), but after about 8 weeks I figured not, so, as an honest person, I in fact sent them a check for $1.55. I thought someone might inquire about it, or maybe even send it back, as there was no account number to credit it to like you, they'd taken away my ability to access my number, and after calling them they said my account number/phone number didn't even exist anymore! But no, my check was cashed. Makes me wonder though how they keep track of their customers and keep their billing and credit accounting in place oh, but wait! They DON'T, so that's the whole point! ;-)

Just be glad you're rid of them. Best of luck with you new phone service.

Who says you can't analyze a bill online?

It's easy:
Bill that was due August 28:

Billed last month 45.64
you paid -35.64
credits -10.00
fees 0.00
charges 34.80
amount due 54.80

payment detail:
7/21/06 ******** CC payment 35.64
you paid through 7/26/06
retention credit -10.00
credits: -10.00 (this is the one that is out over to the left side -- basically total credits applied to the account. Retention credit is listed in the subtotal column)

balanace forward 0.00
fees 0.00
monthly charges
state tax 1.83
county tax .15
city tax .54
wireless 911 surcharge .4
Universal service .52
federal usf fee .87
fed trs fund .02
fed rgulatory fee .02

current charges 34.80
amount due by 8/25/06 44.80

Account detail for (phone number)
monthly service 8/26-9/25 unlimited basic 30.00
monthly charge 8/26-9/25 regulatory recover .45

Montly charges 30.45

(rest is text of the bill)

That is the bill -- exactly as downloaded off of Cricket's website (I printed it out at teh time)

Monthly rate is correct.. including the taxes. The previous bill was paid in its entirity. There were no additional charges (ie: anything purchased either online or in a store) placed on the bill. However, there is a mysterious "charge" tacked onto the bill, of $20 -- that no one can explain == however, they were very willing to attempt to make me pay it.

I don't think so.

If they can't legitimately explain it (by telling me what I purchased - cuz trust me, it aint my kid -- he's got CP and NO CS rep can understand what he says. Waitresses at McD's have a bad enough time understanding him say "hamburger". ** his friends, however, can understand him, thus the phone **)

as I was saying, if they can't legitimately explain it by saying what was purchased.. I doubt you can .. But good luck attempting to do so.

Like I said before, you got some REALLY bad customer service reps, and I've known there to be some within Cricket. Be assured that they have more than likely been dealt with accordingly. Cricket doesn't stand for bad customer service, and Cricket has been striving to improve that aspect of their service quite a bit lately. I can tell you that I was not one of the "bad reps" when I worked for Cricket, and I would have tried EVERYTHING in my power to find out exactly what the extra charges were for so that they would be stopped the FIRST time. When I worked for them, I never had billing errors that I couldn't fix. Sometimes, I've seen things like children (who the phone was purchased for) adding extra features at will...which just about anyone can do if they can verify all of your personal info (name, social security #, address, date of birth)...no rep can deny that it's you if a person gives all of your info (better known as identity theft).

I really wish I could get a rundown of the charges that appeared on your monthly bills so that I could figure out what was happening. However, I don't think that could be done on this site... I really hate to see customers (even former ones) unhappy, even though I don't work for Cricket anymore. I really liked working for them when I was there....

In the innitial complaint I clearly stated the only way I was able to contact ANYONE besides the phone CS lackies as to file a complaint with the State Attorney General. That is the ONLY way that ANYONE higher than the general customer service reps would talk to me.

In the innitial complaint I also stated that the extra charges that were placed on my bill (the $20) were NEVER OUTLINED in the bill. They simply "appeared" and were never detailed. (Too bad I can't fax you a copy, since I've got printouts of every single transaction that took place).

As far as their little $10 service fee for exchanging a phone that had less than 1 hour of air time --- that just bodes to my complaint --- DON'T PURCHASE CRICKET PHONES OR PLANS. THEY DON'T CARE THAT YOUR PRODUCT DOESN'T WORK OUT OF THE BOX. THEY'LL CHARGE YOU TO 'FIX' IT.

That's a bullcrap plan/idea and you know it. If you agree with it? May all your exchanges at the local Wally-World be filled with misc, legitimate, fees that they can tack on.

It's not the fact that 1 mistake happened on this account. It's the fact that multiple mistakes happened on it -- month after month after month. And not a SINGLE complaint was handled by a customer service rep. Every single one had to be escallated BY ME to the point of filing complaints with state and federal agencies --- JUST to get someone beyond the phone CS dufus to talk to me.

THAT is the point of this complaint.
THis complaint is to warn others.
It's taken me countless hours, over the course of serveral months, to straighten out the issues that CRICKET CONTINUALLY CREATED.

I 'forgive' one mistake on an account. I've had issues with other cell companies and they've been handled in professional ways by both parties. But I've never had another company continually compound the billing errors month after month.

I was willing for "forget" about Cricket and their issues until they made the mistake of reconnecting me with a service I uncategorically DECLINED! Guess what? That's illegal! Yes, they disconnected it. But it took over a WEEK OF MY TIME to get it done and ONLY AFTER FILING ANOTHER COMPLAINT WITH A GOVERNMENT AGENCY.

They were willing to ignore my complaints online and via phone. THey were willing to blow me off and hope that I'd pay the bill and they could collect some $. Only after I file a complaint does anyone take me seriously.

THAT is the problem that I encountered time and time again with the angelic company you are defending.

I guess your time is worth nothing, since you don't seem to have a problem with others spending countless hours fixing billing errors. However, my time is. So the cavelier attitude of "well they took care of the problem, you should be happy" is bull. The only person who says that is the one who doesn't value their time and energy.

Rose: 1) According to corporate, the "authorized retailer" had the authority to exchange that phone since it had less than 1 hour on it. That "authorized retailer - located in Conway arkansas" obviously ONLY cared about getting $$$ from the customer and not actual customer service. I think that states VOLUMES about the sort of company that I'm dealing with.

My response: How did you contact "corporate" about the issue? Furthermore, I've heard of issues that can sometimes only be handled by certain "full service stores". If you had a problem at a "full service store", then speaking with the manager should have fixed any problems you have with a rep. If you went to an "authorized dealer", they can do NOTHING except sell you a phone. Some customers misunderstand which type of store they get their phones from. Even if the reps in the store were giving poor customer service, that DOES NOT represent the company as a whole.

Rose: 2) Any idiot that is going to pay an EXTRA $10 for a phone that they JUST PURCHASED AS NEW FROM AN AUTHORIZED RETAILER (3 days previously and w/ less than 1 hour of usage) deserves to be labotomized. Any person who defends that practice obviously thinks the consumer deserves to be ripped off.

Please don't hand me a line that warranty work goes through the manufacturer --- especially when the warranty information on that phone (in the phone's literature) SPECIFICALLY STATES that you have to go through Cricket.

My response: I don't defend the practice, however, it's possible to have a handling fee for warranty issues. Check the Terms & Conditions on Cricket's website at mycricket.com/terms and search for the word "warranty". You'll see what I'm talking about (First sentence: Cricket DOES NOT manufacture wireless phones...). Anything wrong with the products is NOT directly Cricket's fault because Cricket does NOT make the equipment...

Rose: 3a) I'm not the "I didn't pay my bill, look how much I'm going to complain about a company" person. I know EXACTLY how much taxes are for my cell phones, my home phones (as well as everything that I own or purchase). That overage was NOT a tax issue. When your monthly service charges (with tax) come to $34.80) and then there's an additional $20 tacked onto the bill. Someone's trying to pull a fast one . (none of this was for that stupid cricket clicks crud either)

3b) the APB was activated at the time of original activation

My response: Okay, so you have the monthly service amount, which is $34.80. I'm guessing that you had the Cricket Basic plan for $30 plus tax. Did your bill ever dictate exactly what the extra $20 was for? Since you have internet access, you should have been able to see your bill detail through Cricket's website. What was the extra $20 in charges for? All charges are detailed in the bill.

Rose: (4 - 9)

My response: Apparently, what happened is that your account was canceled initially. However, when the Cricket Rep called you about reactivating your service, they mistakenly did so, which is why you received a bill. Good news...is that you can disregard the bill because it's a 30-day trial. If you don't want it, you don't pay for it.


Rose: See, there was nothing done wrong with this account on my side of things ---- except for opening a Cricket account (for my minor son). Everything that was WRONG was on the part of cricket, its representatives, its customer service, and the products it sells.

Cricket is running an operation that appears to prey on those that don't have the credit or income to pay for a real cell phone service. (I have a nice spiderable blog post about that somewhere that gets an amazing amount of hits eah month). There isn't a single NAME SERVICE PROVIDER that operates like this company does. You try to tell me that ---- and --- do (ie: exchange the phone at the authorized retailer) but I know, from experience that they do. The CS reps have the authority to FIX an account when a billing error is made, rather than simply "offer" a $5 credit (which is the max they can offer according to them).

My response: You obviously got poor customer service from some Cricket reps who just didn't care. Believe me...they are dealt with accordingly.

Rose: So, I would recommend that as an EX employee you may wish to find another hobby, besides cheerleading for Cricket -- because they're not that innocent in every dealing and every complaint. They do make mistakes. Every company does. What "makes" a company is how they handle the mistakes. In that way, Cricket is laughable.

My response: Well, in all due honesty, you say that the manager took care of your billing errors. Also, even the bill that you got after your account had been canceled can be disregarded since an account was activated in error (Cricket didn't re-activate your old account...they created a new account and re-activated your service on the previous phone). So in effect, they did their part. You're right in that companies do make mistakes...and Cricket handled every mistake. It seems more like you're upset that the mistakes happened in the first place, which is completely different.

sorry, allowing you to give a competitors name would instigate others to just file against their competition, to only come back later to suggest their company your comments on this policy are welcome! CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.

1) According to corporate, the "authorized retailer" had the authority to exchange that phone since it had less than 1 hour on it. That "authorized retailer - located in Conway arkansas" obviously ONLY cared about getting $$$ from the customer and not actual customer service. I think that states VOLUMES about the sort of company that I'm dealing with.

2) Any idiot that is going to pay an EXTRA $10 for a phone that they JUST PURCHASED AS NEW FROM AN AUTHORIZED RETAILER (3 days previously and w/ less than 1 hour of usage) deserves to be labotomized. Any person who defends that practice obviously thinks the consumer deserves to be ripped off.

3a) I'm not the "I didn't pay my bill, look how much I'm going to complain about a company" person. I know EXACTLY how much taxes are for my cell phones, my home phones (as well as everything that I own or purchase). That overage was NOT a tax issue. When your monthly service charges (with tax) come to $34.80) and then there's an additional $20 tacked onto the bill. Someone's trying to pull a fast one . (none of this was for that stupid cricket clicks crud either)

3b) the APB was activated at the time of original activation

4) The account was canceled on 9/25/06. The due date was 9/26/06. The amount debited out of my checking account on 9/27 (ish) was for the full amount (34.80). 0 additional was owing. I did NOT creep into the next billing cycle. I VERIFIED that with the CS rep when I was on the phone canceling the plan.

5) If I had crept into the next billing cycle, my checking account would have been debited for the correct amount in October. It was not.

6) Zero paper bills were received to my home. I was no longer able to sign into the cricket website. (ie: the number deactivated -thus account closed w/ nothing owning since no bills came via mail. But hey, even if there was something owing, it should have been debited from my bank account -- wasn't debited therefore not owning. Circular logic. Amazing how that works!)

7) A week(+) ago I received a phone call telling me that I qualified for a special price on reactivation. I said, "NO".

8) I'm suddenly reactivated.

9) Local corporate responded saying that there WAS an active account in my name. Yet ZERO explanation as to WHY. That contradicts the phone call that I received previously from a sales lacky asking me to reactivate. And it also contradicts the fact that my bank account hadn't been debited for anything Cricket since Sept.

See, there was nothing done wrong with this account on my side of things ---- except for opening a Cricket account (for my minor son). Everything that was WRONG was on the part of cricket, its representatives, its customer service, and the products it sells.

Please don't hand me a line that warranty work goes through the manufacturer --- especially when the warranty information on that phone (in the phone's literature) SPECIFICALLY STATES that you have to go through Cricket.

Cricket is running an operation that appears to prey on those that don't have the credit or income to pay for a real cell phone service. (I have a nice spiderable blog post about that somewhere that gets an amazing amount of hits eah month). There isn't a single NAME SERVICE PROVIDER that operates like this company does. You try to tell me that Cingular and Alltel do (ie: exchange the phone at the authorized retailer) but I know, from experience that they do. The CS reps have the authority to FIX an account when a billing error is made, rather than simply "offer" a $5 credit (which is the max they can offer according to them).

I don't really care if you have a full understanding of what transpired in order to "solve" it as an "EX employee".

My goal is to make OTHERS understand what happened and to understand that I'm not the typical whinner that is cut off or charged late fees because they didn't pay their bill, or NSF fees, or any other such irresponsible nonsense.

No, I'm a consumer with excellent credit, who purchased a Cricket plan for her teen son --- one who kept the plan for 3 months and had to deal with Cricket issues EACH AND EVERY MONTH. While cricket minutes maybe unlimited --- my patience with them is certainly not. And *I* don't have unlimited minutes or hours to spend each month attempting to get their errors corrected via the incompetient and usless CS reps. Nor do I have those countless hours to spend filing reports w/ the SAG, BBB, or FCC all because NO one in the corporation will take the time to actually investigate or help... UNLESS there is that threat hanging over their heads.

So, I would recommend that as an EX employee you may wish to find another hobby, besides cheerleading for Cricket -- because they're not that innocent in every dealing and every complaint. They do make mistakes. Every company does. What "makes" a company is how they handle the mistakes. In that way, Cricket is laughable.

I can understand your frustration, that's for sure. However, the bills are usually pretty accurate.

1) The "authorized retailer" more than likely was not a place where warranty replacements are done, which is why they referred you to the other location in Little Rock.

2) Whenever a phone "dies", a warranty replacement is given; however, there is a sign in the Full Service Cricket store that says that warranty replacements ARE $10.00. That's why you saw the extra $10 on your bill, more than likely.

3) When you say $20 overcharged, what do you mean? How much was your monthly service, including taxes? Also, you said that you had "electronic debit", which I'm guessing is "automatic bill payment" (ABP). If that is the case, your first bill would not have been paid automatically unless you activated it at the time of original activation.

4) You said your account was cancelled on 09/25/06. When was your due date? If your account was pre-pay, then if you stop services before your next due date you shouldn't have a balance. You said you received a bill for around $77. Did it itemize the charges incurred in the bill? Tell me what it said. Also, did you receive monthly bills in the mail?

I would like to get a full understanding of what transpired before I can tell you what was done wrong.