FreedomPop FreedomPop's Shady Business Practices Continue. No Integrity Los Angeles California

I echo the other reports here at RipOffReport as well as elsewhere on the web regarding FreedomPop.

I gave a $89 'deposit' to FreedomPop to receive a wireless hotspot device after scrutinizing their website in October 2012.  I later found out that the 'deposit' became a purchase if I didn't return the device within 12 months.  That was Gotcha #1.

I made a note on my calendar to return the device before 12 months went by, and then recently (September 2013) returned the device.  I had barely used it over the the time I had it, so it was in excellent condition at return, and it was returned in the original packaging, exactly as FreedomPop instructed.

Nonetheless, I only was given a partial refund of my deposit.  I called FreedomPop and they were very quick to refund the disputed amount they withheld, supposedly for damage and/or restocking.  Obviously I was not the first to complain about the withheld amount.

What's my complaint?  FreedomPop appears to be using a shady practice of withholding part of the deposit on a routine basis, then apologizing and refunding IF and ONLY IF there's a complaint.  Otherwise, they keep the money.  It seems pretty clear they are counting on only some percentage of customers to complain and assume most others won't be bothered for $10 or $15 withheld.  

Dealing with FreedomPop has been an overall sleazy and weasly experience, and if folks who are going to business with them should know up front that this is a company that routinely operates in the gray zone rather than doing things in an open and honest way. 

NOT RECOMMENDED.