Cricket Wireless - Cricket Communications Used my credit card without authorization-then refused to give me any information on why. Internet

I bought a cell phone from MyCricket.com on December 10, 2007, without activation, to replace my husband's phone which had been stolen. The phone that was delivered on December 14, 2007 was programed for Verizon. When I called Cricket, they said it could still be used for Cricket and refused to exchange it for the correct phone. Due to lack of funds, we did not reactivate the current account with the new phone, they said we owed for service that we did not use. The stolen phone was reported one day after the monthly bill was paid. They said they would deactivate it, and suspend the account until further notice.

Well, my husband left, his possessions, including the phone fell into another persons hands, and I thought that was the end of that phone. On January 7, 2008, there was an unauthorized charge to my bank account for Cricket. I immediatley called the bank and questioned this, since I never had a Cricket account. They said to call Cricket for information. I called Cricket and was told that they could not tell me what the charge was for. I emailed the company and never got a reply on what the charge was for.

I called them over the next four days, until I finally asked if there was an account in my name. They said yes. They would not give me any information except the phone number which is not even in my calling area. I asked how an account could be opened in my name and with my credit card and no other identification. They said that none is required. I thought that I was a victim of identity theft and reported it to the state police. I filed a report naming my husband and the person who had the phone. I have now been made aware that Cricket opened the account using my credit information from the purchase.

This is illegal. They would not let me access the account. Getting through to customer service is a nightmare. There is no hold, just a continuous round of selecting services in hopes of being answered by a service rep. In the meantime, the phone was returned to me and I tried to have it transferred to my daughter who has a cricket account.

At the Cricket store, I was told that the phone was never used because of the incorrect programming, and that I would have to pay to exchange it, even though they had told me previously that it was okay for Cricket services. I emailed the company again about the fact that I could not use the phone due to incorrect programming and that they wanted me to pay fifty-five additional dollars for the phone that I actually ordered. They have not responded to that email either. I am now in the process of trying to get the local news stations to do a feature on Cricket and their inept business practices.

I am reporting to the FTC and the Attorny General. I cannot get through to Cricket, no matter what time I call. All I wanted was a speedy resolution to their serious mistakes. Cricket needs to start practicing honest and proper business. Is there anything else I can do? I have talked to many service reps who refuse to let me talk to a manager or give me any addresses, phone numbers, or emails for any one of any authority. You would think that since they practiced business in an unethical manner, they would try to rectify this situation before further action is taken. I will not wait any longer.

Lori
Uniontown, Pennsylvania
U.S.A.