GSM Monster gsmmonster.com What GSM advertised as a new BOLD unlocked phone CAME AS A REFURBISHED LOCKED phone with no warranty seal, opened and eventually failed to work on any network! Cedarhurst, New York

The phone itself was locked.  I had to contact the reseller for the unlocked code. They provided the unlocked code two days later.  Now, this is significant because their return policy allows only 7 days from day of arrival before they do not accept accept any returns and give any refunds.  The weekend arrived, I unlocked the phone.  Only later to discover the speaker on the phone did not work. Now, it has been 8 days.  The reseller provided instructions to wipe the handheld and reboot after removing the battery for one hour which I did four times.  I emailed the reseller for further instruction to resolve the matter.

What I got was an email response saying that I must contact the manufacturer.  The reply contain no contact information on the manufacturer.  I eventually found the correct department to contact at RIM.  In addition, I contacted ATT since the phone is offered through them.  Both representatives said the phone I received was refurbished.  The warrant seal inside the phone was missing.  The package itself should have been sealed with a clear tab.  It did not.  When I carefully inspected the packaging I found that a piece of white printer paper had been cut to fit the bottom of the packaging glued on to concealed red penned writing that indicated a returned phone, speaker not working dating back to 5/23/09.

I immediately emailed the reseller requesting a new phone to replace the refurnished phone sent to me.  No response.  I sent several requests over a week's time.  The reseller returned no replies.  

The phone has had other problems besides the broken speaker. My recourse in this matter is to report the company to the New York State Attorney's office and request they investigate this company for advertising fraud.

The company advertised this phone as brand new. The return policy is setup so that you would more than likely miss the window of opportunity to return the defected product for a refund. There is NO warranty honored by the manufacturer because GSM is not an authorized dealer to resell such phones.  All this information came after I attempted to seek a replacement phone from the manufacturer directly.

My responsibility in the matter was I did not research prior complaints and reviews on the company.  Google GSMMONSTER and you will find many.  I have been ripped off for $500.  The phone does not work properly.  GSM has hurt others.  I would request that you the reader take note.  If you had been ripped off by GSM, please file a complaint with the NY State's Attorney, BBB, or the New York State's Consumer Advocacy in Albany.