Boost Mobile Total rip-off Nationwide

I went to Wal-Mart to purchase a prepaid cellphone. A Boost-Mobile salesperson was in the store and "sold" me on their $35 unlimited usage phone. We discussed that I live out in the country and she said that if there was any problem, Boost could supply a "signal booster" for service.

Upon returning to my rural home, I found that I had no service at all. Nothing. I returned to the store one week later to return the phone. The same Boost sales person was at the store.  She said that if I hadn't at least contacted Boost customer service and requested  the signal booster, she could do no more for me.  That I could return the phone and I would probably just go through the same thing with all other carriers.

I returned to my car, with the Boost phone, and proceeded to call customer service.  A very helpful fellow confirmed that there was no service at my address, cancelled my auto-pay, and confirmed my address for mailing the refund check of $35. He also confirmed that although Sprint (Boost parent) sometimes issued service boosters, Boost does not.

Since my phone would now be deactivated, I gave him my girlfriend's number if any further contact was necessary.  And there was further contact.

Another Boost representative called to say that my mailing address did not show up as being serviced by the USPS, so they could not mail a refund check there.  Strange, since I get mail on a regular basis.  Okay, how about my girlfriend's address in another city.  Fine, she says.  But then that address also shows at not being serviced by the USPS.  One more time - another address in Indianapolis.  Oh yes, she says - we show that address as being serviced by the USPS.  Great, I say.  But oh, there's one thing.  That address gets Boost service - so we cannot issue a refund to that address.

WHAT?  That conversation got circular quickly, and a little heated. With nothing more for me to do. Sorry, she says.

I could not believe what I was hearing. So I am out $35 for a service that I could not use at my home. Unbelievable!

I will try to "challenge" the charge on my bank card. There's probably a fee for that.

Lesson learned: Check those coverage maps in great detail before going phone shopping.  They can say anything. And did.