Verizon Wireless Rebate Ripoff By Verizon Bellevue Washington

I recently purchased three new cell phones from Verizon and was offered a $50 rebate on each phone. When the rebates finally arrived, they were in the from of a Citibank VISA debit card. I held on to these cards until I was ready to purchase another new phone on the fourth line on my account. When it was time to pay for the phone, I presented my three rebate cards that clearly said "50 DOLLARS" in the bottom left corner. The salesperson kept trying to scan the cards and they were declined. She then repeatedly tried manually entering them and they were declined each time. I spent almost an hour at the kiosk trying to complete my transaction when the salesperson finally called the customer service number on the back of the card. She was told that Verizon had placed a funds hold on $1, $1 and $3 of the balances of these cards. She could offer no explanation for this but was only able to give me $145 in credit towards what should have been $150 towards my pruchase. The salesperson then agreed to contact the rebate center again on my behalf to resolve the issue. She called me later that day at work and left a message that the cards could be used. A few days later, I tried using the cards and they were DECLINED again! I called the rebate center and was told I had zero balances on the cards. Again, no explanation could be offerewd as to why Verizon claims they will give you a $50 rebate, but then they place holds on a portion of the funds and make it as difficult as they possibly can for a customer to use them. I realize it is only $5, but it is THE PRINCIPLE OF THE MATTER! When Verizon promises me a $50 rebate on a card, I expect a $50 rebate - not $47 or $49. Not only is this poor business practice. In my opinion, it is also unethical. After ANOTHER call on my part to the rebate center this morning, I am being promised that the balances would be released on the cards, HOWEVER, I am still on hold after 35 min and 26 seconds and the customer service rep came on about 10 minutes ago to tell me they were having a problem releasing the balance on one of the cards. Show now just came back on line to tell me they were having "system issues" and she couldn't complete the release of the funds holdon the last card. SHe is supposed ot be calling their corporate office to have someone there take care of it . . . so, at this point, it remains to be seen whether or not I will actually get the rest of the rebate I was promised. I am skeptical, and I have admit that the measly $5 I am allegedly going to receive doesn't even come close to compensating me for my wasted time and inconvenience. Sadly, I have another rebate in the works for that fourth phone and am not looking forward to more hassles thanks to Verizon Wireless.

Stacey
Chehalis, Washington
U.S.A.