I purchased a Straight Talk Wireless phone and a $45 monthly plan card in an effort to save money. I have had the same phone number for 12 years, and I was assured by Straight Talk's customer service (via phone) that I would be able to transfer, or "port" the number. After giving the operator all of the necessary information, I was told that the process would take approximately 24 hours.
24 hours later, my phone still did not work. As a matter of fact, my phone did not work for six days. I called the customer service center no less than seven times, and was given the same canned speech and a new timeline each and every time (after spending an average of 40 minutes on hold). The timelines to turn on the phone varied from 2 to 48 hours. Every time, Straight Talk failed to activate the phone. I never got one minute of usage with the phone.
Finally, I lost my patience and my sight of the "value." I asked the phone representative where I needed to send the phone and plan card to get my money back. I was told that I could return everything to the Wal-Mart where I bought it, with my receipt, and I would receive all of my money back. So, I called my old provider, ensured that I could keep my old number, signed back up with them and cancelled the activation process with Straight Talk.
Today, I attempted to return everything to Wal-Mart. The full price of the phone was refunded to me without delay. However, I was told that I could not return the phone card. After speaking with two managers, one of them called Straight Talk. After spending 20 minutes on hold (quick, considering the average), the manager was informed that a refund could not be issued for the activation card, regardless of whether or not it was used. So, I was being told that I spent $45 for a good or service that I would never receive. That is theft.
I promptly called my bank and disputed the $45 charge as fraudulent. My bank agreed with my analysis of the situation and refunded all of my money to me within 5 minutes, then initiated an investigation.
Since this nightmare process began, I have read many similar stories and complaints online about this company. I sincerely hope that others will read them before considering this phone provider.
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