Before leaving on a trtip to Ouagadougou, Burtkina Faso, I went into my local Cingular Store to ascertain whether my present phone would be operable. I was assured that it was. I told the man my main purpose was to send text messages to my family, assuring them I was OK. At the same time, I added my son to my account, on that sme day. I was told it would cost me 10 cents to send each text message.
Upon arriving in Paris I attempted to use my cell phone to send messgages. I could not determine why the cell p0hone did not work. I thought perhaps the airport may have something to do with the lack of network. I had never experienced this before. I was told the cell phone would work in Ouagadougou, so I was cerain it should work in Paris.
I arrived late at night in Ouagadougou. The very next morning I needed my phone. A strange situation had arisen. Was I safe. I needed to call the American Embassy or someone I knew. The phone did not work. I am leaving out many details.
As a result of having "no network" I could not contact the outside world. I was being held captive in Ouagadougou. I had most of my money stolen, my two digital cameras, my digital voice recorder, and my watch.
When I arrived home, I called the toll free number to explain what had happened. At the time, I was worried it maight happen to someone else. I was NOT prepared for the response and attitude from the Cingular employees I initially reached. She told me, if I had been wise enough to call her before leaving, she would have had the knowledge to tell me my cell phone would not work. I said this was a safety issue as many depended on the training at the local stores. She was totally engrossed with her own importance. She told me it will happen many times, because not everyone is as intelligent and advised as she. Now, I was angry. I courteously told her thanks, and hung up. I called back to get another phone rep.
The second rep was better, said she would make note of my issue, but still did not understand the gravity of the situation. I thanked her. Several days later I tried once again.
The third rep was concerned and told me she would file a complaint and a recommendation for her supervisors, which the second rep had said she would do.
Upon, reflection, now that I have had time to contemplate the gravity of my own circumstance, I have become very angry at the attitute expressed by my cell phone company, Cingular Wireless. I have been a loyal customer for many years, even before they have grown to be so large as today. Now that I think about it, I KNOW for certain, I would NEVER have lost all that I did, and would most likely have had a wonderful trip, accomplishing all that I set out to do& if I could have had a working cell phone.
As a result not only am I out my money (AMEX, thus far, refuses to pay based on my stupidity), but I am out the money invested in the ticket itself. NO ONE HOLDS THESE STUPID AND FRADULENT COMPANIES TO TASK! I am a nervous wreck, because I am still being called and E-mailed by these terrorists. I am scared to go anywhere or do anything. I received a call from some the Atlantic Bank of New York, just yesterday, wanting to send a representative to my house. The accent was not English and did sound as an African Accent. The man would not take "no" for an answer. I gave him a false name and told him I was leaving the State for the West coast. Within a couple minutes he called back. This time my daughter answered. The guy on the phone asked for the fake name and told my daughter his accociate had spoken to the fake person only a couple minutes earlier. This was a speaker phone. I could tell it was the same voice. She hung up. They have called again and again. I do not answer. Also, I receive calls from a 188 #. AT&T does not know the area code, but one person suggested this is the number used in Nigeria to call into AT&T, my telehone provider. So, you see I may have reason to be frightened and paranoid. This would not be the case if I had had a working cell phone in the first place.
The third rep with whom I spoke, even told me I was entitled to a new cell phone. How about that? I wonder why the rep in the store on 96th Street never mentioned thgis to me?
Claudia
Indianapolis, Indiana
U.S.A.
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