This is a scheme to defraud the public by telling them one thing and then letting the customer find out it's something else.in April I bought a Sprint PCS phone at Radio Shack store number 1218, after being pressured time after time to buy one. The wife thought it'd be a good anniversary gift, so she paid for the phone. Turns out Sprint has no coverage in the entire western half of the state, so wherever I went, the phone displayed 'looking for service...'
I cancelled within the 14 day trial period, with the understanding I'd owe only a setup charge. I did not run up any overage or roaming charges. The stated policy was confirmed by RS manager Clive Young, who is no longer managing that store, as well as the Sprint rep who activated my phone. At no time was I allowed to see the written TOS, as it was tucked away in the manual which was, unbeknown to me, in the box that the phone came in.
My complaint letter to Sprint PCS (and my attorney) says it all:
sprint customer service
Sprint Service Contract Cancellation
For 203-982-6747
May 16
To Whom It May Concern:
As per the verbal agreement made with a Sprint Customer Service Representative at the time of phone activation on April 26, I am forwarding my payment of $35 as payment for the setup charge that I was told I would be obligated to pay upon termination of the service within the 14-day trial period. That agreement was explained to me as follows:
Sprint:.. If you cancel your service within the 14-day period, and do not run into overage, or roaming charges, you will still be required to pay the setup charge. That charge is $35.
Me: Let me make sure I understand this if I cancel service before the 14 days ends, will I be liable for anything in addition to the setup charge? In other words, will I owe $35 and nothing more?
Sprint: That's correct. You will owe only the $35 setup charge for this account. However, if you go past the 14 days, you will owe a $150 cancellation fee in addition.
I also note that the Radio Shack manager involved in the sale of the phone confirmed that policy and also advised me of it at the time of sale.
As it turns out, Sprint coverage in the entire Northwestern Connecticut area is non-existent. I have had to switch to NexTel, which has beautiful coverage in my area, and cancel my Sprint agreement within that 14 day period.
The negotiation of the instrument of payment contained with this letter shall indicate your acceptance of the payment as final, and that no other bills will be sent to me as I have complied with the terms as discussed with me by your representative on April 26 and have returned the phone, deactivated, to Radio Shack for a full refund. If you return this instrument of payment, un-cashed, no other instrument of payment will be issued to you, and any collections attempts will be met with severe legal actions, including but not limited to: A lawsuit being filed against Sprint and its principals, the matter being referred to the FCC Enforcement Division, The matter being referred to the Attorney General, the matter being referred to the Department of Consumer Affairs, as well as an internet campaign to bring any unethical marketing practices to public attention, the matter being raised on public radio and television stations, and a complaint being filed with the Better Business Bureau.
I have since received 6 bills from Sprint in which they tacked on interest of $2 month and finally a collection letter from Collectec Systems. I am fighting this in court. You may publish my story online.
Take care,
Mark & Mary Ann Weiss
Mark
New Milford, Connecticut
0 comments