What Can I do to get out of early termination fees on my Cell Phone?

United States
July 9, 2007 8:37pm CST
I have a cell phone with a Iowa based Co. I am ending the contract early because they are constantly trying to charge me with fees that are not mine. The customer service people also cannot follow simple instructions. When you catch them in an error they do everything in their power to make it your fault. This compamy has customer service people that have no idea what they are doing. I purchased a new phone for about $180.00. I was very specific that the phone was to have insurance. I didn't check the next bill when I paid it to make sure they provided the services promised. (My own fault to expect what was sold to me)Six weeks later when the phone got wet and wouldn't work properly, they said I did not buy the insurance. I have also changed my plan with them to have more minutes etc(less expensive plan). They neglected to do that and tried to charge me $175.00 in charges that were not mine. It took three calls and a lot of being on terminal hold and constant diligence to get a credit for that. I am fed up with this company. I have used them for about 8 years with little or no difficulty. I am ending my contract about 6 months early and they are charging me another $120.00 for early termination and another $66.00 fee for something else they are trying to justify. I have been a good customer for many years and this is the way you are treated. I am looking for some help. Is it legal to charge those early termination fees. Is there a reason other than my own death to get out of them.
1 person likes this
3 responses
@irenego1 (99)
• Hong Kong
28 Nov 07
that a tough one. usually the cellphone provider are very tricky, i remember onetime, i bought a cellphone with tmobile, they have a rebate that need to be submitted, so, anyway,i mailed the rebate form, but my brother didnt use the phone immediately for 30 days, so , anyway, they said that the phone was never activated, so they cannot give the rebate. so, basically, its really hard to look for a good cellphone provider. early termination of contract, usually they charges you some money. but if you think that the provider is not doing their job, you might as well, terminate your subscription. what do you think?
• United States
12 Jul 07
I know my friend told me that if you call and complain about anything enough they will let you out. That is with Verizon so I do not know if it would be different for your company. Have you asked the company? If they are charging you for something that you are not using htey should let you out.
• United States
12 Jul 07
Thanks for the input. I have tried talking, complaining, b----ing. I always get the same witchy lady on the phone. I don't know how she sleeps at night. I have never dealt with anyone on the phone that was as rude as she it. I will probably end up just payiing it because the legal fees and hastle to get a lawyer involved will be more than it is worth. Kind of like getting a traffic ticket. You have to pay it before you fight it. By the time you are finished it costs you more than the original ticket. Most people just take the blame and pay for it even when they were not wrong.
@loved1 (5328)
• United States
10 Jul 07
Boy that is a tough one! I heard somewhere that most of those contracts have loopholes and are not legally binding but I am not sure who told me. Maybe you could call a lawyer and ask him if it is worth pursuing at all or if you should just give up. Those cell phone nazis are awful to deal with. In some cases I think those prepaid phones are the way to go.
• United States
12 Jul 07
Thank for the information and your support. I am not getting much feedback on this question. I was hoping for a quick fix.