Orange cancel contract midway - S740, S743 General

If you are an orange customer you can cancel your orange contract as they are changing there terms and conditions. Just need to call and say you want to terminate because of terms and conditions changes and say you recived a text message (which shud have been sent to everyone but i didnt get one). They will try and talk you out of it but cannot keep you on. There are no fee's and you can keep your phone. Once cancelled feel free to take out another contract. Only valid for a couple of weeks so hurry. If this saves you money which it will feel free to donate for my advice. pm me thanx

Unfortunately this is old news ... loads of threads around XDA on this subject.
But for those that don't know ..
Orange sent all their subscribers a text (mine was on the 27th) basically saying your Ts & Cs have changed and details are available on their website.
Most people would ignore this but there is a lengthy thread on Money Saving Expert http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/...html?t=1825687 that details everyones experiences.
In brief Orange changed the contract so you are entitled to cancel.
At 3pm yesterday (Friday) the legal team at Orange said that the clause did not apply to those who could not show the effective changes in the previous three months i.e. going over their allowances or dialling 0870 numbers.
I suggest that anyone wishing to take advantage of this 'opportunity' reads all the threads on MSE before phoning Orange as there are some things that you can do in advance to assist your cause ;-)
If you still want to donate for old news feel free.
MODS PLEASE CLOSE THIS THREAD.

Related

o2 being unreasonable

I tried to explain to O2 that I needed to use my Orange Sim until my orange number was ported accross. They stuck their heals in and state that I have to pay the contract price up front. As i'm on O2 max this is going to cost £900.
I told them they were beinging unreasonable and that I should have been warned that the unit was latched when i sold it.
What can I do?
are not almost all phones sold by telephone companys locked ?
i mean otherwise why should they sell them cheaper ?
you could wait for somebody to make a unlock program for the xda2 like they did for the xda1
I tried to expalin the reason why I needed an unlocking code, but they wernt interested. This is my first time dealing with O2 and currently I am not impressed. They have terrible customer service compared to Orange. I am now considering taking the XDA II back and getting a unlatched unit.
Does anyone have a name of a good supplier?
Ashby
While I agree that O2 customer service is abysmal by comparison with Orange (my provider for 12 years until 2 weeks ago), I don't think O2 are being unreasonable in trying to protect their investment in your XDA2. They've paid roughly half the cost of your shiny new machine, and they need to know they're gonna recoup that, by forcing you to pay your line rental up front.
You can't reasonably claim that they should have specifically made you aware of the lock they've applied to the unit. None of the phone operators in Britain has ever sold phones unlocked for contract-competitive prices, so to claim you're surprised your machine was locked sounds like you're just trying it on, IMHO. :roll:
Maybe you are, maybe you aren't, but put yourself in O2's shoes.
The last O2 phone I brought was a 9110 (BT CELLNET). This was a very expensive phone and unlocked. I thought it was only Orange that networked locked phones. If I had know it was locked I would not have signed up to O2 Max. I am not trying it on, I just wanted to use my Orange sim in the phone until my number was transferred and then I was planning on being on 02 full time.
However this has shown me that o2 have very bad customer service and I am reviewing my options. Should I spend~£2000 a year with a company like O2.
If I can find an unlatched XDA II I might buy that and stick with Orange.
u are so right about o2 being unreasonable ...
hey there,
yes i agree with u - after 3 weeks of trying to get a unlatching code of o2 iv been promised lots but no results so far despite having agreed to pay up my line rental...
by unlatching u o2 dont lose out as u are still under ur contract for 12 months, i wouldn't mind so much if their policy was consistent but its not as they have provided some ppl with codes - iv had a customer service provider go as far as saying that he could promise me they dont have the tech to provide this info.... what bull!!
I was told the same thing. I said that there were loads of people that:
1) were unlatched by paying £15.00 (no need to pay a year in advance)
2) had already got the unlatch codes.
She told me that she didn’t believe me as the technology to release would not be with O2 for another 2 weeks. I said check out the web, its full of people already unlatched and some firms were offering unlatched units.
I told her that O2 seem to have a problem with consistency. If you have rules about unlatching, fine, but make sure the whole of O2 sticks to these rules. It is clear that some departments within 02 are happy to unlatch, some aren’t. I think it all comes down to your service provider.
Ashby
mmm
and it doesn't help as i think iv run up a very high phone bill as their customer service number costs a lot!
now i wish i had waited a bit rather than rushing out to get hold of this latest device, i think o2 realise they hav got a unique product in the uk which has already got a cult following - they kno most of us hav only gone for the contract option as we are loyal xda fans!
trust me when the xda 3 comes out im gonna wait for expansys to get the unlocked units rather than stay with o2...
im very annoyed !!
I'm new to O2 too
I've found them very helpful. I just divert my old T-mobile number to my O2 one. O2 say they would allow the divert costs against my O2 bill, untill the t-mobile number is transferred.
A new number might be good, it would stop all those young women ringing me up all day.
I was in Orange yesterday and they said they will be doing the XDAII in the new year, no date set.
Mr.G
unlock code received!!!
guess what?
i phoned o2 customer services today AGAIN and went to the complaints department & told the lady who answered about the difficulty & inconsistency iv faced from them regarding getting a unlatch code for the xda 2, to which she promtly gave me a speech on
1. how they didnt have the tech
&
2.its their own product so they wont unlock it
i explained to her on how ive been told so many different things regarding this and if she looked at my records it would or should show this, she then said il put u through to some1 u talked to b4 & as i answered the line a lady said oh hello, iv got the unlock code u requested plz write it down - which i did....
she forgot to charge me the line rental upfront & the fee! he he he....
so much for not having the technology!!
i suggest all u ppl who want it to keep calling in and requesting your code the more customer service advisors you talk to the more likely it is that one of them will get back to you.
good luck
customer services without the fee.........
dial 4444 to top up if on payg then put in a voucher code wrong bout 2-4 times it will put you through to CC for free
hi!
Well quite frankly there's been a very long discussion on the 'locking' issue for years. The idea _was_ that they give you a subsidised phone for signing up, and at the end of the contract you have to come back to them. Thus the subsidy is spread over potentially TWO contract periods.
With the price of phones droping through the floor in just one contract period this is no longer the case.
The single contract period you are tied to more than covers the subsidy on the phone. And the counter argument is usually that u may default on the payments.
In reality its all about commisions and figures. Up front payment cost them less in theory and looks better on paper.
Providers such as virgin will give you the unlock code for FREE.
In the states T-Mobile will give you the unlock code for FREE in several states.
I personally wouldnt touch O2 with a barge poll. Their customer service _used_ to be the best. Its now the worst.
Their radio service (reception, handover ESPECIALLY etc) used to be next best to vodaphone, in my opinion it is now the worst!
If you are prepared to cancel your O2 max tariff, then threaten them with it. Dont bother with the complaints department.. call sales and say u got this tariff and you want to cancell it all, you've had enough.. thats what i usually do [for my friends and collegues]! They'll panic and ask why.... you'll probably get your unlock code pretty quick since u have a pretty valid argument!
Toxic
Good luck!
I did get this sorted.
I went back to the shop that I brought it from and got a refund. I then setup a new account on the lowest O2 tariff. I then phoned O2, spoke to a different department who charged me £15.00 to unlatch it. (didnt have to pay one year in advance)
I am now running on Orange and due to the greif O2 gave me, I will not be returing.
My only out standing issue is setting up MMS on Orange. Orange have been very helpfull, but they do not have settings for the XDAII
Ashby

htc Titan Amazing experience

First of all, if this is against the rules, I apologize. I just want to share an amazing experience I had with HTC with my Titan. Please close if this is not allowed.
As some of you know, there are faulty Titans in which it doesn't update through Zune or at all. Mine was one. Bought it brand new here in the Philippines. Decided to have it fixed and since the model is not released here in my country, htc phils said it had to be shipped to HK global service center. Paid for the shipping and the rest is history(read below).
I sent this to Peter Chou. Found an email address online. I decided to shoot for the moon because I was so pissed.
START
Bought an HTC Titan. I'm here n the Philippines. When Zune told me an update was available, went ahead and updated. There were error codes flyin all over and the damn thing won't update. Tried everything I could to no avail. Researched on the net and found out there's a batch of htc Titans that have the same problem. Since not locally released here in the Philippines, they said I had to send it to global service center. Mind you I bought the phone for Php30,000. That's a lot of money here. I paid another Php1,500 to send it to HK. Now some Ata Lau said he was able to fix it, but I need to send HKD249.10 for HTC to ship it back. Now comes the problem. HSBC said I had to have a HKD account with them, and to open an account, the minimum was 100,000. Do you get where I'm going with this, HTC??? I've walked all over Makati yesterday, changed Php2250 to HKD300, then banks all over said I had to have an HKD account. I was willing to forgive you for the factory deffect. Was willing to pay for shipping one way, and you couldn't send the phone back unless I pay for it? C'mon! you are a multibillion company and you couldn't even pay for HKD249.10? First of all, your product was deffective. If it was mishandled by me, I would understand. But it was practically brand new. You can check the receipt I included it in the box when I sent it to your HK service center. Even if it was a risk buying a unit not locally released, as a consumer/customer, I trusted you guys, HTC, to provide the best products. I've used HTC units for almost forever. I know you manufactured for Dopod, Orange, O2, Qtek and whoever before you decided to sell on your own. I have been a staunch ally and in a way I have been helping market your product here in the Philippines. In my workplace, my friends, family, I have all convinced them to switch to HTC. I know this is all voluntary, still I hope this counts for something. I even dream of working for htc. But after this hell, I think I'll just give up. You can have the damn phone. Thinking of starting a hate campaign against your company. Is there a Steve Jobs in HTC? I heard he did stuff for Apple customers personally. No wonder they have such loyal customers. If Peter Chou read this, would he do the same? I hope so. I wish I could talk to him and recommend some improvements on the company I used to love. If I was an executive of HTC, I would read some of the mails your customers send. I know you would be paid too much just to read mails, but it would mean so much to the community if you did. It shows its not all about business, revenues, profits, its also taking care of your customers. I am a supervisor for a BPO company, and that is what we look for in a person. I hope you do the same.
END
Below is an email I sent to Peter Chou, CEO of HTC. I don't even know if he read the mail personally, but anyway, I sent this email last Saturday. I was really pissed after going back and forth between HSBC Ayala and BPI Buendia last March 9. Mind you I was just walking. Then had to go to a Money changer in Makati Ave so I can have HKD300 for the shipping. Found out I had to have a HKD account before I can send the money. it cost me Php2250 but then I had to had it changed to Php again, which only got me Php1550 inreturn. I might really be stupid, but I have no experience at all of sending foreign currency. htc Hong Kong just gave me their HSBC bank then told me to send HKD249.10. The next day I decided, they could have the phone, I give up. Then again decided to send this email. By Monday morning I got a call from an international #. When I answered a lady named Wendy said they got my letter for Peter Chou. I was like whaaaaaaattttt???? She was apologizing for the experience I had and even thanked me for speaking up and giving them the chance to improve on their service. She even explained that they would love to release the htc Titan here in the Philippines but right now there are still some things they are considering. Then She said she was able to talk to the tech from HK to confirm my phone was already fixed. She said they would forgo SOP and they will pay for the shipping and will return my phone and that I just need to wait 3 - 5 business days. I was kinda skeptic at first. 5 mins after I put the phone down, a rep from htc Phils(Angelo) whom I have always been in contact with since this ordeal called and said asked If I was able to talk to Wendy. Then I asked him who she was. He said she was a Manager for South East Asia. Then I explaind to him that because I was very pissed at them, I sent a letter to their CEO. And I asked, was it possible that they got my letter? He laughed and said maybe they did. Later at night, Angelo called again and gave me a Fedex tracking number. I was like, wow! Still I was thinking, I'll believe it when I get the phone. At around 9:45am yesterday, my Titan was with me. Ten mins after, I got a call from Wendy again. She said she just wanted to make sure that I got the phone and that it was fixed. I told her it was working but I have to wait for the next update to know if the problem was really fixed. I told her how much I appreciated this. She was saying "no we should apologize and thank you for the letter and support again" and that if ever I had problems with the phone, that I contact htc Phils, and in case they can't help me, she said to look for her.
Now, I don't know if this is an isolated case, but I was really amazed by this. Until now I can't believe this happened. How can a company as big as HTC care about one persons' problem? I hope they don't get flooded with requests and all if people read this, but to myself, I keep thinking this was one of the best phone calls I ever got in my life. This could be shallow because it was just a phone, still I appreciated it so much. I waited so long for someone to sell Titan here in the Philippines, then when I was finally able to buy one, it won't update. hehehe...anyway, I just wanted to share my experience to the community. I'm trying to share this to all other sites.
Hi, good one! My team handles customer complaints sent to the CEO here at Orange, and we would treat yours the very same way. Customer is king.
Prerna said:
Hi, good one! My team handles customer complaints sent to the CEO here at Orange, and we would treat yours the very same way. Customer is king.
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Don't take it personally, but I don't agree with Orange's policy of customer is king. My thread for how Orange made me suffer (via CEO office) is flying somewhere on XDA! - I had to quit Orange and even went to small claims courts!
drupad2drupad said:
Don't take it personally, but I don't agree with Orange's policy of customer is king. My thread for how Orange made me suffer (via CEO office) is flying somewhere on XDA! - I had to quit Orange and even went to small claims courts!
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Click to collapse
I guess this topic should be moved to the "General topics" section.
Sorry to hear about your story. Although I couldn't say there aren't sometimes cases where no agreement can be found, these are very limited in numbers, and we usually are "large" in our negotiations. I guess your cases relates to Orange UK? Did you consider contacting the local Ombudsman, which can deliver a neutral position on your case? That's what some of our customers do when they find no solution with our services.
Back to enyaj's experience and the email he sent to P. Chou, it is quite evident something had to be done in order to have his phone shipped quickly and at no cost. Still, evident things can be sometimes are to obtain, and an email to the CEO often helps a lot!
nice to hear such stories with happy endings also it is hard to believe that HTC CEO reads emails of their customers.
MaruFas said:
nice to hear such stories with happy endings also it is hard to believe that HTC CEO reads emails of their customers.
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That is why I said "really?" to Wendy when she said they received my letter to Peter Chou. hehehe...
MaruFas said:
nice to hear such stories with happy endings also it is hard to believe that HTC CEO reads emails of their customers.
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it's most probable that his personal assistant read it and forwarded it to Wendy.
Prerna said:
it's most probable that his personal assistant read it and forwarded it to Wendy.
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Click to collapse
Yeah I believe this is what happened. Still, they answered it so I'm happy. hehehe..

Customer service call from hell about unlimited data order

I just got off an approximate 90 minute call regarding my "glitch" order over the weekend. It was very frustrating, but if you read to the end, you will pick up some tips and get the happy ending we all look for in life.
Prior to the call I had two orders. The first was on September 6th. It was not attached to any phone line and was put in as a special order as an accessory.
The second order was from the 29th during the "glitch" time. It was on my main line and got the subsidized price and kept unlimited data with a confirmation email.
My goals were simple: have a verbal and written confirmation to retain my unlimited data if the second contract was going to be honored and cancel one of the orders as I don't need two Note 3s.
So I call up and get the front line tech support guy. I explain the above and then he takes the second order's confirmation number and whatnot. He punches it up and he says the system is currently showing that as soon as I activate the phone, I will go to the default 2GB/month data plan. I asked him how could that possibly be when I have a confirmation email saying I have unlimited data confirmed and an official statement from Verizon headquarters to droid-life.com that the contracts will be honored He says he has never heard of this official statement and there's no news in the system regarding this weekend. I then proceed to read it verbatim to him. He repeats that there's nothing in the system regarding this, so my account will default to the 2GB plan. I'm really starting to hate this "system" at this point...
Wanting to retain my unlimited data, I then ask and give him all the info for the first order. He says he can't find it in the system (there goes that system again...) He continues to search for a couple minutes and says he can't find the order. He then puts me on hold saying he is contacting another department. After several minutes of being on hold, he comes back on line and says the other department told him they found the order, but since it was not attached to a phone number it was harder to find. The status of this order is processed, out to the warehouse, and can not be canceled. Wait. What? Does that mean it's being shipped today? He says he doesn't have that information. He can only go by the previous 10/10 date.
I realized at this point this guy was going to be no use to me. He cannot help me retain unlimited data on the second order and he can't cancel the second. I ask him to escalate the call and he does. So, I have to explain the whole situation to the new guy all over, of course...
He punches up the numbers for the second order and it comes right up in his system. He confirms that it is at the warehouse stage, but doesn't know when it's going to ship either. He sticks to the 10/10 date as well as that's what's official and on the order.
He then punches up the second order's numbers and he says the system shows I will retain unlimited, that it is not at the warehouse stage, and he's sticking to the 10/10 date on that order for shipping as well. I explain the droid-life statement and he's completely aware of it as he had many friends and colleagues ask him about it over the weekend. He even tried to place an order himself, but it wouldn't let him do it with his employee ID and there wasn't anybody working on the weekend to override the system. I tell him I'm a heavy data user and need to retain my unlimited. He said he was grandfathered in and was a heavy user as well. FINALLY, a sympathetic ear. He says he will do everything in his power keep the unlimited for me.
He then goes to droid-life.com and takes a screenshot of the official statement from Verizon. He then gives me his personal Verizon email address to forward the confirmation email I got from the second order. He gets it and takes a screenshot of it as well. He puts them both as attachments to the trouble ticket. He types for a couple more minutes and then says, "Okay, this is all the proof I need. I personally guarantee you will not lose your unlimited data when you activate this phone." A HUGE sigh of relief come out of my mouth.
I then give him this scenario: Let's go with the 10th as the shipping date and say I sign for it on the 12th. What next? He said activate the phone via verizonwireless.com. Do NOT call to activate or bring it to a local store to activate. This may cause the line to be manually reverted to the 2GB plan due to human error and interaction. Basically, he's saying let "the system" activate the phone since it currently says I'm supposed to have unlimited. After activating the phone, immediately log out of the verizonwireless.com website and log back in. If the data gets changed you'll know immediately. In my mind I envision a scenario in my head of calling on the 12th and having to go through this allllllll over again starting from scratch. I ask afraid to hear his next response, "what do I do if that happens?" He immediately responds, "Email me. I'll fix it within 10 minutes. I have access to the tools to revert you." I swore I heard a church choir hymn and saw a halo above this guy's head in that instant. He went on to further say, "In fact, I'm curious as to how the system handles your case. Please email me even if your unlimited is retained." For what this guy did for me, hell yeah I am.
End result, lessons learned and advice to all glitch order people:
1) Once the subsidized order was guaranteed intact, I had him cancel the first full retail price order. He said this would have to be a "manual order cancel" since my order was already in processing. It will take 12-24 hours to process this manual cancellation. He said if I don't have a cancel confirmation email by this time tomorrow to email him and he will track it down.
2) This Verizon "system" is HUGE and can be messed up at any time by any human. The front line call center people apparently have VERY limited access to this system. There's so many hands in this system that your orders and rights can be screwed up in an instant, sometimes through no fault of their own. If you talk to the right person with enough access to the system, it actually works. This second tier Verizon rep has reinvigorated my support for this company. I no longer just like the network; I like their service-- A LOT.
3) If you have a "glitch" order pending, call Verizon today as soon as you get home. Be prepared to go through the same struggle, but never waiver in your determination to keep your unlimited at the subsidized price. If you talk to the right person it will happen. Once you have your unlimited assured, if you're not told to by whomever you talk to activate by the website only, activate by the website only. If your unlimited goes away after activation, call or go to your local Verizon store immediately to have it fixed.
Attached is proof I emailed him my "glitch" confirmation email and his reply acknowledgement.
Hope this helps some of you out there,
Doc
docnok63 said:
3) If you have a "glitch" order pending, call Verizon today as soon as you get home. Be prepared to go through the same struggle, but never waiver in your determination to keep your unlimited at the subsidized price. If you talk to the right person it will happen. Once you have your unlimited assured, if you're not told to by whomever you talk to activate by the website only, activate by the website only. If your unlimited goes away after activation, call or go to your local Verizon store immediately to have it fixed.
Click to expand...
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I'm going to activate it through VerizonWireless.com like you said, but I'm not going to bother to call. If I lose unlimited after signing up for the unlimited plan I'll simply call them and let them know they need to revert me back to unlimited or I'll be canceling without a termination fee. Then I'll head over to T-Mobile, pick up the Note 3, and be happy.
Thanks for the heads up though, much appreciated.
I saw it on TV news last night, Verizon WILL be honoring the contracts made unlimited due to the glitch! You guys lucky! I wasn't up for renewal, 5 mo to go, so missed out.
Sent from LG Spectrum using XDA app
LillieBennett said:
I saw it on TV news last night, Verizon WILL be honoring the contracts made unlimited due to the glitch! You guys lucky! I wasn't up for renewal, 5 mo to go, so missed out.
Sent from LG Spectrum using XDA app
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What news station?
LillieBennett said:
I saw it on TV news last night, Verizon WILL be honoring the contracts made unlimited due to the glitch!
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I'm very sure they'll honor the contracts now that they've officially said so. It's your current status in the system that will determine if your unlimited stays after you activate the phone. If it's set to put you at the 2GB default, then it will. Then you'll have to spend all kinds of time on the phone and/or at the Verizon store getting it back. It's better to nip it in the bud before the phone comes so you can just enjoy the awesomeness that is the Note 3!
docnok63 said:
I'm very sure they'll honor the contracts now that they've officially said so. It's your current status in the system that will determine if your unlimited stays after you activate the phone. If it's set to put you at the 2GB default, then it will. Then you'll have to spend all kinds of time on the phone and/or at the Verizon store getting it back. It's better to nip it in the bud before the phone comes so you can just enjoy the awesomeness that is the Note 3!
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They announced monday morning that they were going to honor all the orders from this past weekend. I'd suggest subscribing to a few android news feeds. Could save you a lot of time in the future.
The plot thickens........
Gotta love that Verizon system...
....
This could possibly mean that my retail price order shipped.
polo2883 said:
What news station?
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WHSV if I remember correctly, but it's to late to change orders, those who stayed with the glitch order won big, congratulations!
Sent from LG Spectrum using XDA app
I'm a former verizon employee, both in over the phone tier 1 customer service and in store retail rep. As xda has been a huge help to me in the past I figured it was time to break my silence. I'm also going to use this post to give you some insider secrets.
First, it seems like you lucked out with the second rep. He was clearly on his game, and had a supervisor who is able to give him some leeway. He offered to give you his personal email * a big no no, and wants to help you. If hes taking screenshots, he most likely notated your account, which is good for you. The lesson to learn here is twofold. One, there are many corporate reps who will tell you whatever you want to hear to get you off the phone and will either forget to notate the account, or will blatantly not write it in your account (I used to clean these up all the time). Given that he he gave you an @VerizonWireless.com email I would assume, you are in good shape. Now, here is where things get interesting. Verizon cannot fill its customer service ranks as the job is a thankless one, and unless you are vested, most reps are lucky to last a year. In addition, they have been closing call centers and asking more of the reps they already have. As a result, verizon backfills there demand with third party call centers. These third party call centers are unfortunately very un-acountable because no one in corporate has access to them. If they can't give you a real email, then they are likely one of these reps. Unfortunately, reps aren't supposed to give out their emails to begin with, so its a crapshoot to begin with, but its a place to start. Also, verizon centers run until 11pm in their local jurisdiction. The later you call, the more likely you are to get one of these reps.
It also seems like this person had a competent supervisor who would be willing to back them up. Unfortunately not all supervisors are willing to work with you. Verizon tied the supervisor schedules to things like credits, so you may need to call multiple times to get what you want.
As for the first rep. He could either have been a third party rep *who get half the information as corporate reps and half the access, or he could just not be aware of what happened. A lot of verizon employees don't follow places like droid-life, and in cases of leaks, they are the last people to know about anything. Usually it takes a while before there is even an official response from legal. Furthermore, corporate would likely be telling the reps to try and get you to switch, because "your data usage is really low" or some other bull****. The best option is to stay firm, but never lose your temper. Most reps will try their best to help you out as long as you remain civil. The minute you start yelling and screaming, you've lost your leverage. Verizon reps live and die by surveys, and they want you to give them a ten, but if they've already got their survey for the day, then acting like an ass is a surefire way to get nowhere.
The rep you got did an amazing job, if you get a survey make sure to give him a ten.
-If anyone has questions about how to navigate vzw's systems, what to say to reps etc from an insider perspective shoot me a pm. I left there in august(from retail), so my information is a bit out of date, but I will do my best to help.
soupaloup said:
I'm a former verizon employee, both in over the phone tier 1 customer service and in store retail rep. As xda has been a huge help to me in the past I figured it was time to break my silence. I'm also going to use this post to give you some insider secrets.
First, it seems like you lucked out with the second rep. He was clearly on his game, and had a supervisor who is able to give him some leeway. He offered to give you his personal email * a big no no, and wants to help you. If hes taking screenshots, he most likely notated your account, which is good for you. The lesson to learn here is twofold. One, there are many corporate reps who will tell you whatever you want to hear to get you off the phone and will either forget to notate the account, or will blatantly not write it in your account (I used to clean these up all the time). Given that he he gave you an @VerizonWireless.com email I would assume, you are in good shape. Now, here is where things get interesting. Verizon cannot fill its customer service ranks as the job is a thankless one, and unless you are vested, most reps are lucky to last a year. In addition, they have been closing call centers and asking more of the reps they already have. As a result, verizon backfills there demand with third party call centers. These third party call centers are unfortunately very un-acountable because no one in corporate has access to them. If they can't give you a real email, then they are likely one of these reps. Unfortunately, reps aren't supposed to give out their emails to begin with, so its a crapshoot to begin with, but its a place to start. Also, verizon centers run until 11pm in their local jurisdiction. The later you call, the more likely you are to get one of these reps.
It also seems like this person had a competent supervisor who would be willing to back them up. Unfortunately not all supervisors are willing to work with you. Verizon tied the supervisor schedules to things like credits, so you may need to call multiple times to get what you want.
As for the first rep. He could either have been a third party rep *who get half the information as corporate reps and half the access, or he could just not be aware of what happened. A lot of verizon employees don't follow places like droid-life, and in cases of leaks, they are the last people to know about anything. Usually it takes a while before there is even an official response from legal. Furthermore, corporate would likely be telling the reps to try and get you to switch, because "your data usage is really low" or some other bull****. The best option is to stay firm, but never lose your temper. Most reps will try their best to help you out as long as you remain civil. The minute you start yelling and screaming, you've lost your leverage. Verizon reps live and die by surveys, and they want you to give them a ten, but if they've already got their survey for the day, then acting like an ass is a surefire way to get nowhere.
The rep you got did an amazing job, if you get a survey make sure to give him a ten.
-If anyone has questions about how to navigate vzw's systems, what to say to reps etc from an insider perspective shoot me a pm. I left there in august(from retail), so my information is a bit out of date, but I will do my best to help.
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Wow! Thanks for this incredibly useful post man!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
I also ordered a phone during the glitch An s4. Got it yesterday called them today and the guy told me he knew nothing of a glitch that let users keep unlimited data. Told him to ask his supervisor, which he did and after a brief hold came back on and said there is an internal memo email about this issue. He stated that this is known throughout all call centers as well as stores that we are to KEEP unlimited data if we ordered during the glitch. So use that info when calling because he assured me for my piece of mind that my unlimted data on all four accounts will be intact. Activated phone and it stayed unlimited. :laugh:
Dra$tiK said:
I also ordered a phone during the glitch An s4. Got it yesterday called them today and the guy told me he knew nothing of a glitch that let users keep unlimited data. Told him to ask his supervisor, which he did and after a brief hold came back on and said there is an internal memo email about this issue. He stated that this is known throughout all call centers as well as stores that we are to KEEP unlimited data if we ordered during the glitch. So use that info when calling because he assured me for my piece of mind that my unlimted data on all four accounts will be intact. Activated phone and it stayed unlimited. :laugh:
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Click to collapse
Congratulations! Enjoy your S4! It's a great phone. I'll be giving mine to my son when my Note 3 comes. Now if only Verizon could cancel my first full retail price order. They're still "working" on it. It's been two days now......still no cancel confirmation email.
docnok63 said:
Congratulations! Enjoy your S4! It's a great phone. I'll be giving mine to my son when my Note 3 comes. Now if only Verizon could cancel my first full retail price order. They're still "working" on it. It's been two days now......still no cancel confirmation email.
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Click to collapse
Verizon has a separate website for "iconic" pre-orders. Although it looks pretty much the same as the regular order status site, it is a different one. This site gives you the option to cancel your pre-order, but it's kind of hidden.
Try going to this exact website:
https://preorder.verizonwireless.com/iconic/
Then click on "Check Order Status" on the bottom. Enter your pre-order confirmation number and last name and you will get the option to either cancel the order or change payment.
Hope this helps.
LuczOr said:
Verizon has a separate website for "iconic" pre-orders. Although it looks pretty much the same as the regular order status site, it is a different one. This site gives you the option to cancel your pre-order, but it's kind of hidden.
Try going to this exact website:
https://preorder.verizonwireless.com/iconic/
Then click on "Check Order Status" on the bottom. Enter your pre-order confirmation number and last name and you will get the option to either cancel the order or change payment.
Hope this helps.
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Dude, that was PERFECT!!! I did it!!!
docnok63 said:
Dude, that was PERFECT!!! I did it!!!
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Click to collapse
Nice! The only reason I know about it is because I had to change my payment info, but nobody could do it for me in live chat or even over the phone. Even the csr I was talking to didn't know about it till she talked to a higher up, but they pointed me in the right direction, finally.
LuczOr said:
Nice! The only reason I know about it is because I had to change my payment info, but nobody could do it for me in live chat or even over the phone. Even the csr I was talking to didn't know about it till she talked to a higher up, but they pointed me in the right direction, finally.
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Click to collapse
Yes thanks for the tip. I used it to confirm that three previous orders had been canceled, and one wasn't.
Thanks again. Brilliant.
Sent from my Crapple iPhone 5
docnok63 said:
Dude, that was PERFECT!!! I did it!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might want to edit out all of your personal information from that screenshot...
EtherealRemnant said:
You might want to edit out all of your personal information from that screenshot...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. As you saw from the original one, I edited in the bottom and didn't even think about the tabs... Thanks again.
docnok63 said:
Thanks. As you saw from the original one, I edited in the bottom and didn't even think about the tabs... Thanks again.
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Click to collapse
No prob. Just figured you overlooked it.
not to hijack the thread
Not to hijack this thread, but i had question for you guys.
I got a LG G2 during the glitch and picked it up in store the same day with the idea of exchanging it for a Note 3 when it releases.
anyways I was thinking, if I go to exchange it in store and go to the same person who helped me last time (keep unlimited) would it be just a straight exchange plus the difference of the phone? I dont want them to remove my unlimited.
Also i bought the g2 with the "verizon30" coupon...would that still work with the note 3 when i exchange it?
thanks guys!

Having trouble with SIM-unlocking

OK, so here's the deal, guys. I recently ran into some financial issues, which may mean a total loss of income for an undetermined period of time. I've been calling companies I owe money, offering to settle old debts like college loans, so I can get my credit straightened out.
I bought an LG v10 less than 6 months ago. I went into a local T-Mobile store yesterday to pay off last month's balance, but more importantly, my device balance. So now my account balance is zero for everything. The account is still active but won't be as of next month. I'm trying to get my SIM permanently unlocked so I can switch to another carrier like MetroPCS or Straight Talk (prepaid). I am aware that carriers can blacklist the ESNs of devices that are past due/delinquent, so that is part of my motivation. I just wanted to own my device free and clear.
The rep told me in the store that I can use the Device Unlock app on the stock ROM (he noticed that I had CM13 installed, LOL) to request a permanent unlock. So I flashed back to stock, relocked bootloader, and tried the app. But it's not working. He did say that I would possibly need to wait 24 hours, and I have. I was also told not to cancel the account before unlocking, or else I can't get an unlock, paid or not. I really prefer not to pay another month's bill, I also don't want to pay some shady unlock website. I read the terms for unlocking, since I'm paid then I should be eligible.
Now, this is where the situation gets a little hairy, so read carefully. When I bought the phone I put it in a now ex-friend's name, because he has good credit and mine is crap. The price they quoted him was less than half of what they quoted me. So the account is under his name, he had to use his ID, but I paid for everything with *MY* money. But the phone is in my physical possession, I'm the one paying the bills. To make long story short, I caught him trying to steal from me, so I ended the friendship. He's made himself scarce, so up until yesterday getting hold of him to convince him to come into the store with me was difficult. But now I have to find him again so we can make a final call to settle the unlock, then I'll just let the account get cancelled when I don't pay next month. They won't let me do anything over the phone except make payments, since I don't know his Social Security #.
Once I get the SIM unlocked and the account is cancelled there will be no fear with blacklisting, I should be able to freely switch to another prepaid carrier later. However, if I decide I want to take advantage of T-Mobile's "bring your own device" policy later, will they let me rejoin as a prepaid customer? No potential issues?
I'm just looking for a little advice on what to do next.
Thanks!
Did you figure this out? What error message was the unlock app giving you?
Sent from my LG-H901 using XDA-Developers mobile app
@YrrchSebor: No, still not solved. The device unlock app just tells me I'm not eligible. I'm sure I can get a temp unlock but I'd rather have a permanent unlock. I even got hold of my ex-friend and forced him to call T-Mo, they just put you on hold forever and jerk you around from rep to rep. I had the entire conversation recorded, every rep says I'm not eligible. This is a bunch of BS if you ask me, I've read the conditions for an unlock, I meet all the requirements, we explained this to the reps blow by blow, but they just say the same thing. They also refuse to say why I'm not eligible. I've called back dozens of times for the past week, same answers. I've been a customer for over 5 years, owned a handful of devices with T-Mo, you would think they would have no issues giving an unlock if the device is paid and no other balance is due. I also explained the financial hardship situation to them. They're being such pricks about this, that when I finally get an unlock, I may never be a customer again. My best advice is, just keep calling and hound the **** out of them. Be polite, demand explanations, ask to talk to a supervisor/manager if possible.
AnonVendetta said:
@YrrchSebor: No, still not solved. The device unlock app just tells me I'm not eligible. I'm sure I can get a temp unlock but I'd rather have a permanent unlock. I even got hold of my ex-friend and forced him to call T-Mo, they just put you on hold forever and jerk you around from rep to rep. I had the entire conversation recorded, every rep says I'm not eligible. This is a bunch of BS if you ask me, I've read the conditions for an unlock, I meet all the requirements, we explained this to the reps blow by blow, but they just say the same thing. They also refuse to say why I'm not eligible. I've called back dozens of times for the past week, same answers. I've been a customer for over 5 years, owned a handful of devices with T-Mo, you would think they would have no issues giving an unlock if the device is paid and no other balance is due. I also explained the financial hardship situation to them. They're being such pricks about this, that when I finally get an unlock, I may never be a customer again. My best advice is, just keep calling and hound the **** out of them. Be polite, demand explanations, ask to talk to a supervisor/manager if possible.
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Click to collapse
Damn, that sucks!! Have ANY of the reps given you a reason for your ineligibility? They definitely owe you that I'd say, and if they can't give it then something's wrong.
It sounds like your device's IMEI should be in their database, but if for some reason it isn't, there is another unlock thread where an XDA member, markbencze(not positive on the spelling), gives the direct telephone line to a rep who seems to be sympathetic and seems to be able to add devices to the database that aren't in there. Just letting you know that in case you didn't know and possibly she could help you..
Sent from my LG-H901 using XDA-Developers mobile app
@YrrchSebor: No, I've never been given a reason. My device's IMEI should be in their database, I bought and activated the phone in a T-Mo store. My ex-friend gave me the last 4 digits of his Social Security Number, so I can call in posing as him without his presence. I had to force cooperation but he did give in. I'm going to be extremely pissed if I cant get an unlock or the phone gets blacklisted, I have very limited income right now and have spent alot of money on this. My gameplan is to get the unlock as soon as possible, then cancel the account so I dont have to pay next month. I have a cheap AT&T prepaid SIM card to test with, to see if the unlock is for real.
If you can possibly post a link to the aforementioned thread here it would be very much appreciated.
AnonVendetta said:
@YrrchSebor: No, I've never been given a reason. My device's IMEI should be in their database, I bought and activated the phone in a T-Mo store. My ex-friend gave me the last 4 digits of his Social Security Number, so I can call in posing as him without his presence. I had to force cooperation but he did give in. I'm going to be extremely pissed if I cant get an unlock or the phone gets blacklisted, I have very limited income right now and have spent alot of money on this. My gameplan is to get the unlock as soon as possible, then cancel the account so I dont have to pay next month. I have a cheap AT&T prepaid SIM card to test with, to see if the unlock is for real.
If you can possibly post a link to the aforementioned thread here it would be very much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see talk of it in this thread: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3241032. Maybe start at the end and work back..
Sent from my LG-H901 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Thanks for the info, I just checked my IMEI with a link I found in the other unlock thread, it's not blacklisted and is also in T-Mo's database. So there must be some other reason. I'll try giving that lady a call.
@YrrchSebor: I just got my unlock about half an hour ago. I didn't call that lady, I just kept calling and asking to speak to supervisors until my request was elevated. Finally, they asked for email and said to wait 3 days. I dont know exactly what happened, but I think they added my IMEI to unlock database. I got the email, ran Unlock app again, worked first time around.
AnonVendetta said:
@YrrchSebor: I just got my unlock about half an hour ago. I didn't call that lady, I just kept calling and asking to speak to supervisors until my request was elevated. Finally, they asked for email and said to wait 3 days. I dont know exactly what happened, but I think they added my IMEI to unlock database. I got the email, ran Unlock app again, worked first time around.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Glad you finally got it [emoji106]
Sent from my LG-H901 using XDA-Developers mobile app

Android Telephone Billing Scam occuring in the UK ?

Scandal ! I had an unauthorized charge come through to my telephone account. This is the chain of events below.
I received a text saying:
" FreeMsg: Thank you for
subscribing to TAPVIDS for
£4.50 per week from TapVids
until you text STOP to 64055
HELP? 01183244333 "
I asked "Three UK" (mobile operator) about on a post at their Facebook page. I would post pictures here but I can't see how to do it in this forum.
This was the conversation:
(Me)
"Three what can I do about this?
I just got a text saying I subscribed to these people like the women in the article:
http://forums.crackberry.com/genera...fecting-3g-4g-browsing-friday-nights-1081977/ "
Three UK, responded:
"Hi, sorry to hear you've been subscribed to something you're unaware of. Can you please text 'STOP' to the number in the text and let us know how you get on >Lauren C".
(Me):
"Thanks.
I read on the internet that other people have texted stop and they've been charged £5 for the text.
How can I check if I will be charged?"
Three UK, responded:
"Unfortunately we can't say for sure, Kevin. We don't charge you for these services, so any charges that'd be applied would be decided by the company themselves.
If you'd like to check if you're going to be charged for the text, we'd suggest getting in touch with the company directly or checking their website for any pricing information. >Ian"
(Me)
"Thanks,
I don't know who the company is though. How can I find out?
What had happened was, I looked at a webpage about "Free Movies." A pop up came that said "[Cancel] and [OK]" and nothing else. I clicked cancel and then a text came through saying thanks for subscribing for £4.50 a week. I can't get through to the site now though. It won't appear on my screen.
I looked at my Bill since, and it appears there's another company that has been charging me too.
That's the site that supplied the original link. I went there after seeing an article about Android phone tweaks. Then I seen they had another article about free movies. I clicked on "VKFLIX", (6th one down in the list about free movies).
The VKFLIX site was the one where the pop-up was.
https://www.dreamytricks.com/free-movie-streaming-websites/ "
(I would not click ↑ on anything at the links there— given the circumstances)
Three UK, responded:
"Is there a 6 digit number attached to the text message you've received? If so, you can check the company details by entering the shortcode here, http://bit.ly/1kOdMBj. We hope this helps >Vicki"
(Me)
"Yes this was it here.
I'll put the number in."
(Attach green picture)
I'll put the number in
(picture online lookup charge)
"After I searched the helpline number in Google it came up as Txtnation " But in the online checker you gave me it comes up as "mGage."
(Attached picture below)
Three UK, responded:
"The company may have subsidiaries, so we'd recommend calling the helpline number in the text, as they'll be able to advise you if you're being charged. If you want to launch an investigation into what happened, we'd urge you to contact PhonepayPlus as they're the regulations for the industry and will be able to carry out an investigation http://bit.ly/1CU9tvo
. We'll do our best to provide you any information you may need during this process >Kimberley"
(Me):
"Thanks Three,
Yes I think I'll do that but they don't answer the phone according to one person that left a review on their Facebook page. Surprising seen as they have £15,000,000 in the Bank (company info link below— "worth").
So many people on the internet are reporting that they have been scammed/tricked by them. One person reported that they have a business contract with EE.
And yes, there are many subsidiary companies linked to them. In particular "Surash Patel" whose closed companies are being reported to be years over due for tax files.
You can see the companies at the links here:
Ownership:
http://www.endole.co.uk/company/08789165/mgage-europe-limited?page=ownership
Linkedin (see affiliated):
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/surashpatel
Facebook page (see reviews):
https://facebook.com/MGage-a-Vivial-Company-880912212024928/ "
Three UK, responded:
"That would be the best thing to do. As Kimberley mentioned, if you need any further information at all, please let us know and we'll do our best to get it for you. >Lucy "
(Me)
"Thank you,
Given the confusing nature of the multiple company names and services, I am unable to ascertain whether texting "STOP" would incur a £5 charge as others have reported on the internet forums.
Could you please find out if texting that number will incur a charge?
I'd also like to formally declare as a Three customer that these services and companies are rogue. I request as a duty of care to myself and other "Three" customers that "Three" look into this as soon as possible and do their utmost to block all services from them and their subsidiaries and individuals connected to them, on all the UK telecommunication networks."
*Another Facebook profile made the comment:
"I'm having the same issue and same company."*
No reply came from him when I asked what he had done about it.
I said to "Three UK" (mobile operator):
"This is fraud can you not help us with this? Three has facilitated the charge."
-----
End.
No reply came and that was several hours ago. I called Three and they said to call back tomorrow between 9 A.M & 5 P.M and they will initiate a "Three way call" with the companies in question.
I hope this has helped. I will endeavor to report back on my results.
The shortcode number was 64055.
The Helpline number given in the text came up as belonging to TxtNation :
01183244333 .
I made an online complaint through PhonePayPlus online, which was quite a lengthy process.
The next day, I called Three UK for the Three way telephone call that Three UK had suggested.
The first person at three was very helpful. In fact, they all were quite well meaning. Yet, after being first contact with Three, I was told by the customer service representative:
(Approximately):
"Stay on the line, I will be listening as you talk to the Third party. I won't be able to talk, but stay on the line when your call with them has ended and I will come on the line to talk with you about the results."
I was on hold for a little while and then the phone started ringing. I person answered from "PhonePayPlus" whom is a the regulator I previously mentioned.
I thought that perhaps the Three customer service representative had tried patching me through to the Third party company with no luck, and so put me through to make a complaint to PhonePayPlus.
So, I went through the details of what had happened and how I came about to be talking to the advisor. I also advised that the person from Three is listening in the background (as far as I knew).
To break a long conversation down:
They advised me that TxtNation own the phone number that I was texted from. She gave an email address, one of TxtNations email address'.. which was given to me as: [email protected] .
She advised emailing TxtNation with details of my phone number, and the number I was texted from.
She advised me to ask:
1. How I came to be subscribed to the service.
2. How I may obtain a refund.
3. Proof of me actually having subscribed to the service.
She said to wait two business days and if I hear nothing, get back to PhonePayPlus.
At the end of the call, I said I need to hold the line so the person from Three comes back on. She said "I don't think they're there."
Which she was right about.
So, I called back Three UK and got through after listening to some music and putting all my details in again, and answering the security questions. AND after explaining the whole situation again, (plus another query I had regarding a charge) the very nice man said pretty much the same thing as his previous colleague.
He put us through to TxtNation.
A person named "Beverly" at TxtNation came on the line. The man from Three explained the situation, she asked to speak to me.
I gave her my details. She said "You will get a text confirming your unsubscription" and hung up the phone.
The man from Three was quite taken aback as was I.
We talked, he asked if he could help me further. I said, yes, as they didn't mention a refund at TxtNation. He said, let's call back.
I mentioned the other charge I wanted to talk about with regards to my account and said that, ~"If its the same company that's involved in the other charge, it might be best to check that first so we don't have to call TxtNation separately again."
For some reason, he did agree but then for some other reason the phone just started ringing at TxtNation again. The same person answered. I explained that I'd like to know about a refund and that no text had come through just yet notifying me of their "unsubscription" action.
"Beverly" at TxtNation then asked for my phone number. I said, well surely you must have it seen as I just spoke to you, gave you the number and am expecting a text from you.
Oh yes, what was your name again, (she said).
Argh. Anyway, she said I'd get a call in a couple of days, which I doubt.
The call ended. No person from Three UK was on the line. Just a dead line.
So, I was so annoyed, that I hadn't tried to record all these calls. I really wished I had the whole thing recorded. It was so ridiculous. I decided to call Three back YET AGAIN. But, before I did, I downloaded some call recording software. The first I tried didn't work (I tested it first on my voicemail) so, I did some Googling and testing and finally found one that worked.
I called Three back.
Got cut off from the queue.
I called back again. Waited for quite some time.
Got through. All the same rigmarole again. She said she doesn't know why her colleagues put me though to TxtNation ! She said its not much to do with them !
She was very helpful though. She also informed me I was due for "an upgrade."
I don't have the energy to type the whole thing so here it is on YouTube. Yes, I had to make an MP4 video and sign up and everything.
The salesman regarding the upgrade can be heard at the end. He doesn't think much of "GiffGaff" which you can hear him talk about. I edited the length of the audio from over an hour to something shorter that omits my personal information and all the music while on hold and waiting to talk to someone.
Here is the YouTube link:
https://youtu.be/0ajURe7WTOI
Also please find attached relevant screenshots.
I'm really upset about the whole thing and not even sure if I've spoken to the right people. I did receive a message from TxtNation later, that said I had been unsubscribed from services.
Whether that means all services they can find on the system to purge me somehow— I don't know, as they didn't give details of which services they unsubscribed me from.
I have two more companies to chase up tomorrow about other charges I've just noticed on my account. Time now: 03.57 A.M.
Entry on Sun 18th September 2016:
I was advised to run a cURL test on the site to see what code is running on the webpage that I think originated the Billing request. Here is a link to a post on this page which has the cURL report.
Please do not click on any link within the report in case it takes you to an external site.
Here is the G+ link to the code that has been found so far:
Could someone that is careful and knowledgeable please help locate the potentially offending code? Or offer any other suggestions.
Help is very much appreciated:
https://plus.google.com/112501263028250722044/posts/3Phj6pxBj89
I guess there are too many scams no matter what phone yu have. My GF has an iPhone, and the same sh*t happens
I can recommend a compelling feature that can provide you with a wide range of information related to a particular phone number. For example, you can find out: Full Name, Criminal Record, Background Information, Cell Phone Numbers, Carrier Features, Address(es), Statistics, Business Features, Financial Reports. https://www.familyorbit.com/blog/reverse-phone-lookup/ I think you could use apps like this to avoid situations like this. Or, for the safety of your family, it comes in handy. You can find out where you are and who your child is communicating with.

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