iPhone Trade-In a Scam - Warning
vett09
Newbie

Let me first say that I have been a Verizon Wireless customer for over a decade and have had no issues with them whatsoever. I took advantage of the new iPhone trade in program sending in my old iPhone 4s. I received the packaging to send it back and followed all of the instructions, I took my very good condition phone out of the case, turned off find my iPhone (verified by Apple), and reset the phone to factory settings to protect my own data then sent it back. I waited 2 weeks to get any kind of response that they had received it, once they did they gave me a credit of $36 with the following reason:

"LCD is not working - Screen is cracked/damaged, Activation Lock not deactivated"

The problem is that now there's nothing I can do, I'm at the mercy of their word against mine. I called their support and the issue is being "escalated" with their support team which involves them emailing me back within "7-10" business days, I couldn't even talk to someone about it over the phone which really bothers me. There may be nothing I'm able to do (except change providers when my contract is up) but thought I would come on here and warn everyone to go to the store as their mail program is a scam.

Labels (1)
0 Likes
Re: iPhone Trade-In a Scam - Warning
Weth
Legend

We have seen a lot of these reports on these forums. I only saw once successful reversal reported. Good luck to you, wish I had words of wisdom.

0 Likes
Re: iPhone Trade-In a Scam - Warning
Core2
Specialist - Level 1

I am very curious on where these phones are getting shipped to.  I am guessing it's a 3rd party who is not completely honest on processing phones taken in.

Does anyone have the ship-to address available?

0 Likes
Re: iPhone Trade-In a Scam - Warning
LRVassar
Specialist - Level 2

vett09

We used to have the same process at another carrier, but we were required to take pictures of the device for proof as to why or how the device was damaged. These practices are not good, and Verizon could end up in a lawsuit.

0 Likes
Re: iPhone Trade-In a Scam - Warning
Core2
Specialist - Level 1

From the forums here, if I ever have to ship a device in - I am going to take numerous photos of the phone/serial number, and video the entire process of packing it and sealing the box.

0 Likes
Re: iPhone Trade-In a Scam - Warning
vett09
Newbie

Absolutely! It's sad that we have to go to those lengths, but I have learned my lesson. Shame on them!

0 Likes
Re: iPhone Trade-In a Scam - Warning
LRVassar
Specialist - Level 2

vett09

My lesson has been not to deal with Verizon outside of cellular coverage and cellular service. I won't buy anything extra from them, not will I deal any phones to them. They are snakes, at best.

0 Likes
Re: iPhone Trade-In a Scam - Warning
jpoiner
Newbie

After 20 years with Verizon this trade in program has me looking at a different carrier.

0 Likes
Re: iPhone Trade-In a Scam - Warning
Jylphoenix
Enthusiast - Level 3

Have you had any resolution to this? I'm in the exact same boat with you.  The only contact I've been able to make was through Twitter @VZWSupport

I also got an email address support@online.trade-in.vzw.com 

however, I still haven't gotten a response.  Been bugging Verizon since October 4th....heavily debating about filing a complaint with the BBB

0 Likes
Re: iPhone Trade-In a Scam - Warning
vett09
Newbie

I haven't had any response yet, but they said 7-10 business days and that hasn't passed yet. Come day 11 I'll be contacting them again if I don't hear anything. Good luck to you...

0 Likes