Free Samsung Tablet Scam
Timyang
Enthusiast - Level 1

I have falling into this Free Samsung Tablet scam in an independent Verizon store when upgrading to the new Samsung Note20 this week. I have been promised a free tablet (only tax being charged) due to a promotion for the new Samsung upgrade. In reality, a new phone line has been added to my Verizon account without my knowledge. No mention about it by agent, no plan change agreement was shown me before signing the purchase order. The purchase receipt showed a line item as `Verizon Financed Amount: $330' and the new line added $40 activation charge with 24 months service agreement of $10 per month. While pointing these charges to the store agent, I was told it was Verizon's fault to display these charges mistakenly, Verizon will refund all charges along with monthly $10 fee in the future and the $330 financed amount was a Verizon discount. Do I believe this?! When I asked agent to show me the promotion on this Free tablet and the clear explanation regarding the $330 financed term, the answer given was that there has NO agreement paper or T&C anywhere for this store promotion! Simply I just needed to believe what he said.

By googling `Verizon Samsung Tablet Scam`, I had noticed that so many people have been scammed by this deceitful sales practice for so many years. It is a shame for Verizon to keep silent on this unethical behavior!

Labels (1)
Re: Free Samsung Tablet Scam
Tigerstep
Specialist - Level 3

You're doing the equivalent of complaining to Walmart about a McDonald's in the store. If you had a bad experience with the store, take it up with Victra, TCC, Rustle Cellular or whoever operates that location. Verizon as a corporation isn't responsible for what they do. The unethical part was on that indirect for lying about Verizon covering fees.

Personally I avoid stores all together and was raised if something sounds too good, it probably is.

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Re: Free Samsung Tablet Scam
ANGGIELOPZ
Enthusiast - Level 3

I had a similar situation happen. I got two that I am paying for......actually only one works.

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Re: Free Samsung Tablet Scam
Timyang
Enthusiast - Level 1

I agree with Tigerstep's point on that this issue should be dealt with third party store operator directly. However, at least one thing Verizon must improve its communication/alert notification so that it can properly notify client any newly added device or plan. In my case, after upgrading my phone, text alerts have been shown up promptly in my registered phone with the links to Customer Agreement for the new phone as well as unexpected Line Level Device Protection add-on. There has NO alert whatsoever for the other additional phone for the tablet! Thus I have no idea there is a plan change to my Verizon account until I have manually checked my account details while getting back home. What about customer never checked its account later on? They would be shocked by the charges in the next bill statement but 14 days grace period may already be passed to cancel the plan. Ironically, after removing this line per my request, the alert showed up saying `Your plan change is complete`. It may not be the responsibility of Verizon to handle this but as the service provider to not monitor this kind of fraudulent activities in its stores would deliver a poor message to its current or future customers.  

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Re: Free Samsung Tablet Scam
vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

I would be just as upset and concerned over the transactions that are not approved of. I'm saying this to everyone who posted. I will usually trust what I am being told during a transaction with a representative, so I can easily be in the same situation. 

 

Timyang, I'm glad you were able to get your line canceled. Please review all paperwork, your account, and any e-mail confirmations, when any transactions are completed, to ensure everything is as you knew/agreed to, and what was promised. 

 

We are lifting up this feedback to our stores. Thank you for letting us know. 

 

VanessaS_VZW

Re: Free Samsung Tablet Scam
czam301
Newbie

I to have fallen victim to this deceitful act by Verizon. Unfortunately, I have been a victim for 2 years and called Verizon customer service in regards to this, transferred to a manager/supervisor who bluntly told me, "had I cancelled the tablet line prior to my contact I would have been charged a fee, so they saved me money", seriously, saved me money, seems like Verizon has made money and I was not aware. Then I was told, "you walked out of the store with the tablet." Asked to speak to her supervisor and was told it would take 24 to 48 hours for a call back. I have never used the tablet. I will wait to hear from someone who can rectify this problem, if not able to be fixed, I will be switching my cell provider. Horrible customer service. Shameful that many others have fallen victim to this deceitful practice by Verizon. 

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Re: Free Samsung Tablet Scam
vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

I am sorry to hear about the situation . Can you tell me more about your concerns with your direct purchase of the device? Where was the purchase made? 

 

YaleK_VZW

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Re: Free Samsung Tablet Scam
kena5331
Newbie

We also got a so called free tablet and the salesperson did not mention the fact that we would be charged over 20 dollars a month and now since we cancelled our phone service we will be charge 80 dollars a month. What a scam!

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Re: Free Samsung Tablet Scam
vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

kena5331, we always want to help make sure that you can get the information you need when it comes to your lines and deals. So we can check on this with you, please send us a Private Note! 

JoseL_VZW

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