Complain about a product or service

TracFone

TracFone • Missing minutes • Activation problems • Can't get local number • Defective phone • Network problems • Lost the phone • Advertising, promotions • Rebate problems • Inside Trac --- News • TracFone Pays $50,000 for Violating Missouri's Do Not Call Law

It sounds simple enough. TracFone advertises itself as an easy-to-use prepaid cellular service. Just buy the minutes in advance and order more when you need them. But some customers, like Jim below and others in this section say it's not that easy. Read a few of their reports and AT&T, Verizon and other big bullies don't look quite so fearsome.

Jim of New Boston, TX (8/4/05)
I purchased a Tracfone about two months ago at Walmart Supercenter with the assurance from the gal behind the counter that Tracfone was a 'great reputable' company. From the day I got the phone, it remained in 'roaming' mode, which charged me double the minutes that I was using. I went through repeated attempts of 'code entries' and being asked to wait another 24 hours to "see if it works".

Finally Tracfone requested that I send the phone back to them and they said they would send me a better model. The phone I sent to them was brand new, but the one they sent back to me was 'reconditioned', as noted by a big stamp on the box. Upon receiving the replacement phone, I called to have it activated and have my minutes installed from the old phone. That went well.

I hung up and attempted to make my first call with the new 'reconditioned' Tracfone. The number I dialed did not even ring, so I looked at the faceplate on the phone and it said...'No Service'. I called Tracfone back, entered more codes, and was told to wait another 24 hours. I did.

Today, I called back and went through more code entries; still didn't work, and I've been requested to wait another 24 hours. I have emailed the company twice with no response. I wouldn't suggest Tracfone to my worst enemy.

Damages: My total monetary cost is about 160.00, but the frustration they've cost me is priceless.