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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 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.

Oh, and here's Tracfone's response:

Hello Tracfone customer my name is Elston and I am a Tracfone Employee and I am her to assist anyone that is having a problem with their phones. you can contact me at 1.800.626.4883 ext 6107 or by email elombillo@tracfone.com.

Debra of Easthampton, MA March 5, 2007

Debra of Easthampton, MA (03/05/07)
I bought a new airtime card for 20 and when I went to enter it into my phone, something ive done several times before, I kept getting a message that the service was unavailable and to try again later.  I tried tech support via phone and internet and got absolutely nowhere.  By phone, I kept getting a message to try later and by internet, the instructions were unclear.

There seems to be no way to speak to a live person or even a spot to write them an email.  To make matters worse, I must add airtime by midnight or I will lose my bank of minutes I've saved and my phone number.

Sarah of Greensburg, PA February 27, 2007

Sarah of Greensburg PA (02/27/07)
I recently purchased a tracfone off of ebay. I didn't know but the model happened to be an older model from 2 years ago. When I called to activate it, I had some problems. I must of called about 5 times to activate it. The person on the phone was willing to send me another but I didn't like the models that they had offered me. I had spent 100 dollars on this phone and I was a little upset. Unfortunatly I wasn't able to get a refund.
 

Len of Brown Deer, WI January 25, 2007

Len of Brown Deer, WI (01/25/07)
I have used a Tracfone as my portable emergency phone for a year now.  I can call out, folks can call in and in general, the service is noise free and reliable.

However, I cannot update my airtime without calling their call center. The computer addition of airtime ALWAYS leads to a "service unavailable" message on my phone.  Repeated attempts always lead to this message. Their service people are very helpful and their English is fine, but this is the only way I can update my card.

My phone voicemail worked once for a few days and has never worked since. They are still working on the issue, after my most current complaint.  And, text messaging has NEVER worked either.  I would like to get what I pay for.

Martha of Cincinnati, OH January 21, 2007

Martha of Cincinnati, OH (01/21/07)
In October, 2006, Tracfone failed to notify me when my time expired.  I added airtime after my phone quit working, but my number got changed. After that I could never get voice mail set up again, despite MANY, lengthy calls to them.

Each time they claimed they were resetting something, and that I should try again.  I know how to set up voicemail because I did it on two Tracfones - this one before the number got changed, and one I had before. But once they changed the number on me, everything changed.

Karen of Lewisville, NC January 7, 2007

Karen of Lewisville, NC (01/07/07)
I have been trying since 1/1/07 to activate the 2 new tracfones that I had purchased online. The website states "Sorry, there seems to be a problem.  We are unable to process your request at this time".  It has stated this for SEVEN DAYS! 

Not only am I out for the cost of the two phones and accessories I bought, but the total aggravation I have sustained these past seven days is incalcuable!

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