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JoshuaG642345
Contributor ⭐
May 26, 2025

Stay Away From Consumer Cellular

  • May 26, 2025
  • 10 replies
  • 8867 views

I decided to give Consumer Cellular a try because I was intrigued by their low prices.  After not being that impressed, I decided to go with Mint Mobile.  I ended my service with Consumer Cellular on 4/19 but was surprised when I received another bill after my service ended.  I tried to get info online but could no longer access my account to even remove my payment method.  I had to call to find out Consumer Cellular is a post-paid service even though I’m pretty sure I had to initially pay upfront.  I was told that would be my last payment but lo and behold I get an email  saying another full month’s service fee is due.  I call again and I’m told this was for the billing cycle that started just before I stopped service and they don’t prorate.  So here I am being asked to continue paying the full price for a service I have not even had for the last month and a half.  CONSUMER CELLULAR IS A TOTAL SCAM!!  Stay away!!

    10 replies

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    TRL1111
    Community Champion ⭐
    May 27, 2025

    How is it a scam?  You signed up for service, they provided service, and billed you according to your contract, which it sounds like you didn't understand because it was only when you called that you found out it's a post-paid service.

     

    If you don't like companies that don't prorate, then don't sign up for service from them, and if you decide to sign up, be mindful to cancel before the next billing cycle. 

     

    I would encourage you to read your contract and if you find a provision that they violated, go after them with everything you've got.  

    J
    JoshuaG642345Author
    Contributor ⭐
    May 27, 2025

    Hey friend.  Maybe you are not familiar with terms like a fair trade and predatory business practices.  Where I come from a fair trade is when you give something and get something.  When a person gives up something and gets nothing in return due to deceptive practices, we call that a scam around here.  I guess I should have checked my “contract”.  Oh wait, Consumer Cellular plans don’t have a contract.  Sure, I could have spend some money on a law degree and gone through the service agreement or retained an attorney but I figured I was just switching cell phone plans, not buying a house.  Consumer Cellular is not upfront about their business and billing practices like other companies (Mint Mobile) are.  I would encourage you to do a little research before jumping on the ol’ keyboard Sonny, as I do not appear to be alone in my concerns with that company. 

     

    https://www.bbb.org/us/or/portland/profile/mobile-phone-service/consumer-cellular-1296-74003110/complaints

      papawofboo
      papawofboo
      Community Champion ⭐
      May 27, 2025

      Someone else in here had the same thing about extra billing after dropping their service. I'll tell you like I told him. If you have a new service and you feel that you don't owe them then don't pay. Now if you ever want to change again my way may come back to bite you.

      Papaw of Boo
        T
        TRL1111
        Community Champion ⭐
        May 27, 2025
        @papawofboo wrote:

        Someone else in here had the same thing about extra billing after dropping their service. I'll tell you like I told him. If you have a new service and you feel that you don't owe them then don't pay. 



        Even if they're billing in accordance with the terms of the contract you agreed to?  

         

         

         

          papawofboo
          papawofboo
          Community Champion ⭐
          May 27, 2025

          I go way back, I believe what's fair is fair. To me all he owed them is for the days he used their service. Do you read all of that fine print? Even if I read it I wouldn't understand it. Also he said he got another bill after they said he had paid what he owed.

          Papaw of Boo
            A
            AARPConsumerCare
            Community Champion ⭐
            May 28, 2025

            JoshuaG642345 We're sorry to hear you're having trouble with Consumer Cellular. We are listening and would like the chance to help as soon as possible. Please visit https://help.aarp.org/s/article/contact-aarp to chat, text, or speak with a representative who can get you in touch with our Member Relations team. - Christy C. 

            B
            BrianC905010
            Contributor ⭐
            June 19, 2025

            Totally agree. Left a 60 a month plan to join their 55 a month aarp plan. Now I find out it is 70 a month because they add on fees that other providers don't. They charge you for all the business end costs they pay. This was never disclosed up front. To me, any company that is going to hide actual costs of their plan isn't worth dealing with. Our 20 minute sign up took 3 hours too. We are leaving after 2 months and everyone needs to steer clear of this company. PLEASE DO NOT BELIEVE A WORD THEY SAY. THEY ARE LIARS!

              A
              AARPConsumerCare
              Community Champion ⭐
              June 19, 2025

              We can understand your concern, @BrianC905010. However, Consumer Cellular's plans do not include taxes or fees. You can find more information on their website: https://www.consumercellular.com/shopping/choose/plan - Diana G.

              R
              RomonaM169724
              Contributor ⭐
              July 14, 2026

              If you follow your own link, and read carefully, you will see that they do charge taxes and fees on top of the base monthly charge.  However, even with the taxes and fees added it would cut my bill with Verizon in half.  Am definitely checking them out.  

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