Stay Away From Consumer Cellular

[JoshuaG642345]

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!!

[AARPConsumerCare]

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. 

[papawofboo]

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.

[TRL1111]

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@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. 

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

[papawofboo]

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.

[TRL1111]

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@papawofboo wrote:

To me all he owed them is for the days he used their service. Do you read all of that fine print?

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No, I don't.  But I know I'm bound by it whether I've read it or not.

It sounds like the OP cancelled his service shortly after the start of a new service period, and once he entered a new service period he was obligated to pay for the whole thing because the company doesn't prorate.  

I find the billing cycles and service cycles for phone and internet service, etc., confusing, but my failure to understand doesn't give me a right to alter the terms.  

[TRL1111]

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.  

[JoshuaG642345]

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/comp...