Sprint Contract Deception
February 25th, 2009
Sprint is earning millions of dollars though a deceptive contract loop-hole
by Richard Markosian
Were I live -- in the USA -- charging for a service that cannot be rendered is illegal. If there were any way I could still be receiving service on my old phone then maybe Sprint would at least be in a gray area. But once I changed to a new service provider and transferred my number there was no way possible I could get service on my old phone through Sprint.
Now who doesn't want to keep their same phone number when they change to a new service provider?
They call this "porting the number". The rep told me this morning that "porting" can justify charges even if the service plan is completely deactivated an inoperable.
I clearified my position and points with the "Sprint Customer Care" Floor Manager. I asked *Sarah how many people call customer care upset over charges for service they can't render? Sarah said Sprint has over 1 billion customers. I don't know if her figures are accurate, but even if they are close, Sprint is potentially earning millions of dollars through this contract loop hole. For us it's only $100, probably not worth fighting for to most people. But I'm fighting because my new AT&T sales rep assured me that all cell phone providers must abide by the law and never double charge customers who have changed service providers.
I wrote to Sprint telling them:
I would like to hear from your corporate lawyers on how they can write language into contracts that could justify potentially stealing millions of dollars from customers who are receiving no service.
Sarah said "Sprint is very good about getting back to customers." She was intrigued about my legal question and said that she would look into the law herself. I kind of doubt she was sincere but at least she wasn't defensive like all the others I spoke to.
I informed Sprint that I am a writer and that I will publish a follow-up regarding the outcome of my complaint.
My final story will compare cell phone service providers. We will compare customer service, manipulative practices, long-term contracts, bad contracts, free phones accessories and more.
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