Iphone4, two of them, .99 each

[EricJefferson12…]

Hi, 

I have a question I need to clear-up.

So I went to the AT&T store when my phone broke, and I needed something ASAP. I had an upgrade, so I figured I'd go cheap on a phone, seeing as I've paid plenty many times and it's all the same in the end..

Anywho, here is what happened.

At the first store, I used my upgrade, got a new 2-yr contract and a iphone4 was ordered (they said it would take 2-3days to get to my house). They charged my card .99, which I later confirmed it was charged. 2-3 days later, I check and find out it hasn't shipped. It was STILL pending shipment. I called customer service and they said it could take anywhere from 14-21 days for the phone to arrive because it is now on backorder.....

I got frustrated, called the store and they found that another store got a random shipment. I asked if I could go there to pick it up, since the other one wasn't shipped yet. They manager said yes.

I got to that store, the manager called the other store manager and worked to cancel my previous contract (and I thought the phone too). So I did a new agreement at the new store and got the phone that night for .99.

To my surprise, two weeks later I get a random package and it's another Iphone4. At first, I figured I would send it back since I wasn't charged for it. But upon reviewing my credit card statements, I noticed that I actually had been charged, and never credited the .99 for the first phone (which was on back order).

I'm assuming the managers cancelled the contract on the first go, and opened one on the second go. But he never went in to cancel the phone order?

My question is:

I have one phone on my 2-yr agreement that I paid for. Then I have a second Iphone4 that isn't on a contract. But I, too, had paid for it. 

two phones, charged 99 cents each. Both are then my property? I want to gift it, but it seems like an awful idea if they can't then access it...

Any help would be appreciated..

[wilcre ACE - Expert]

I would be careful with the second iPhone, If AT&T does catch the mistake they will bill the full amount for the second iPhone due to no contract being applied for the second iPhone thus not making the cost of it $0.99, Your best bet is to be honest with it and return it to the store and get a return receipt for your records.

[EricJefferson12…]

Well if a person was charged for it, and used it unknowingly, how could they justify their the companies' managers mistake as a full charge on the customer?

I called and asked about the IMEI on the box to AT&T and they claimed that according to their files I am able to do what I please with the phone. 

[wilcre ACE - Expert]

I am/was just providing my suggestion, as to what you wish to do with it is ultimately your decision, just remember though, if they catch the mistake (and they will) remember you can not call foul you you are hit with the charge. I was always taught and always teach "Honesty is the best policy"

[wingrider01 ACE - Expert]

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EricJefferson1234 wrote:

Well if a person was charged for it, and used it unknowingly, how could they justify their the companies' managers mistake as a full charge on the customer?

I called and asked about the IMEI on the box to AT&T and they claimed that according to their files I am able to do what I please with the phone. 

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first level csr rarely have full access to the billing subsystem, that is the one that will catch it and when they do they are well within thier rights to handle it by charging you full price.

How can someone use it "unknowingly"? It has to be added to your account either as a upgrade or a new line of service. If you sell it the buyer could possibly has issues trying to get it activated

[Glock1]

Keep it for 2 bill cycles. If you are not charged, sell it on eBay. That way you don't have it or know someone with it when it gets activated. I doubt seriously that a company as big as AT&T will ever notice it. Those who think they will are assuming someone in the company is actually doing a checks and balances to account for a 99 cent phone. I think you are good to go.

[wilcre ACE - Expert]

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Glock1 wrote:

Keep it for 2 bill cycles. If you are not charged, sell it on eBay. That way you don't have it or know someone with it when it gets activated. I doubt seriously that a company as big as AT&T will ever notice it. Those who think they will are assuming someone in the company is actually doing a checks and balances to account for a 99 cent phone. I think you are good to go.

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Well then I hope you are willing to pay for at least half of the phone if he is caught for not returning it, That sure is nice of you to step up to the plate like that for the OP.

[wingrider01 ACE - Expert]

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Glock1 wrote:

Keep it for 2 bill cycles. If you are not charged, sell it on eBay. That way you don't have it or know someone with it when it gets activated. I doubt seriously that a company as big as AT&T will ever notice it. Those who think they will are assuming someone in the company is actually doing a checks and balances to account for a 99 cent phone. I think you are good to go.

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the number is still registered to the purchaser, so they will know exactly who to go after. Why tell someome to do this, problbly just becasue you know if anything happens you will be able to sit back scott free.

[EricJefferson12…]

Well, I solved my problem.

I decided to submit a request for unlocking the phone - which is a more indepth look at the device and account. I figured if there was a problem and error, it would be noticed here. 

I submitted the application a week ago and yesterday I got the request approved. It met all of the requirements to be unlocked, so I guess there are no complications.