American Telecom review: Phone rebate is a fake! 61

I purchased an ATS cordless phone at Walgreens on 7/31/07, activated it, and submitted a rebate request for $15 to PayN'Talk Rebate, Offer #H811559, P.O. Box 100546, White Bear Lake, MN [protected]. The ATS website assigned me a claim number and stated the request was "being processed". Nothing else has happened. We didn't continue to use the phone because the max. volume was too low. The BBB in Colton, CA informed me they got no response, and the company has an "F" rating, with 209 complaints, 183 unanswered. I have contacted the Ohio Attorney General, Consumer Protection Section, 877-AG4OHIO for assistance.

I mailed in my rebate form and upc code and it was received on 8/6/2007. When I check the rebate site, it always says it is being processed. The phone I bought is mediocre and makes weird noises when you are using it. I feel like I have been cheated. They are advertising a phone at Walgreen's this week with a $5 rebate which they probably won't honor. They shouldn't be allowed to continue offering rebates if they aren't going to give them.

I purchased the telephone set from Office Depot 12/06 and sent in all rebate materials needed to have the $29.99 rebate within one week. I heard nothing until March 2007 when I received a postcard stating the rebate was declined as I did not include the original qualifying UPC codes even though one form clearly stated a COPY of the UPC was acceptable and I sent the original with the other form. It said I was to send them in with the card by April 9, 2007. I called the number on the card and was told the cards were mistakenly sent out and not to worry. I tried today (4/18) to call the number again and this time there was no live person option but just a recording assuring everyone if they submitted everything correctly we should receive the rebates within 10 weeks of submission. It is now almost 4 months and no sign. Also no number anywhere to call and inquire or complain. The quality of the phones is mediocre with calls dropping if you walk around and sound rather tinny. DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FROM THIS COMPANY!

I bought my ATS telephone in July, 2007 at Walgreens in Sedona, AZ. It promised a $15 rebate. I sent in the necessary rebate, and saw on their internet website that it had been received and is "being processed" -- since last August! I have called various telephone numbers and talked to many ATS representative in the past few months. They keep saying the same thing: "Your rebate is on it's way" NOT! I have told the Sedona Walgreens manager and all my friends about the ATS scam and not to buy any of their products or do business with American Telecom again.

I buy phone from American telecom on 2008. they said give me &20 rebate. they send me E-mail just give me $10 rebate. until now 2010 they never give my money back. this company so bad and fake. I going to everybody and my friend bad about American telecom.

I had the same problem for the ATS phone I purchased through frys.com website. I followed up with both ATS and frys.com with no use. Finally I sent a letter to both saying that I am going to legal action. Then frys.com credited back the $25 (MIR amount) to my credit card. So I got back my rebates through frys.com

Regards
Poorna

In |Nov 2007 I purchased a phone from CVS on Front Beach Rd. in Panama City Beach.. the rebate form expired on May 30 that year...CVS mailed me a new rebate form, which I submitted...it should be noted that this was my second phone purchase from american telecom thru CVS...the first $10.00 rebate came thru fine...and we were so impressed with the cordless phone, when CVS offered the same deal a year later..we decided to buy a second phone...The forms were mailed with all instructions followed as the first request a year earlier..the form was submitted Mid Nov ember...we left for home April first with no rebate...after reading all the complaints I am not surprised...however as a repeat customer of american telecom..I am very dissapointed with the service..My address is 17403 Front Beach Rd..unit 139..Panama City Beach Florida..32413...Ph 850=234=2154..

I also have tried to contact this company about my rebate. Even their email addresses don't work! This is a scam.

I definitely agree. I assumed I was not alone and want to do whatever possible to expose them. I never got $15 for the phone purchased in Walgreen despite promised that it was coming. I did not get the two $10 rebates from an American Telecom phone purchased from Rite Aids nor $15 from a phone purchased from CVS. I have called repeatedly and been given numbers that no longer exist or messages to go to their Web site which does not respond to my countless Emails. Please let me know if you contact anyone who can help us . This is outrageous! Yet they are still making the same fraudulent offers.

Hi, ALL, This company has a history of not giving rebates since 06'. My experience with them is below.

Well its 6/2008, and the company hasn't gone bankrupt, but still hasn't changed its ways. I was got up in their pay-n-talk promotion thru Rite-Aid, on 3/08, and have yet to receive my rebate. According to the rebate site its still pending.

Avoid this company at all cost!

Update** its 6/10/08 and Rite-Aid is offering another an AT rebates for a cordless answering phone.
San Francisco, CA.

Further Update...All the stores that have been selling the American Telecom Products are giving the rebates directly from their Corporate Offices...so if you're on the List with a Submittal number, YOU WILL GET YOUR CHECK

Just to let you know... I called my Walgreens store, where I purchased the phone last year, and told the Mgr. about the whole scam. They are aware and Corporate Walgreens is refunding the rebates to those who call them about it. I got my $15 check today.
So my advice is to call the store where you got the phone, have your claim number handy...

Just to let you know... I called my Walgreens store, where I purchased the phone last year, and told the Mgr. about the whole scam. They are aware and Corporate Walgreens is refunding the rebates to those who call them about it. I got my $15 check today.
So my advice is to call the store where you got the phone, have your claim number handy...

American Telecom just says "The rebate center is behind. You'll get your check at such-and-such time". I've been hearing this going on a year.

I also bought the phones and its been almost a year now and nothing! I have called the number that they give you on the claim id several times and now all it does is give you a website to go to and still nothing... will we ever get our rebates? If anyone has received them will you please e-mail me and let me know how you did it. Someone needs to be held responsible for the rebates. I would not have given the price for the phones if not for the rebates, they sure were not worth the hundred dollers I paid for them.

I called the Main Phone: [protected], followed the prompts to get Customer Service and to the Rebate Center. I was told that they are taking 8 to 10 MONTHS to process the checks.
They asked me for the serial number of the phone and the claim number, so have the copies of the rebate with you when you call. I will check again in March or April for the status of my rebates.
I am waiting for 2 rebates of $30.00 each.

Well good luck to everyone, It has been over 7 months and I haven't seen my $50.00 rebate yet. I now have to email the rebate dept. and well its a computer generated email. I have filed a complaint with the BBB and they have had no luck either with the main person of contact that they have on file.

MY COMPLAINT IS THE SAME AS EVERYBODY ELSE'S. I purchase my phone on 3/11/07@ OFFICE DEPOT, I've called many times @ LEAST ONCE A MONTH, and get the same reply, (we're processing your check).
SINCERLY
jANIE

I completely agree.
I purchased an AmericanTelecom phone set from Office Depot and submitted the $50 rebate form on 06/19/2007 and received an online confirmation. It has been 6 months now but I still have not received the rebate check. I have contacted them many many times via emails and phone calls but they seemed to try to not respond and not honor the rebate.

I’m very disappointed and frustrated. This is the second time it happened to me with Office Depot rebate problems. Our local newspaper published a report last year, saying that Office Depot is “notorious” for trying not to honor its rebate offers.

My plan is to ask our local newspaper and/or TV stations' "On Your Side" team to help as they did with some other similar cases.

I'd be happy and willing to lose my %50 if AmericanTelecom declares BANKRUPT.

mailed rebate 7-6-07 on 7-24-07 recieved letter no sales date on receipt ,called Erisa 7-24-07 said I was looking at O.D.RECEIPT it has date on it as they all do she said no problem will resubmit.I mailed more copies anyway and waited.Called again 9-27-07 Katie told me being processed .tried to call and check again phone #refers you to web site ,still waiting on my $60 I have complained to office depot no help,I am going to call B.B.B. and attorney gen. and register a complaint.Office Depot ridge rd cin ohio terry

All of the complaints seem to mirror my own. Purchased the phones in Office Depot in Aug 2007 contingent on a 60 dollar rebate. Total run around, now am in the process of notifying the FTC after sending two e mails to corporate HQ demanding action.

American Telecom 11/15/2007
ATS Rebates.
Attention Bruce.Hahn:

I have tried to contact you numerous times about my rebate offer without any reply. Since American Telecom did not honor their commitment for my submitted rebates: Claim ID [protected] and [protected] I will no longer purchase any American Telecom products. After searching the Internet I have found that I’m not the only one that you have ‘shafted’ with your ‘bogus” rebate offers. Search for “American Telecom Rebates” on the internet and you will see what I mean (attached), there are so many. I have listed one of the multiple web sights:

American Telecom — Phone rebate is a fake!.html

American Telecom is giving the same ‘run around’ to other consumers that you have given me and still are, anything to get out of paying your rebate offers. I have filed with the B.B.B and I have contacted multiple vender's that are selling you products to inform them about your intent to fraud the consumers with your “bogus” product rebate offers. My next step will be to file a complaint with the District Attorney’s office if this issue is not resolved. You will be hearing from me…

Very dissatisfied customer!

I have the same issue. Did not received my rebates as promised by American Telecom. I have asked Staples and Frys to stop offering American Telecom Rebates. American Telecom is defrauding the public by my honoring their rebates.

I completely agree that the rebate is fake. I purchased my phone at Sears in December '06 with the intention of receiving a $50 & $25 rebate. I filled everything out correctly and I finally received the $25 rebate but have not received the $50 rebate yet.
I call at least once a month and each time it is something else that I need to resubmit. I have gave my information many times. On, 11/8/07, they tell me I should have activated the calling card and I have to check the status online since customer service no longer will handle rebates. I went online to give negative customer feedback from the company and find this website. I am on board with whatever needs to be done. At this point it is more about the principle. Please let me know what I can do.

Thanks!

I also purchased a cordless phone in July with a $15.00 rebate. However, to this date (Nov 4, 2007) I have not received my rebate. Also, the phone stopped working. It will not charge at all. I sent two e-mails to the address that was being given on their 800 rebate line. No response to either one of my e-mails. I'll try contacting Bruce Hahn and see if that helps. Anyway, this is a big scam as far as I'm concerned and I'll NEVER purchase anything from this company again.

It appears that a lot of people got ripped off on these rebates that they offer.

Same problem here - submitted in June - it's been 24 weeks - no check - no response!

I mailed my rebate (20 and 50 dollars) applications on 03/26/07, started following up on July 1, 2007, they have repeatedly said mine were approved, no problem, but still no checks have arrived, center [protected]) keeps telling me the same story, checks should go out in 2 weeks, but they never do. One of the phone operators finally admitted American Telecom and cash are the hold ups.

I see they have moved from California to Georgia this year, and the CEO's have changed several times, along with the phone numbers.

American telecom has duped all of us. If nothing else, carry there merchandise back to where you purchased it. I purchased the 4 handset phones in May 07 and I have not received a rebate check yet. I have called twice and nothing. I suggest everyone file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.

I had the $50/$20 rebate offer, got the postcards stating (wrongly) I missed the expiration date, faxed copies twice, called. It's been eight months now with no rebate. This company has an F rating with the BBB. Need I say more?

I have a same problem. I sent in the rebate form for $20 and $50. Then got a postcard saying "Submission was postmarked after offer end date". The poastmark date is "no later than January 31, 2007". On web-rebates.com, my rebate was received on January 31, 2007. I called numerous times and no luck so far.

July from Argentina whenever you cash your check I hope you think about all the people you have hurt. What a heartless person you must be.

I too have contacted the Atty Gen of Mo Jay Nixon, but my question is why does American Telecom try so hard to not make us happy. I bought there product and they act like I'm there enemy? Don't make these offers if you don't want to give them. And Office Depot should not sell there product, I have also called them and complained to the manager.

I have been given the run around with these people from the get go.I called after sending my info in back in feb. 07 and was told they had everything and it would be 6-8 weeks,after 8 weeks I was told I didn't activate the account,8 weeks later was told they didn't have the bar code for the $50 rebate but would look it up from the $20 rebate info they had and take care of the$50. Was told today 7-12-07 that they couldn't find that bar code to call office depot for a copy, I did that then a supervisor calls me back and says that doesn't matter the promo has EXPIRED. What a scam, PLEASE DON'T BUY THESE PHONES. Buy the way the quality is horrible there like walky talkies!

Agree, I have a same problem. I sent in the rebate form for $20 and $50. Only received $20 that was after 4 month. Still waiting for the $50. When called they said you have not activated the calling card. If you do not activate calling card you do no have needed info for the rebate form. they also claim I did not sign the form I am looking at the copy of what I sent which I also scanned it does have the signature and they claim it is not signed. This is a scam. I am about to call my state attorneys office and have them look in to this scam I am certain that there are number of people in Illinois that have similar situation where the money is not returned. If I was going to pay $100 I would have bought something with name brand than this unknown from Office Depot. I also believe Office Depot also is to be blamed.

I bought the 5 handset phone on 9/30/06. Expecting rebates of 50 + 20. Office Depot printed the rebate forms on the cash register receipt printer. The rebate form says due date is 1/30/07. I submitted all the forms, upcs, activated the IDT phone card etc. In late DEC they sent me two post cards saying that I had not submitted within 30 days of purchase. I phoned them and straightened this out and they required that I send back the post cards and copies of everything else I already sent. already sent them. In Feb, mar, april I phoned them amd each time they say the check will come in a few weeks. Finally I phoned in May and now I get a recording informing me the rebates are closed. They said to contact

American Telecom
2466 Peck Road
City of Industry, CA 90601

CEO Bruce Hahn
President: Donald G Norris
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]
[protected]

A month ago I wrote them a letter and stapled copies of all the rebate stuff that been gathering for months. Still haven't heard from them. Next step I'll try to phone Bruce and Donald.

In the past Attorney General Of California has helped me on smaller matters like this. This will be my next step. Not too hard to write the letter since pretty much already done it here and all backing documents are in my hand.

Larry

I also had a same issue with American telecom ($20 and $10 Rebate, bought from OD on 26-Nov 2006).. Tried calling the number [protected] but no response... It seems this number is now disconnected :(

I have also been unable to get the $20 rebate... When I called to complain, the customer service rep told me it would be processed in 4 weeks... here 7 weeks later... no rebate! I called [protected], but was sent into their general mailbox.

Please advise if anyone has had success by calling or emailing the company!

Thanks.

I'm having similar problems with the same rebates with American Telecom. I submitted American Telecom rebate for $20, yet only received $10. I tried to call telecom but it's just a voice mail****

Terrible product. Got it for xmas and did not plug it in until January. The sound was bad and kept dropping calls--of course to late to return it to Staples. Also have not received rebate. Bought a v-tech from Cost-co-love it.

I just want to let everyone here (and particularly the management of this forum) that having your information to start from (instead of starting from scratch on my own) was a godsend. Thank You !

Now - to my situation (and potential contribution):

Earlier today I contacted Young America to inform them that according to their web records (at web-rebates.com) I was sent my rebate check, but it never arrived. They refused (albeit politely) to acknowledge or tell me anything other than that my only recourse would be to send my written claim through US Mail to American Telecom in City of Industry CA.

I'm better with a phone, so I googled American Telecom Rebate and thankfully found you and this site (complaintsboard.com). Based on what you contributed to the discussion thread here, I contacted the office of Bruce Hahn, and was told that I should feel free to call American Telecom Customer Service at [protected] and that they would handle. I did call and after about a 5 to 10 minute wait, the attendant took my information (name, product model, purch date and place - normal stuff) and promised they'd get back to me in 5 days with a resolution.

Obviously I'll know more about how this all really works out in 5 or more days, but at least I'm not throwing something into the USPS black hole and wondering when (or perhaps if) I will ever hear from these folks again.

Thank You ALL once again - I'll be sure to let you know how things turn out.