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Verizon review: bad quality on refurbished phones 82

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5:19 pm EDT
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I have had a LG Voyager since they were released about 2 years ago. My phone for the most part has worked well, until a few month ago, when I had some issues. Verizon replaced the phone with a refurbished phone and then my problems started. The "refurb" phone would not stay calibrated on the touch screen. I would miss calls because I could not get my phone unlocked. I kept complaining, and the customer service people would just recalibrate my screen. After a few months of that, I got fed up, and complained again. they sent me another refurb phone. This phone had a bad speaker that distorted everything. The next refurb phone has a bad power cord connection not allowing a complete charge. The next refurb phone has another blown speaker, and the list continues. I was given my "customer service" reps business card, and told to call if I had any issues. I called him, and 24 hours later, I still haven't received any followup call. I am fed up with Verizon.

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82 comments
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jdelaney62
Antioch, US
Jun 03, 2016 8:21 am EDT

About two months ago, my Blackberry Storm stopped charging. I visited my local Verizon Wireless store and received a replacement phone, which I later found out was refurbished. This did not bother me, but what did bother me was the fact that this new phone would lock up every day, requiring me to remove the battery to reset the phone. After a couple months of doing this, I finally went back to the Verizon Wireless store in Mt Juliet, TN and spoke to Alex. I told him about the issue that I was having and also that I was very upset with the performance of the phone and their network. I told him that if he could not replace the phone, then I wanted him to activate another phone that I had brought in. He said he would happy to activate the phone, and he did so. The reason for e complaint is that now I am using a two year old flip phone after paying over $200 for the Blackberry smartphone. Come on Verizon Wireless. Replace the phone that I paid $200 for with a working phone.

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Disgruntled$80
Tracy, US
Nov 05, 2012 11:06 am EST

Tried in vain to stop an $80 prepaid data charge on the day it was posted to my bank account. Verizon Wireless declined to reimburse the amount because they said I cancelled the plan and consequently the amount could not be credited back to my account. This seems to be a technical issue that Verizon should have the capability to circumvent. Debating to pursue small claims court effort. If anyone has had similar experiences, please notate.

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fairymaker
Carlsbad, US
Sep 28, 2012 6:01 pm EDT

I went to buy a new Iphone today. Verizon said my current special rate calling plan will no longer be valid if I switch phones. So no more unlimited internet. It's not like I use alot but it's nice to have when I need it. So no new phone and I am looking for a new carrier. This is really not nice especially since I've been with them since 1990 when they were still Airtouch.

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lestabrook
Derry, US
Sep 11, 2012 11:11 am EDT

Verizon Wireless billed me for a month of services when I was only a customer for 5 days of the month they are billing me for. Instead of prorating my bill, they just billed me to the end of the billing cycle. That is not fair and in my opinion ethically wrong. They are doing this to anyone who changes services providers. What a rip off Verizon Wireless has become. Just a bunch of money hungry a-holes if you ask me.

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frank barbehenn
, US
Jun 25, 2012 8:24 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

i have unlimited calling...50.00 month...prepay credit card automatic...in the middle of a personal conversation they will cut off my call and say my plan does not permit me to continue...i can not talk to customer service only a prompt which leads me nowhere...at the store they lie and give me a bunch of double talk and gobily goop

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StopMetLife
Maple Shade, US
Mar 08, 2012 5:59 am EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

There is a petition circulating against Verizon Wireless who is not paying disability benefits to their disabled employees.

Below is a link to the petition. Please read and sign.

http://www.change.org/petitions/metlife-insurance-company-and-verizon-wireless-metlife-verizon-wireless-must-reinstate-employee-disability-benefits

Thank You.

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D00
, US
Jan 01, 2012 4:46 pm EST

Verizon wireless charging data plan fee when switch to new phone when phone does not require it. Then returned the phone because blue tooth not working. Verizon still charged data plan fee. Called to complain and they said they will reverse charge. Then saw that half month fee was charge still! I cannot believe it! Verizon billing system is designed to charge max fees by default and folks will probably miss it so they get away with it.

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Hang nail3
billings, US
Nov 27, 2011 2:54 pm EST

When you decide you don't like their services they are charges outrageous prices for asking to disconnect their services charge is $350.00 why is this being allowed? Wasn't their a law or something from the FTC saying they cannot do that?

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Kerri G
Melville, US
Aug 29, 2011 4:45 pm EDT

Cell phones down during and after hurricane irene. What good is having a cell phone for emergency's when It does not work during one. Every one I talk to who did not have Verizon had no problem at all. VERIZON YOU SUCK!

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Freedom4All
Jonesborough, US
Jun 28, 2011 5:33 pm EDT

Verizon Wireless is claiming to be a leader in the industry but the truth is Verizon is following at&t. Starting July 7th of 2011, Verizon Wireless will no longer offer the $29.99 Unlimited Smartphone & Email feature. Verizon Wireless will offer $30 for 2 GB, $50 for 5GB, $80 for 10 GB allowance per month.

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MM anderson
Canastota, US
Jun 09, 2011 11:40 pm EDT

Lost 50% of my hearing about 4 months ago. My phone doesn't have t4 that I need to use it as a remote for my HAs and to hear on it. I have the fascinate (m4) and not able to upgrade until next year. Nobody is willing to help me get an upgrade without paying full price! I pay over $250 a month for cell phone that I can't hear out of. Nic!

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Gems T
, US
Feb 09, 2011 4:10 pm EST

I need to change the delivery address for a package with UPS, but am unable to do so because verizonwireless has put a hold on the package. I called verizonwireless to remove the hold, and they were unable to remove the hold that they placed on the package in the first place. Now I have to miss a day of work to receive the package so it doesn't get sent back. I am very angry!

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Ted L
, US
Feb 08, 2011 12:55 pm EST

I *will* be cancelling my contract & taking my business elsewhere, & you can bet I will be informing anyone thinking of switching to Verizon of my experience. Friends of mine have been dropping Verizon left & right due to the fact that just because you offer great coverage & plans, doesnt mean that you can treat the people paying you their money each month like trash. For those who continue to adore Verizon, just wait.

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Tell
, US
Jan 12, 2011 12:17 pm EST

On the Verizon web site it had the Intensity 2 phone for free of charge. I went to the store the sales person said he would match it. Turned out he said that I would have to pay $50.00. I wasn't going to pay $50.00 for a free phone. Verizon probably lost a new customer.

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ravenmadd
Pocahontas, US
Dec 06, 2010 7:49 pm EST

i have been reciveing calls from a verizon number [protected] and after a google search i find that i am not the only one being harassed by this number. when you call iot back you get a message that says the number has been changed and is no longer in service. if this is so then verizon should be able to disable calls from this number and stop letting this joker pester folks!
john white
ravenswizard7@yahoo.com

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Lorenzo
, US
Oct 24, 2010 4:53 pm EDT

Be VERY VERY careful before you sign up with Verizon Wireless. Their customer service is TERRIBLE and if you should have the audacity to try to discontinue their service, Verizon responds with threats of MASSIVE EARLY TERMINATION FEES.

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RJ777
, US
Oct 12, 2010 3:30 pm EDT

Verizon Wireless is horrible with customer service. I've been with them for 9 years and have been a loyal customer and they managed to really screw me over. The technicians are terrible and can never help. All they want is your money and don't care how they get it.

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kevin g sim
Prairieville, US
Aug 16, 2010 5:21 pm EDT

I have been with verizon for three years, and there has not been a day go by that im not disgusted with the horrific service they provide! My bill is outragous, phone is crap and the customer service down rite sucks. I will never sign another contract with them, they constantly give you a run around and no one there knows their job. So if you read this go to a diffrent company b/c they are absolutly horribile!

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Michael
, US
May 28, 2010 11:25 am EDT

The Verizon store charged me $199.99 for two Motorola Droid phones, plus Tax based original price (more than $100). You can get $19.99 per phone from Amazon, Wirefly (no tax), or ... for the same plan. Compare $300 vs $40. It's a RIP-OFF. their high reputation in my mind is completely destroyed due to this business misconduct.

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Skimbar
, US
Feb 19, 2010 4:15 pm EST

Please quit procrastinating and offer the Android phone! Your silly marketing tactics and self-indulging excuses are ultimately going to put you behind your competition and result in more dissatisfied customers! I WANT AN ANDROID PHONE! And I would LIKE to keep my service with Verizon!

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cinner6
Constantine, US
Feb 14, 2010 10:53 am EST

have gotten 3 charges for 9.99 each on my bill for premium texting. Called and was told how to cancel them, but I never ordered any of them, and they can't even tell me what they're for. The numbers are 41933, 44674, 23687. Can they legally do this? Would have been on my bill every month if I hadn't caught it.

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chiefchief
Buffalo, US
Feb 09, 2010 5:01 pm EST

I signed up for email for my cellphone through Verizon Wireless. I was told that it would cost $5 per month. This is a lie! It is only $5 per month if you don't use it! If you use it, you incur data charges, which I was blaming on my kids. It actually was costing me $5 and $10 to $15 per month in data charges. This is a ripoff!

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Karen Schwartz-Frates
Bonsall, US
Jan 10, 2010 2:42 pm EST

Verizon has been charging us $9.99 per month since June for a ringtone service that we never requested, agreed to, or even utilized. We were not aware the ringtone service was ever being provided or charged for until I receieved a text message informing me of this. We believe this is a scam conducted by the company.

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KenG62
, US
Nov 26, 2009 7:37 am EST

Verizon sent me a bill after I canceled my service on 11/21/09. The bill is for services from 11/17/09 to 12/16/09. When I called about it, I was told that since I did not cancel my service on the end of the billing cycle, I had to pay the full bill. I was told that I signed a contract to this effect. When I asked for a copy of the signed contract, I was told I could not have it.

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LINDA ERB
, US
Sep 28, 2009 5:13 pm EDT

I haven't had verizon wireless in over a year or more! I DO NOT OWE THIS BILL, also it upsets me that when I try to call you people I can't talk to anyone!

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Al Lippincott
Boston, US
Jul 24, 2009 12:45 pm EDT

Found this number on another post. I intend to use the balance of my 1400 minutes calling to tell them how TERRIBLE a company VERIZON WIRELSS HAS BECOME! Then cancel my service.

PLEASE USE ALL YOUR EXTRA MINUTES TO CONTACT LETS HARASS THEM LIKE THEY HARASS US!

DAVID SMALL [protected]

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iluvmusic
Corpus Christi, US
Jun 16, 2009 7:37 pm EDT

One of the stupidist commercials I have ever seen. The guy pours out the whole container of sprinkles. I'm so sick of this ad. I don't know who thought it would be funny but it is not.

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Sandra LeMunyon
,
Oct 28, 2008 11:49 am EDT

When you purchase a download (ringtone) you pay a fee of 2.99 per item. They charge you an additional megabyte charge when you get your bill. It seems to me that I am being double charged and it was not made very clear to me during the purchase process. I went online on my computer to search and download. They are saying the fee is for them to send it from the computer to my phone! This is not a fair practice in my mind.
Thank you.

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MYSFGIANTS
,
Jul 28, 2008 11:20 am EDT

The phone won't charge. One of the tiny metal pins inside the phone is gone/bent? Verizon's theory...If you can see the problem, it must be the customers fault. Not a warranty issue but an insurance one. $300 phone, 3 months old + shoddy construction = I lose money. Also, 18 months left on the contract and the insurance will only replace the phone - after deductible - 2 times.

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Jose leon
,
Mar 03, 2008 4:02 pm EST

I recently had a credit report run, and for some reason this AFNI thinks i owe them some money, something about a Verizon Wireless bill that I know nothing about. They aren't very detailed in their letter.

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Cohensmom
Grove City, US
May 13, 2015 8:09 am EDT

I bought a nokia lumia 928 about a year and a half ago. I ended up dropping it without the case. The screen was cracked, but everything else was working fine. I decided to keep it until I got an upgrade. My husband's phone broke and he was using mine alot more. He wanted to get it fixed, and I wasn't going to complain about that. The only thing was I had heard that refurb phones had more glitches. He believed since the refurb was coming from Verizon it would be fine. So we paid 100 dollars for a refurb of my nokia. I don't personally understand what the point of insurance is, if we have to pay 100 bucks, but whatever. The day I got it it seemed to already be a little worse than my other. I thought it must be in my head, since I was expecting that. It wasn't. There was quite a bit that went wrong. Here I am a couple months later looking up how to fix this continuous annoying noise it won't stop making. Verizon is a giant waste of money. All cell phone carriers are. If we had the money we would opt out of the contract, but alas, we don't have that kind of money. Good luck to all those out there who get the refurbished phones.

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Audrey
, US
Mar 17, 2010 7:36 am EDT

I have been a customer for more than 5 years and have never had such trouble. I was recently hit with an $11, 000.00+ bill. It is all data overage charges on a line on my account that was used for a PC Card. This was used by a person whom I added thinking they were my friend, apparently not. At any rate, I was credited twice for high bills due to the same issue, (in the 100's of dollars) but am being told...rudely, that it is my responsibility to pay ALL charges incurred. Where is Verizon's responsibility in alerting a customer to unusually high usage BEFORE something like this happens? I was told all but $2, 000.00 woul be credited and then was transfered to Financial Services to make an arrangement on the rest but was called several hours later to be told the credit was revoked.

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Diane Zimmerman
Lakeland, US
Apr 28, 2012 3:05 am EDT

Has anyone ever tried cancelling with Verizon? We moved to another city 30 miles away, so we went in to a Verizon Store to change our address. After moving and 5 weeks later, we realized that we never received our bill and therefore late on paying (which we have never been late in 7 years). We called Verizon and found out the address was not changed, and " no they could not mail me the bill". We went to a Verizon Store close to the new home to pay the bill, but guess what ? The policy had changed and they cannot accept bills at the store unless the customer has CASH. But the "customer service " sales lady gave us a phone and said we had to do everything by phone - so she gave us a phone to call to change the address and pay the bill by credit card.

We also decided to cancel the Verizon because we found out that Metro is alot cheaper and we were able to get unlimited e-mails, internet, texting and phone calls for $93.00 a month for 2 phones and Verizon was charging us $124.00 for 2 phones and we had a limit of 1400 minutes and did not get any internet service at all.

But it is difficult to cancel with Verizon. We were with verizon for 7 years - way past the cancellation periold- and guess what? Customers cannot cancel on just any day- we have to keep paying until May 18, 2012 when we wanted to cancel on April 26, 2012. If a customer goes into the store and wants to buy a phone and start a new service, it can start that very minute, but if you want to cancel- you have to wait until your next billing cycle and pay for weeks the service is not used. We wanted to pay what was due and up to the date on April 26, 2012. WHY? So they can make more money.

Verizon used to be a pretty good company when we got our phones 7 years ago. Now the customer service has gone crazy and their fees are very high. This experience has told me I am glad I switched to Metro and if Metro does not work out, I will neve go back to Verizon.

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Real818
, US
Oct 02, 2009 1:59 pm EDT

So I call Verizon Wireless 1 day ago because the owner of the restaurant can't speak English to well. I speak with a rep. and she ask for my name and I give it to her. Then she says "[censored]"? And I said no... my last name is Kim. I am asian and my last name is Kim I don't know how my last name sounds like "[censored]". I was pissed off, but I still needed to get the internet fixed, so I went on with the phone call. No apology whatsoever, if she did apologize I wouldn't write this right now. Anyways the internet ultimately got fixed for 30 mins - 1 hour and went down all of a sudden without anyone touching anything. I call again and this time I get a very nice rep. and helps me out fixing my internet and it is running fine since then. I call today to speak with a supervisor and the rep. said that they are all busy and will call back as soon as they are finished with their phone calls. So... still waiting on it now.

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shai11
jamestown, US
Oct 22, 2009 6:04 pm EDT

Verizon Wireless...SUCKS... I paid for the extended warrenty and they are refusing to replace a damaged phone, they are liars and charge you but dont want to honor their commitments...It has been a week and I am still fighting to get a new phone, they arent getting another penny from me till I get a new phone, they can shut the damn thing off!

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Dr. Fate
West Bend, US
Dec 18, 2009 11:43 am EST

I began my ordeal with Verizon on November 6th, 2009 when I called my local store looking for a Samsung Saga Window 6.1 phone. My local store told me that they had 4 in stock so the following day I set off for the store. However, when I got there, I was told that this phone was NEVER kept in stock. (Lie #1) The rep. at the store "looked" at his computer and told me that a phone was available at another store, about 35 miles from my house. Well, I needed this phone so off I drove.

Unfortunately, when I arrived at the other store, I was told that, as at my local store, they NEVER had, nor did they ever keep the Saga in stock. (Lie #2) The rep at this store actually did look at his computer and located the phone for me at yet a third store, another 20 miles away... muttering, off I drove.

This store did in fact have 1 Saga in stock, which I did purchase. Two weeks into my plan the phone began a bizarre routine in which it would shut down, re-boot into Windows Mobile 6.1, open the Today screen and then begin the cycle again.

I took the phone to my local store on 12/5, which is within the 30 day satisfaction period, and after an hour of the rep calling his own company's customer support the best solution they could offer was a hard restart of the phone. While this did resolve the problem initially, it only worked for another few days. I returned to the store on 12/12, one week later exactly, and was told that after a second hard reset, a NEW phone was being ordered for me.

On 12/17 what I received via FedEx was unfortunately a FACTORY REFURBISHED PHONE. Now, I was well within my magic 30 days when I originally went to the store the first time however, since the 12th had been more that 30 days, I was told that all I would be given was a used phone.

So, I called the local store and asked to the rep. that I had worked with initially. I was told by the store MANAGER that the rep. would be in at 1:00pm. When I called again at 1:30pm, I was told that the rep. in question was not even scheduled to work that day. (Lie #3)

At this point, I was very upset and essentially told the store manager to take both phones and shove them so far... well you can guess the rest. In retrospect, probably not the best move, but hey, I was pissed!

I contacted customer support today, 12/18, and related all of the above to the rep who told me that he would transfer me to tech. support to process this as a 30-day return claim and that I would in fact be sent a NEW phone. The tech. support person however said that the customer service rep. cannot make that decision and that I would still not receive a new phone. Well, fine.

I contacted Aaron Flores, who was and is in my opinion the only Verizon employee with any me asure of true concern and displayed to me, a good ethic. Aaron retrieved both of my phones and set them aside for me to pick up later. Why you ask? Because I decided to use this phone for personal use only, not work as I initially intended. (I also intended to move my co-workers to the same plan and phone... their loss)

At one point, I was informed by a rep on the phone that I could file a complaint via the Verizon website, but guess what. Try finding the "complaint" form anywhere... you won't. So, again I called customer support. Again, I relayed the above to the rep who then put me on hold for a few minutes. When she returned, miracle of miracles, she received approval to mail me a new phone...

At this point, I said "no thanks." I will go to my local store and retrieve the refurbished phone and keep it for personal use. But there is no way in hell that I will take my company's business to Verizon. I will keep this phone in use for the minimum required amount of time and then, Verizon can (fill in the blank).

I left T-Mobile when the attempted to leverage additional corporate fees on my account, which were minimal, but more annoying. Trust me, I wish I would have stayed.

Don't do Verizon. I'm sure they'll screw you too.

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Sstokes
Bear, US
Jan 21, 2010 2:33 pm EST

Horrible service at this location. Do not visit this location, for the managers mock the customers and display their obvious apathy for the customers issues and concerns.

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Yhtak
Cleveland, US
Jun 27, 2010 6:06 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

On June 22, 2010 I called Verizon Wireless to discuss an upgrade on our Family Plan (4 lines). I was told that I can keep my current plan with the data coming off my 2100 allowed minutes. I was interested in Casio Exilim that does not require data package (optional). The main line phone would be free of charge since the $100 every 2 years will cover the first phone. We would pay 19.99 after the mail-in rebate for each additional phone (3 additional phones). Notes were entered by the representative and it was verified by the supervisor that when I call to order the phones I would not face any problems. On Sunday June 27, 2010 I called to place an order and suddenly all the info in the notes did not matter. I must have spoken with dozens of reps and supervisors that appeared to be clueless since they could not verify basic information. At one point I called to see if I can block the data and get any phone that I wanted. I was told” You can not block the data on all of our phones" than the same rep told me” You can block the data on all our phones but we will still charge you 9.99 or 29.99 for the data package". When confronted about his contradicting answers this young man tried to manipulate his way out of the situation since he realized he basically lied to me. This is an ongoing practice that is being implemented consistently by Verizon Wireless reps. His supervisor made a lost of excuses and offered no solutions. There are many unemployed people who would gladly replace incompetent Verizon reps; however this company continues to make excuses for those who refuse to provide a good customer service. I am asking Verizon: "Can you really afford to loose another customer who pays for your rent, mortgage, utilities, your new car, your vacations, your private jet (CEO's), your child's tuition and other luxury items?” Verizon wake up and stand behind your products and services.

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Bissonnette Complaint
Mesa, US
Jan 25, 2011 1:09 am EST

Verizon Wireless Lost a broken MIFI unit retured through their shipping service. After repeated inquiries to remove the charge from my bill they have discontinued my service. I have spent hours trying to fix this situation; paid active monthy bill and continue to call in and try to rectify this situation. I requested a supervisor during the last call and was denied access to the supervisor to discuss resolution. The customer service representative stated the wrong paper work was filed to track the device. She requested my only option was to get in my car and go to a store to fill out the right paperwork to track the device. She stated the systems were down and could not look up the tracking information and that she could not do anything for me. Again I asked for a supervisor to request a credit for the time wasted or the lost device. This has gone on since October. The representative again stated they would put in another tracking number.

Tracking Number: FedEx Tag: October 4th, 2010
Return Shipping Label: [protected]
Search completed for device by number above and not found in the warehouse:
Search to see if the device was used on any other account
Results produced not being used on any other accounts
Serial Number of old device - [protected]
Enter 2nd Defill form ([protected])request on sent in from customer service 1-23-11.
Februay 13, 2011

Th service is cancelled do to the fee for the device. I asked the rep to cancel my service and she stated I did not need to send the device back and that I paid for the device in June. She stated I need to pay $140.00 early cancellation fee. I reminded her Verizon cancelled the service and are not providing servie and have broken our agreement. I have requested this charge to be fixed for months.

My expectations: If Verizon want my business either way their investigation comes back for the device and for the customer service nightmare.

Daniel R. Bissonnette
[protected]
dan@technicalprofessors.com

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Experienced VZW user
seatte, US
Apr 16, 2011 2:44 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

The worst customer service! Atrocious, incompetent and untrained personnel. Total waste of time. Rude, disrespectful and only know how to say I'm sorry.
Originally Verizon Wireless had what could be call fairly good customer service. Now it is the absolute worst. I have spent more than 40 hours of my time speaking with customer service and it is always the same process of incompetency. The records they keep are usually incomplete and inaccurate. I have had to babysit virtually everything they say they are going to do because there is no feeling of accountability. I have been promised so many things that would never have come true if I not harassed them. I have far better things to do with my time than babysit a company that can't even answer the question, "How many minutes have I used on my mobile hotsot?" What an unfortunate waste of everyone's time!