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Global Tel Link
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Global Tel Link Complaints 139

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6:02 am EST
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Global Tel Link Calls from jail house are not getting through to my house

My son came from a prison from out of town i haven't talked to him in four years so when he got here on 02/12/2011, i put money on my home phone through Global Tel Link on 02/13/2011, and as of this day 02/18/2011, i have not talked to him yet, they tell me he keeps hanging up the phone before the call goes through, then they tell me to tell him just to keep calling and today i talked to a supervisor and she tells me to tell him to wait 15-20 min between calls, but thats not working either, they also tell me they have a tec support team working on it it will take up to 3-5 days, i told them he may be gone back by then, they also told me at first there's nothing wrong with either lines there's at the jail house or mine at my house and what ever they did he should be able to call you now, but iv'e talked to five people in two days including a superviser, not one person could tell me what the problem is not even the superviser, don't get me wrong everyone was very very nice to me including the superviser. when setting up the account you get a recording and it tells you that you can put $25.00 with a non refudable fee or $50.00 and the non refudable fee is included it dosen't tell you how much the non-refudable fee is, it dosen't tell you the name of the company or a phone number i had to go to my bank to get that information and then come home and call Global Tel Link to find out why my son has not been able to get through to me in a phone call and to this night at 1:00 am i still don't no why he is not getting through maybe Mr. Jeffery Haldinger President of Alabama-based Global-Tel Link Company can call me and tell me why i payed $25.00 two times and you'all took out $4.75 a non-refundable fee two times why should i have to pay a non-refundable fee and i can't even talk to my son.I have more to say, but i don't think it will matter one way or another!

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Crystal L Chrisp
indianapolis, US
Mar 07, 2011 4:39 pm EST

Global tel link has tooken 4 $25 payments. The money has not been applied to my account. My brother can not get thru. Customer Service better refund my hundred dollars asap. I will never use there service again. Crystal L Chrisp
Angry upset "disappointed" Customer

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9:37 pm EST
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Global Tel Link lack of service

My son has been unable to call me. I have put money into my account both on 1-7 and 1-12. I also have called 10 x's in the past week and was told I was put in que and would get a return call, which I did not. I would really appreciate some customer service here so I can find out what the problem is. Unfortunately, I believe that you feed off of people's desperation to speak to their loved ones who are incarcerated so you feel it doesn't matter wheter or not your service is good. As much as I want to speak to my son, I'll be glad to just quit feeding you obscene amounts of money if you don't even care to get in touch with your customers. Which one is it?

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Zibble
US
Jul 18, 2015 10:27 pm EDT

This is the worst web site I've ever encountered. I made a mistake in entering the facility and now I can't change it. Customer service is located in another country and several people I spoke said they knew nothing about the website. They barely spoke English. I have contacted my state rep and BBB.

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Steve Kuhlman
Jun 14, 2008 6:43 pm EDT

We have spent 4 days trying to establish a pepaid phone account service with this company so that our son can call us from a jail he is in. They have no customer service - when you call, it's all completely automated and they put you in line for a "callback". When/if they call you back, the line goes dead. They have taken our credit card info, but have not activated any service in 4 days. It is impossible to reach these people to answer questions, to get help, or find out why your prepaid service is not active.

I am frustrated beyon belief - have spent the better part of 4 days sitting around trying to either call Global Tel Link, or waiting for them to call back, and Sat. night at 9:42, I still have no service.

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Distraught over the abuse of it all
US
Oct 23, 2011 5:18 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I, too, have money on Global Tel Link. My poor daughter tried to call me every day, sometimes up to 15 times, and every time I pick up the phone and say "hello" the call is immediately dropped. I live 150 miles away from the jail so I cannot visit, it is too far away. The jail will not even give me the courtesy of giving a quick message to my daughter to try to buy a phone card to place calls to me, I don't think the service is with Global Tel LInk. It is horrible enough to be in jail for nothing (awaiting your court date on a warrant for a probation violation) and entirely another when your loved one tries to make a call to you, and can't. I am so frustrated on my end, I can only imagine how she must feel. The abuse that our loved ones are suffering behind bars cannot go on. Companies like Global Tel Link make it worse. When she was in temporary housing, the first week, the calls went through without a problem. Possibly the housing they moved her to awaiting her court date is on a lower floor and the reception is bad? Regardless, I don't mind paying $15 a call (which I have been doing) if it is the only way to talk to my daughter. But not being able for her to get though to me- WHAT IS GOING ON? You have no idea how many lawsuits I feel like filing because of abuse and problems like this, without a cure. I literally don't know what to do or where to turn, and in the meantime, my daughter and I are unable to communicate, and this is NOT ACCEPTABLE AT ALL.

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jea
Jul 08, 2008 3:43 pm EDT

I have been two days trying to get through to someone at global tel link i went and put money on my husbands account through western union on monday he has not been giving the credit yet. Everytime that i try calling global tel link the message is telling me that we have not had an account in the passed six months. M y husband has been in jail since april and we have been using global pre paid ever since. When i call to see what happened to his money that i put on his phone account i keep getting hung up on automatically by the system.

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1:36 am EDT
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Global Tel Link Poor Service

I tried using the automated calling system to place money on the system for my son to call and the phone system did not take it. Now I am concerned that my credit card information has been comprised.

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Leslie Hamilton
May 01, 2008 5:36 am EDT

When the department of corrections decided to move to Global Tel link it was poor decision. Since my boyfriend calls me daily I am on a high volume call status and have to pre-pay my calls. There is no warning as to when the account is getting low. I pay over $300 a month. There is no discount and it is considerably higher cost. Global Tel Link utilizes call centers overseas so the service quality is very poor. I am put on hold for 15 minutes at a time even after using the automated call back system the holds continue. Last night even though I have an $70 balance on my account my boyfriend was told I have a block on my phone. His relatives had to call me to tell me. I called Global Tel lInk and they told me there is not a block and that I have a balance on my account. I called again after another relative called and was told by a supervisor someone will get back to me in 24-48 hours. This is unacceptable. I would never choose this company as a provider and the DOC should discontine the relationship with this phone company. I have been double billed for calls etc.

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Cothran
Ventura, US
Sep 21, 2012 10:06 am EDT

THIS SYSTEM IS A FARCE. i HAVE BEEN ON HOLD FOR OVER AN HOUR WITH NO RESULTS.TRIED YOUR COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM TO SET UP AN ACCOUNT TWICE WITH NO SUCCESS. I AM STILL ON HOLD JUST TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED. MY 89 YEAR OLD MOTHER IS IN TEARS BECAUSE SHE CANNOT CONNECT WITH HER GRANDDAUGHTER.
A SOLUTION WOULD BE TO HAVE HUMAN BEINGS TO TALK TO.

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sharon
Jul 08, 2008 4:36 pm EDT

I AM ALSO VERY DISAPPOINTED IN GTL'S SERVICE THE HAVE YOU ON HOLD FOREVER AND EVEN WHEN YOU DO USE THEIR WEBSITE THEY ARE NEVER AT THE RIGHT AMOUNT FOR EXAMPLE I CHECKED MY BALANCE ON LINE AND IT WAS AT $91 SO I WENT AND PUT $50 ON THE PHONE AND THE NEXT DAY AFTER NOT USING IT MY BALANCE WAS $127 THIS IS RIDICULOUS THE CALLS ARE WAY TO HIGH AND TO HAVE ONLY 15 MINUTES TO TALK TO AN INMATE IS JUST ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS. YOU WOULD THINK YOU COULD GET A DISCOUNT AFTER SO MANY CALLS OR SO MANY CALLS FOR FREE ITS JUST NOT FAIR TO US AND SOME PEOPLE DO HAVE LOVED ONES IN JAIL

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5:14 pm EDT
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Global Tel Link fraud

i AM VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THIS COMPANY. i AM A aRMY WIFE OF 34 YEARS AND i FEEL LIKE I AM THE INMATE. MY SON VIOLATED TRUST WITH ME AND MY MOTHER THATS WHY HE IN LOCKED UP BUT THAT DOES NOT MEAN THAT WE DON'T LOVE HIM. SINCE MY SON HAS BEEN LOCKED UP, I HAVE PUT WELL OVER TWO HUNDRED ON CALLS WITH IN A TWO- WEEK PERIOD. JUST LAST WEEK WHEN HE CALLED OUR CALL DID NOT GET CONNECTED BUT I GOT CHARGED FOR THE CALL. THEY CLAIM THAT CALLS TO CELL PHONE ARE A RISK AND NOT CREDITED IF DROPPED. 1ST OF ALL MY CALL WAS NOT DROPPED...IT WAS CONNECTED BUT ON HIS SIDE THE CALL WAS STILL CONNECTED BUT WE WERE NOT. THEN I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OR IT MEANTION ON LINE THAT CALLS ARE NOT CREDITED TO CELL PHONES. THIS IS A DISCRACEAND SOMEONE NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS AS EVERYONE USES CELL PHONES. I CAN SEE THEM CHARGING ME FOR THE COONECTION BUT THE WHOLE CALL OF$7.00 DOLLARS THATS JUST WRONG AND A THIEF IF I NEVER SEEN ONE. I CAN BE CONTACTED BY [protected]@YAHOO.COM OR [protected]. iF YOU CAN NOT ASSIST THEN I WILL TAKE THIS MATTER FURTHER. i WILL PROVIDE A PRINT OUT OF MY CALLS AND PAYMENTS.

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meikouna
Cranston, US
Jun 18, 2012 8:08 am EDT

Perhaps a nice class action civil suit should be considered. Globeltel will never be responsive or accountable for their actions unless they are forced to do so. Even the biggest of money hungry empires can fall and fall hard. I too have been fustrated by this corrupted, insensitive, unprofessional, money scamming, indecent company. BTW, I found out that if an inmate calls back to back in efforts of trying to reach you...GTL will take the cost of the call(s) and as they say put it on hold and then release it later. Someone tell me why is that? What's the purpose? If you connect you connect if you don't then you don't. Calling back to back does what? Nevertheless, in order to make some changes and to fight a big boy...it will have to be done in unity...the more the merrier...strength in numbers...and file a class action suit against this company... make them pay everyone back for the pain and anguish they have caused through out the years.

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7:55 pm EDT
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Global Tel Link crooks

This organization is ran by crooks! I set up services for my fiance who was an inmate in the local county jail. Because of that I had to speak with a live operator because advance pay was not an option. Each time I was limited to 50 dollars that I could send allowing them a service fee each time. Had I gone over my time I would have to pay that balance off each time before I could put more money on it due to the fact that it was a cell phone. When he was transferred to state I was then transferred to the advance pay system. Almost 2 years later I start receiving a bill tell me I owe them 56 dollars. When I called they said I owe them money and what not. I then went to my bank and had them fax global tel everytime they charged me while on the old system. I then called and they told me that they will review it. Someone then called me back and left a message. I called back and requested a call back and I get nothing. I ask to speak with a supervisor since everyone is too dumb for their own good and after 10 minutes on hold I get sent to voicemail? When I try to leave a message before I could get out my name it cuts me off. If you ask me they should be the ones in jail. They are crooks and they take advantage of those who are in difficult situations.

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8:01 am EDT
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Global Tel Link repersentative

I spent an hour today on the phone with the companies rep that aren't knowledgeable at all. I supervisor so they say got on the phone and still didnt assist me correctly or answer questions I had. I really wish this is addressed and the prison switch companies again or go back to CBS or MCI. This company is so unprofessial in everyway. I dont have to call much but when I do its a bad day. Everytime you call they transfer you to a automated system that dont call back until hours later and they say high call volume everytime you need to speak with rep. Its a lot of people looking for jobs ### hire some more reps they dont seem to have much edu about them anyway

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Update by YKennedy
May 11, 2010 8:07 am EDT

I agree it gives other a chance to see if anyone else has gone threw what they have and if anything is going to be done about it or changed. I also think feedback is great in good or bad experiences

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8:32 pm EDT
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Global Tel Link fraud

In December I had a friend pay this company with his bank card, in order for me to be able, to recieve collect calls from a local county jail. All calls made by inmates, are through this company. They only offered the option to pay either 25.00 or 50.00 with a bank or credit card. My friend authorised a $25.00 payment on December 30th, 2009. I recieved several calls during the month of January, 2009. Each time I was told the remaining balance at the beginning of the call. I had to contact the company to find out exactly how much they charged for calls. I was told that, from that facility, each call was $3.38 for the first minute, and .08 cents for each minute after that. The last call I recieved was on January 26th, 2010. At the time I had around $10.00 at the beginning of the call. I estimate that the balance left was around $4.00. On February 5th, 2010 I put another $25.00 on the account with my roommates bank card. I did not have any more calls until February 26th, 2010. I did not however accept or answer that call. Then in April, my fiance was incarcerated at the Santa Rita Jail in Alameda County. Unbeknownst to me, this company had put a block on my phone, making it impossible for me to even known that he was in custody or trying to contact me. Upon his release ten days later, he informed me of the block. I attempted to contact the service and was forwarded to a message saying they would return my call within two hours. they never responded and the issue slipped my mind. Then on April 26th, 2010, my fiance returned to that same jail, and I again tried to contact Global Tel*Link. They have an automatic system that informs you of your account status and ways to rectify any issues. Going to Western Union and making a payment for what I was told I owed was the fastest way to fix the issue. It cost me 10.95 just to put $10.00 on my account. I owed $4.71, according to Global Tel*Link. The next day when my fiance attempted to call, he finally got through to my phone. However I was told that due to insufficient funds, I would not be allowed to get his call, but to make a payment to fix the problem. Frustrated I contacted their service again and waited two hours, again. They called back and informed me that at some undetermined time they had done a "charge back" to my credit card, and blocked my service, without informing me. I had know idea what a "charge back" was, and had to fight with the person just to get a vague description. I was told that because I had not used their service for 30 days, they had "put the money back" on the credit card. However the agent had stated that the payment was made from a card ending in 8190, but stated the charge back was put on the card ending in2515. I again had to argue for a while about how they could, one, make decisions regarding my money with them without informing me; and two, how they could then take the money that was paid with one card, and credit it back to another card, and again not inform anyone of those three parties. I asked for a supervisor and was asked to wait. He put the phone down fgor a few minutes, then put me on hold, and the line disconnected. I attempted to call back, but conveniently they had closed, so I couldn't even attempt getting anyone. The next day the same run around. no one but a message queing service that stated retun calls within 2 hours. The agent that called back, had a new story line. This time she stated that I had had my bank request the charge back. I had to fight again, and the story changed again. Now it was because I had gone over my balance. I pushed the issue of the fact that they had charged the money back to a bank card that it had not come from. she tried to manipulate that some more, before I finally stopped her and said I wanted a superviser. The person who came on stated she was an "escalation representative". I had to fight just to recieve an explanation of what that was. I had to fight to get an accounting of monies recieved monies spent, contract rights and responsibilites, even a paper bill sent to me in the mail. None of their math, or reasons or answers has been right or true. She didn't even want to confirm about sending the bill, stating that since it wasn't her department, how could she know. I'd just have to wait and see if one came. I refused to accept that from her, and forced her to get confirmation from her boss. I also wanted confirmation that they had recieved the payment from Western Union. Finally she said it had come through, that I had a credit balance of $5.00 and some odd cents, which meant that, yes, I would now be able to accept his calls. But once again, it did not happen. once again the call was not allowed because of insufficient funds. Over the next week I contacted this company everyday, several times a day begging them to fix this problem. Everytime, I was told it was my fault his fault, but never there fault. They say he can only try to call me once, if it doesn't go through, he cant try again for twenty minutes or and hour or ten hours, or else it makes the computer system think I have no funds available. They say its my responsibilty to inform him of this, even thought I cannot speak to him. they say that even though I will only get the first call, and it says I have no funds, that really he has tried to call me 5, 7, 11, times; and messed up, so its his fault.
This company is the ONLY collect call service for jails in Ca. This company is run by a Texas Sheriffs Association, it has anywhere from 7 to 13 different business names. Not one time that I have spoken with any of their employees have I been treated with any form of respect, none. I have been lied to, yelled at, told I am wrong, rude, an idiot, and lastly, hung up on.
So far I have not gotten to speak to my fiance at all. I have also learned from my friend who's card I used, that in reality this all stems from them charging his card twice, $25.00, each time. Of course he contested that, and recieved the charge back from Global Tel*Link for that $25.00. If they were never wrong for their accounting methods, they would never have been legally required to honor the charge back rules. They paid it, then blocked my account and stated I had a debt to them, further recieving monies from me through fraud. I have no way of speaking with my loved one, because, they are the only company allowed by the California Department of Corrections. If there is anything that can be done to stop this company from dominating and ruining this part of the penal system, please do it now.

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8:55 pm EDT
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Global Tel Link 3 way callng

I pay $25.00 about every 4 days in order to receive calls from a inmate at the clay county jail at : 901 orange ave green cve springs florida and a recording has come on 4 times in the pass month 1/2 saying 3 way calling alert, then the call is disconnected. I do not have 3 way calling on my phone. I did call the jail tonight and I was told that they have been having problems with the phones and for me to call-[protected] and I tryed this nunber tonight and no person answers this number at all- the number I do call to add funds is [protected] and also this number is just a recording and I can not get a person at all. I spoke to others with the same issues and something must be done.

I would appreciate any help
my name is : christina Bonner
[protected]
Green cove springs Florida 32043

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OldBill
La Habra, US
Mar 27, 2010 2:02 am EDT

Had a similar problem when my son was incarcerated. Turned out to be my local Sprint Network phone service that was screwing it up. Switched phone companies - problem solved. You need a solid phone line (no half-assed satellite links) to keep from tripping those false "3-Way" and "Cell Phone" alerts, causing disconnect.

Go over to Center Street, sit down and talk to a live AT&T /Bellsouth person. You will most likely end up with a plan that actually costs less, plus solid hard-wire phone routing. They will have a technician climb onto your roof, if necessary, to ring out the line make sure the line is 100% compatible with your inmate calling service.

Best part: no hanging on an 800 line for two hours - only to finally get some lady with a Hindu accent, who tells you there's nothing they can do.

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2:29 pm EDT
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Global Tel Link TOOK MONEY NOW WON'T ALLOW CALLS TO GO THRU

GLOBAL TEL LINK HAS TAKEN MY CREDIT CARD INFOMARTION, THEY HAVE MY # ON AUTO CALL & NOW THEY WILL NOT TAKE MY CALLS OR RETURN MY MONEY. I SENT THE PAYMENT FOR MY HUSBAND TO CALL ME FROM A IMMAGRATION CENTER & NOW THEY ACT LIKE I NEVER SET UP AN ACCOUNT & EVERYTIME I CALL THERE IS NO-ONE THERE TO ANSWER THE CALL. NOW ALL IT SAYS IS THEY ARE EXPERIENCEING HIGH CALL VOLUME & AND IT KICKS ME OUT OF THERE SYSTEM. THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH MY CELL SERVICE THIS IS ALL GLOBAL TEL LINK DOING DIRTY BUSINESS.

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nicky turner
jacksonville, US
May 16, 2012 2:09 am EDT

global tel link is ripping anyone off that uses them, i feel that they take advantage of the fact that they are the only way to go if you want to talk to a loved one that is locked up. when you put money on the inmates account, it should only take 2.50 off but it always takes more or your calls are dropped -- i am going to contact the better buisness beaur, i feel that what global tel link does is wrong and should be handled - i will take this to the highest person until someone fixes this issue..

nicky turner

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JPress
Chapel Hill, US
Jun 26, 2011 5:18 pm EDT

I put money into an account for our son to call home. [protected]), But our son has been unable to call home. They said we had $50+ in the acct.

We are in Orange County North Carolina.

Please do something as I will be having surgery tomorrow for breast cancer.
My husband is bed ridden with lung cancer. Our son really needs to call.
It gives him peace of mind. On the phone they do not give us a number to press, so that we

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christina ellis
Jacksonville, US
May 06, 2010 6:51 pm EDT

just call girl told me when he calls it should go thru i said this 3rd time i call why it not going thru now let system work up next time will work but it didn't im angry now .the number is [protected], marie ellis

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christina ellis
Jacksonville, US
May 06, 2010 6:47 pm EDT

they said inmate needed call well he call twice still hasn't went through so what im do do so inmate can get thru to me i can't beliveve this ripped off money .

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12:36 pm EST
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Global Tel Link does not have my account online, but takes my credit card to purchase minutes!

I set up an account on [protected]. I told them my name Glenna Warwick-Johnson. They charged my credit card with minutes. Now they tell me I'm not the person on the account. My Father-in-law tried to set up two different accounts. one on [protected], but they never would set that account up. So he transferred the money to [protected]. He also set an account for [protected], but he never could get calls from that number. They were supposed to put that money on [protected], but as of yesterday they told him he could not transfer the money because his name was not on this account. Well if my name and his name is not on this account. Whose name is it supposed to be in?
Everytime my husband calls from jail it has been $3 + taken from my account [protected], but yesterday they took $9 +. Can't you help us to resolve this problem this is the only way we have to talk to my husband.
Thanks Glenna

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Mistyjo Maxwell
US
Apr 05, 2022 8:04 pm EDT

I was charged for 5 picture messages, then I received a message saying they were not delivered because they were inappropriate. These pictures were not inappropriate they were pictures of my neck up showing my new hair cut, I contacted GTL customer service and got a run around, still I have not gotten a refund or credit, and have not been able to send pictures or messages to my fiancée. This is not acceptable.

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2:26 pm EST
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Global Tel Link INMATES PHONE CHARGES

THIS COMPANY CHARGES SO MUCH, WHEN AN INMATES CALL IN THEIR LOVED ONES, THEIR CHARGES IS OUTSTANDING RIDICULOUS. THEY ASKED FOR A PRE-PAID PAYMENT OF AT LEAST $25-$50, THEN THEY TAKE OUT AUTOMATICALLY 4.95 FOR A TRANSACTION FEE, THEN ANOTHER $5.00 FOR CONNECTING FEE, THEN CHARGED YOU .90 CENTS PER MINUITE. I NEED TO CONTACT A CNN TO INVESTIGATE ON THIS MATTER... I HAVE PROOF OF ALL MY CHARGES, BUT THEY CAN'T PROVIDE EXCTLY THE MINUITES, WHEN YOU CONNECT, A 2 MIN CONVERSATION USED UP THE $25.00. I WANT TO FILE A LAWSUIT AGAINST THIS COMPANY, THIS IS A BIG SCAM TO FAMILY OF INMATES WHO CONTROLLED TO USE THIS ONLY PROVIDER FOR SACRAMENTO COUNTY JAIL..LOOKING FOR A CONSUMER LAWYER ON THIS AND WILL CONTACT CNN OR NBC TO INVESTIGATE FURTHER ON THIS TELEPHONE COMPANY...

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beeharris
Upland, US
May 17, 2010 2:16 am EDT
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Who ever wrote this I completly agree and if you want to get pottion started i will be glad to help i feel that families are being cheated out of ther money just because our loved one's are jail or prison they are ready pay with there freedom why can't we talk to them not for free but at least at a fair price

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12:43 pm EST
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Global Tel Link Billing ISSUES

I called global tel link was told that a representative will call me back because they are extremely busy...i recieved a callback and ask the lady about my account and why is the amounts not adding up? she then explained to me but was not clear and was not helpful and placed me onhold and never came back to the phone i heard silence for a a few minutes then there was musice and i waited on the line for 52 minutes before hanging up and i think that is ridiculous..because every one has a family member or friend in jail and its just very sad that you can treat people like this why because we are getting collect calls..come one now you are a buisness and needs to know how to treat customers...

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They need to be incarcerated
Norfolk, US
Mar 09, 2010 2:32 pm EST

Globel Tel link is a horrible company. They know there isn't many other companies we can go to for inmate calls, so they treat us bad. I have had countless numbers of complaints against them. From posting my money to a wrong state account, to not posting my money at all to my account, but took it out of my bank account. If you ask to speak to a supervisor, they will leave you on hold and never come back. They want you to fax everything and will never call you back to follow up. It takes forever to get them on the phone and when they do call half of them dont know their own policies. Representatives are rude and enter your card information in wrong, on one occassion a rep told me my card was decline, I told her it was impossible, she entered it again and said it was declined. The truth of the matter is she was so rude and going so fast she entered it wrong the first time, not wanting to admit to her mistake when it actually did go through the second time she lied and told me it was declined. Only when I called my bank they told me she entered the expiration date incorrectly the first time and it went throught the second time. What type of mess is this? I hate this company. I pray that some governing agency will look into their business and uncover the criminial behavior that is going on. they are thieves.

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10:48 am EST
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Global Tel Link funds

My name is Michelle Lell. My husband is incarcerated at Kilby RCC in Alabama. Normally when he calls me I put 25.00 in the account. I get a full 15 min. to talk to him. Last night (New Years Eve) I put 50.00 in the account...I talked to him appx. 16 minutes because I had to go out with my parents. He called me later that night and it said I "had to add more funds". I added yet another 25.00! We talked for 14-15 minutes and hung up. Today I called your company and it says I only have .21 left. This is totally disgusting. I am 0n disability & that was my last 25.00. Now I can't even tell him what happened. How can 25.00 be a fifteen minute call while 75.00 be none? I am reporting this company to the BBC. I want my money returned to my account immediately. This is nothing but a scam. I will warn everyone I know not to use your system. http://www.complaintsboard.com/thumb.php?src=compl_72_188_233_244-MzExMV8xMTQwMzU2NjI5OTYwXzEyNTg3Njc5MDdfMzAzODg2MTdfOTc5NjM2X24uanBn&wmax=65&hmax=65&quality=100Answer me ASAP

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heaven1107
Port Orange, US
Jan 03, 2010 10:13 am EST

In the past when my husband called me from prison in Alabama, I put 25.00 on the account & got 15 minutes to speak with him. On Dec. 31st, I put 50.00 on the account & only got 10 minutes. When he called back I had to put 25.00 more in the account. I got 7 minutes for that call. When I was FINALLY able to get through to Global Tel Link, they informed me I only have 43 cents in the account. I am really upset! I am fighting breast cancer & am on disability & now I can't even tell my husband what happened. Something needs to be done about this company! Aren't they regulated by the government or anything?

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11:30 am EST
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Global Tel Link cell phone prepaid calls

i use my cell phone for my boyfriend to call my phone through global tel link... yes they did advice me that if a call is dropped they will not refund the call, but what about when their system says i attempted a 3 way call so they disonnect my call after 5 minutes? when i first called to make the complaint about the disconnected call the lady told me that they would more then likely refund it because they have been having this issue with alot of customers being disconnected for this reason. so its been over a week and it happened again i got disconnected cause they said i was trying to issue a three way call so i call global tel link and they tell me they will not refund my calls because its on a cell phone and thats considered a dropped call, no where in their policy does it state that if THEY disconnect your phone call because they SAY you are attempting a 3 way call that it is considered a droppped called simply becasue you are on a cell phone, what would they said if i had that happen on my house phone ? i have went through their policy online and remember the phone call where she stated their policy and no where does it state that they cant refund me for their companys mistakes and i am very dissapointed to have to give them money for my boyfriend to call me.

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Louis Schotl
US
Apr 24, 2016 3:27 am EDT

I completely am unsatisfied with this service ive done paid out money to be able to recieve phone calls from my son and i am not able to accept any calls from him i want my money back for not being able to eccept any of the phone calls it keeps telling me to add funds to my account when i already have done so on multiple occasions a still nothing! If possible by chance your able to either fix the issue im addressing or refund me my money much would be appreciated

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recie
US
Dec 16, 2015 8:44 pm EST

i put money on my account and 3 days later, still no money on the account. they kept saying their system was updating an they couldn't help me figure out why the money was taken from my card, but was not applied to my account. they're a scam!

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venicementor
Venice, US
Dec 20, 2009 5:20 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

GLOBAL NET LINK SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED FOR FRAUD! My brother is a detainee and according to Global Net Link they DO NOT HAVE A CONTRACT with Time Warned and therefor I cannot accept collect calls from the prison system and have to use their pre-pay system which is $3.99 for the connection and 8 cents per minute there after. The minimum you can put on pre-pay is $25.00. Their service is so bad, that when you get a call from someone in the corrections system you often get immediately disconnected. When my brother calls, we are disconnected six out of ten times. All of a sudden, the amount you originally put in is at zero without

I then used my AT&T account and had him call me at that number and now I am told the same thing. They do not have a contract with AT&T? Who in the hell do they have a contract with? I think this is a rip-off scam and that those at GLOBAL NET LINK are liars and cheaters wanting people to use their system so they can steal from us and those who are incarcerated. They probably figure that not many people care about those who are incarcerated and even if they do they are most likely "fringe people" and that they would not, or can't complain!

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1:09 am EDT
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Global Tel Link dropped calls

I have a BIG problem with Global Tel Link. My poor son is in jail and so sick. I waited all day for his call.He called me today and said the last few calls he made to his girl had been disconnected within the first minute or two. So he called her back. again disconnected in the first minute of saying hello. he tried again they got the full 15 that time.
So then he calls me..says.. hi mom..I just was talking to my girl and it got disconnected twice in a row. so if it does it again..click..it disconnected! one minute 3 seconds!
I had no more money to put on the phone. I called GTL only to get the recording they would call back in 2 hours that they were having unusualy high call volumes. (I bet they are!) FINALLY..Someone calls me back..I told him exactly what happened. He said he would try and see if he could issue me a credit. I was on hold for the next 25 minutes. he finally came back to me and said these exact words.."I listened to your call to your son and since you gave me fraudulant information you can never ever receive any credit for dropped calls. I SAID WHAT! FRAUDULANT INFORMATION! I DID NOT GIVE YOU ANY FRAUDULANT INFO. HE SAID WELL I LISTENED TO THE TAPES AND YOUR SON HUNG UP ON YOU! AND STATED THAT I WAS LYING JUST TO TRY AND GET A CREDIT! YEAH LIKE I AM GOING TO PUT ALL THIS MONEY ON MY PHONE TO TALK TO MY BABY AND HE IS GOING TO SAY ONE SENTENCE AND HANG UP ON ME! MY SON IS VERY SICK RIGHT NOW..SWINE FLU IS GOING AROUND IN THE JAILS. AND I COULD NOT EVEN TALK TO HIM. NO THAT IS NOT THE WAY IT GOES..WE ALWAYS TALK FOR THE FULL 15 MINUTES. I am really pissed! Class action law suit!
If there was another company we could use I bet they would be a bit nicer. They wouldn't want to lose customers. but they know they are all we have. so I guess they can just take your money. give you 1 minute phone calls and charge for 15 min. calls. and then turn around and ask you for more money. This has happened to me so many times you can not even imagine! I have been doing this for a year and a half now. I am a good paying customer! WTF! I will just take that 25 bucks and go visit my son and quit using GTL!

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Eellana
St. Petersburg, US
Mar 09, 2012 2:37 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Pinellas County Jail uses Global Tel Link as their service provider for inmate calls. I have spent an outrageous amount of money to try and keep in touch with my loved ones. Everytime the call is connected; the connection is HORRIBLE! You can hardly hear the other party talk, and the calls get dropped before the 20 minutes has expended on a regular basis. What a rip off!

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pbiggs
Memphis, US
Feb 18, 2010 8:08 pm EST

I have been having a big issue with Global Tel Link as well. For some reason, the calls have went from 15 minutes to 5 minutes. The phone warns us that we have 1 minute left when the phone timer hits about 4Mins 30 secs. I called GTL, and they say.. I dont' know what's going on.. maybe its the actual facility that's cutting the phones off - they told me they have the authority to cut the phones off if they want to. They told me to tell the inmate to report the problem to the officers at the correctional facility. So I am getting 5 minutes calls for the price of a 15 minute call. I am going to the BBB. This is rediculous..I pay serious money to talk to my loved one..this company is so sketchy..I really don't see how they can still be in business...their service is very poor.

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5:28 pm EDT
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Global Tel Link everything about this business is a SCAM

Over a dozen times and ten different people have told me do many different policies and procedures. This last one really tops the cake. According to the customer service department I can only pay my bill with a credit card thats billing address matches the address on the phone bill that I had to submit to open the account in the first place. Since my bank uses my po box address for my protection and the phone bill Global Tel Link insisted on says my home address they wouldn't allow me to pay my bill. Apparently the only way I can pay my bill is with a credit card that matches my Global Tel Link info. exactly. So this doesn't allow anyone else like my family or friends to pay my bill or in my case myself! I think this is just another GTL policy that's meant to screw us consumers over! It's so unfair that they are the only company there is and I have to go thru them to talk to my loved ones. The lady actually said "well if you dont want to talk to him (my loved one) then close your account with us!" How dare they manipulate the system and force us to do business with them in order to talk to our loved ones! It feels like this should be against a law!

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WEH8GTL!!!!!
Ashburnham, US
Jan 31, 2010 5:17 pm EST

iVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THE SAMETHING WHERE I PAY ON MY PARENTS ACCOUNT AND THEY ALLOW ME TO PUT MONEY ON THE ACCOUNT SOMETIMES BUT NOW IM BLOCKED AGAIN AND THEY KEEP BLAMING MY BANK...ITS NOT MY BANK ITS THEM!AND THEY BLOCKED ME FROM RECEIVING COLLECT CALLS THAT WOULD BE BILLED ON MY VERIZON BILL AND THEY WERE SAYING THAT VERIOZN BLOCKED ME...UMM I WORK FOR VERIZON AND THERE WAS NO BLOCK SO THEY KEPT COMING UP WITH REASONS WHY THEY COULDNT REMOVE THE BLOCK...IVE NEVER MISSED A PAYMENT OR WENT OVER THE $100 A MONTH...THIS COMPANY SUCKS AND THE REPS THAT WORK FOR THIS COMPANY ARE JUST AS BAD!

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10:36 am EDT
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Global Tel Link collect calls from nys prison

i had an account with them for over 3 years with a phone number at my old address. i had to move this past jJuly of 2009 and that is when the night mare started. it is now sept. 6 2009 and i still do not have a phone account with them. they said to send them a copy of the phone bill with the new address and phone number on it. i have sent them 3 faxes and they state that they still have not recieved them. my husband is getting very pissed offf and i am stressed out tot he max. i had to move and do everything myself and they are not helping me their reps are very rude and obnious and they hang up on you in middle of a conversation.

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opiukk
Stephens City, US
Dec 15, 2009 6:41 pm EST

my brother has been calling me collect for five years and one day these yahoos at global tell*link say i need to set up a credit card account so he can keep calling. Now why all of a sudden do i have to do this? I pay my phone bill every month, they get paid.

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gladyswenger
northvernon, US
Mar 10, 2011 1:36 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

i don't went my phone block

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gladyswenger
northvernon, US
Mar 10, 2011 1:35 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

unblock my phone [protected]

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locos Baby Girl
US
Oct 27, 2010 7:00 pm EDT

I payed for a service so that i can pick up the collect calla from the jail but i still am not recieving

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adeana howard
Rochester, US
Nov 26, 2009 5:55 pm EST

They suck. I am going through something similar. I've faxed the papers and to no avail. It is pitiful how things are done through them. Its a prepaid account. How much stricter could they get when we are already over paying for it? They really need competition and all that would change. I've heard that they will no longer be handling many accounts in NY by the end of this year (2009) and I am so glad. Regardless of who takes over, it's gotta be better than this. They have made a lot of money off of people like us and I can't believe they have been allowed to handle these facilities with their prices and rules. It is ridiculous. Well, just thought I'd let you know you ar not alone in your frustration and feelings about Globaltellink. They are monsters in their prices and I couldn't believe the amount of complaints they have (good). I pray that they hurry up and move. They are in our way!

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5:32 pm EDT
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Global Tel Link APPLYING MONEY TO ACCOUNT

IM PISSED WITH THIS COMPANY AND FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE FCC TONIGHT ABOUT GLOBAL TEL LINK.. THIS IS DEFINATELY THE WORST COMPANY I HAVE EVER HAD TO DEAL WITH. I HAVE PAID THIS COMPANY HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS SO FAR TO BE ABLE TO TALK TO MY HUSBAND IN PRISON. BEFORE I REACHED MY HUNDRED DOLLAR LIMIT I SENT IN A PAYMENT ( BEFORE BILL EVEN CAME) SO SERVICES WOULD BE ON. ALL OF A SUDDEN MY PHONE WAS BLOCKED AND MY CHECK WAS CASHED ON 6-26-09 TODAY IS 7-9-09 AND IT IS STILL NOT APPLIED . I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO TALK TO HIM ALL THIS TIME DUE TO THEIR MISTAKE. I ALSO WENT TO THE BANK PAID THEM A FEE TO GET THE COPY OF THE BACK OF THE CHECK TO SEE WHO CASHED IT..WHAT A SURPRISE GTL DID.. SO I CALLED THEM 3 TIMES ALREADY.. OF COURSE NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. THEY SENT ME A BILL TODAY IN THE MAIL. I REALLY DONT WANT TO SEND PAYMENT IN RIGHT AWAY DUE TO THE FIRST ONE NOT BEING APPLIED. SO WHO IS SUFFERING IN THE LONG RUN.. ME AND MY HUSBAND. WE NEED A MORE RELIABLE COMPANY THAT WILL GIVE US EXCEPTIONAL SERVICES TO KEEP IN CONTACT WITH OUR LOVED ONES. AND ACCORDING TO SOME INMATES IN THIS OHIO PRISON I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT IS HAVING THIS ISSUE OTHER BILL PAYERS ARE . I LIKE IT MUCH BETTER WHEN THE BILLED IT TO MY HOUSE PHONE. I VERY MUCH DISLIKE GLOBAL TEL LINK AND FEEL THIS COMPANY NEEDS SOME MAJOR IMPROVEMENT.

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joyce vanderhorst gambl;e
Patchogue, US
Aug 09, 2009 3:14 pm EDT

i made an attempt to pay the bill and glt refuse to do the transaction... they decline it without an reason.. and the funds was not returned to my account and the phone is still block and the funds is sitting somewhere over the rainbow.. my husband is very upset and so am i. [protected] gamble patchogue, ny 11772

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8:35 pm EDT
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Global Tel Link CREDIT ON ACCOUNT NOT REFUNDED

Have had a credit on account set up to Augusta Correctional Facility, Craigsville, Virginia. Credit amount if $100.00. Account #6365-[protected]. Due back to me since February of this year. Have called numerous times, did letters also. No response to letters, or phone calls saying a credit would be issued.
Request help in obtaining this refund.

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Jerry Wayne Clark
Vicksburg, US
Aug 29, 2009 4:31 pm EDT

I have the same situation in Georgia, 50 dollars that has been on the books for months. No response to letters or calls. They said I had to sent a FAX well, guess what that doesn't work either and this is surpose to be our law enforcement and it seems that they are worst thiefs than the people that they guard

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7:10 am EDT
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Global Tel Link BLOCKING INMATES CALL UNTILL YOU SIGN UP WITH THEM

I WAS RECECIVING COLLECT CALLS FROM MY BROTHER WHO IS IN PRISON THRU MY PHONE COMPANY AT LOWER RATE, GOLBAL-TEL LINK, HAS NOW BLOCK HIS CALLS TO TELLING ME THAT UNTIL I SIGN UP WITH THEM AND HAVE THEM SEND ME A BILL, THAT MY BROTHER WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CALL ME.

MY HOME PHONE COMPAY ATT WAS BILLING ME FOR THE COLLECT CALLS AND NOW GLOBAL-TEL-LINKS STATES THAT THEY OWE THE PRISON PHONE AND THEY WILL BLOCK HIS CALLS TO MY HOME UNTIL I EXCEPT BILLING DIRECT FROM THEM AND THERE WAS NOTHING THAT I CAN DO ABOUT IT

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ClassAdvocate
US
Jun 16, 2009 8:39 am EDT

I read constant posts regarding this company. It is really unfair, although I am not sure if what they do is illegal. I do know of one firm that is investigating this conduct. Good Luck.

http://www.classadvocate.com/?direct=y&category=defendant&defendant_root%5B%5D=14192

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Overview of Global Tel Link complaint handling

Global Tel Link reviews first appeared on Complaints Board on Jan 4, 2008. The latest review Unable to use debit card to fund the inmates phone account was posted on Dec 27, 2023. The latest complaint Video calls to inmates was resolved on Dec 28, 2014. Global Tel Link has an average consumer rating of 2 stars from 139 reviews. Global Tel Link has resolved 37 complaints.
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  1. Global Tel Link Contacts

  2. Global Tel Link phone numbers
    +1 (877) 856-3184
    +1 (877) 856-3184
    Click up if you have successfully reached Global Tel Link by calling +1 (877) 856-3184 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have successfully reached Global Tel Link by calling +1 (877) 856-3184 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Global Tel Link by calling +1 (877) 856-3184 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Global Tel Link by calling +1 (877) 856-3184 phone number
  3. Global Tel Link emails
  4. Global Tel Link address
    3120 Fairview Park Dr., Ste 300, Falls Church, Virginia, 22042-4570, United States
  5. Global Tel Link social media
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    Checked and verified by Janet This contact information is personally checked and verified by the ComplaintsBoard representative. Learn more
    Jun 13, 2024
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