Refurbished Phones from StraightTalk Wireless

Did you buy a refurbished phone from Straight Talk Wireless that doesn’t work? Were you sold a refurbished phone as new? Here’s what you can do. 

Refurbished phone deals and promises from Straight Talk Wireless

Straight Talk wireless claims that you will get “best deals” on refurbished phones they have a very wide selection. The reconditioned phones are relatively inexpensive, almost all of them listed at around $20. You can find information about the color that is available and the specifications for the specific phone you purchase. According to the company inside the box you get the charger, the battery, earphones, an activation card, adapter, and user guide.

The fine print stipulates that if you are unsatisfied with the refurbished phone or any accessory you can return it to them within 30 days and they will give you your money back. The service plan cards you purchase however cannot be refunded. 

What to do if your refurbished phone doesn’t work or was sold as new

If your refurbished phone from Straight Talk wireless doesn’t work or you were sold a refurbished phone as new, the first thing you need to do is contact the company. If you purchased directly from a store, contact that physical store and report it at the corporate level.

After that you can submit complaints. 

Submit a Formal Complaint against Straight Talk Wireless

The Federal Communications Commission or FCC is the first place to file a complaint at the federal level. If enough people raised red flags about refurbished phone scams, it will give them leverage to make changes and enforce regulations. If there were issues regarding stolen phones you can report that to the FTC or Federal Trade Commission.

• You can file a complaint with the FCC online here or report FTC fraud here.

Tip: The FTC keeps records of what is currently under investigation. To see what is under review between the FTC and Straight Talk Wireless, visit ftc.gov/exploredata.

You can move on to state-level formal complaints. Depending on where you live you can find your attorney general’s office and submit a Complaint Form online or through the mail. A formal complaint can give your State’s Attorney General’s office and opportunity to enforce federal regulations for the telecom companies. You can also look at various other organizations to whom complaints can be submitted such as state commissions or official state boards that relate to the Telecommunications industry.

• You can find your state Attorney General office here.

Submit an Informal Complaint against Straight Talk Wireless

The Better Business Bureau is a great place to submit an informal complaint. If you are lucky the company will monitor their page on the Better Business Bureau and reach out to you if they see the public problem posted on their page. The Better Business Bureau collects complaints like yours and information about refurbished cell phone scams and publicizes it so that other consumers can be made aware.

• You can file a complaint with the BBB here. 

You can file an informal complaint with consumer affairs. Consumer affairs monitors the goings-on for different companies including cell phone companies and publicizes this information so that other people can be made aware that there are refurbished phone scams out there. This won’t necessarily get you any type of resolution but it does help other people to avoid the same scams.

• You can file a complaint with ConsumerAffairs.com online.

One final way to post your complaint and bring attention to the issue is to use social media. Be sure to tag the appropriate company or store location when doing so.

• Reach out to Straight Talk Wireless on Twitter with your complaint.

Tip: Unsure whether your “new” phone is actually new? There are some quick tests you can do in the store or at home before you buy a “new” phone. 

What to Do After Submitting Your Straight Talk Complaint

Once you submit your complaints be sure to keep copies. If you used multiple formal and informal methods to seek resolution, keep copies of digital and physical correspondence. You might need it later to show the effort you went to get compensation.

Get a Resolution via Consumer Arbitration

In addition to filing complaints against straight talk or Walmart Family Mobile, you deserve compensation. We help you get that. Reach out to us to learn more about consumer arbitration and how it can help you.