Refurbished Phones from US Cellular

Did you get a refurbished phone from U.S. Cellular that doesn’t work? Were you sold a refurbished phone as new? Here’s what you can do. 

Refurbished phone deals and promises from U.S. Cellular

This company is offering what they say are the “best deals” on smartphones especially for people who switched and upgraded to the 5G plan. For example, one of their deals is that you get an iPhone 12 or an iPhone 12 Mini for $0. The fine print stipulates that if you purchase this iPhone they actually credit your bill over the course of 30 months so you end up buying it but just for a discounted price. 

When you look at their certified pre-owned cell phones, they state that these have been “thoroughly inspected, repaired, and reconditioned it to work like new. They’re affordable phones that come with peace of mind.” 

The pre-owned devices include things like new iPhones. There is a 15-day return policy for all devices with a $35 restocking fee, and a 90-day limited warranty. According to their website every pre-owned phone you buy has undergone a cosmetic inspection with a repair, functional testing, and a 60 point inspection completed twice, software upgrades, and then change to the original manufacturer settings.

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

Start by contacting them. Give them the opportunity to fix the problem at the local level and the corporate level. But if that doesn’t do anything and you still don’t get compensation for your refurbished phone scam from U.S. Cellular, you can post complaints.

Post Formal Complaints against U.S. Cellular

The first place to start is at the federal level with the Federal Communications Commission or FCC. The FCC needs you to report acts of fraud or scam like refurbished phone scams so that they can investigate the issue and potentially enforce changes. If your phone problem had to do with a blacklisted or stolen phone, you can report that to the FTC or Federal Trade Commission. It is unlikely that you will get any type of response or see personal resolution or compensation by doing this, but you do help keep the industry better regulated. 

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

You can search for your State’s Attorney General’s office and submit an official complaint. You can do this online or through the mail. Like the federal organizations, state organizations need official complaints in order to take action. You might not get a personal resolution, but at least someone will be made aware of what the company did.

• You can find your state Attorney General office here.

Tip: To learn more about what is currently going on or under review between the FTC and U.S. Cellular, you can explore data in your state or area online at ftc.gov/exploredata.

Post Informal Complaints against U.S. Cellular

You can submit informal complaints to places like the Better Business Bureau. The Better Business Bureau monitors the goings-on of different companies and provides them with a rating so that consumers can see what to expect. With the Better Business Bureau, the company might monitor their page and respond to the publicized complaint you file giving you a resolution. Even if they don’t, your information can help other consumers avoid a refurbished phone scam.

• You can file a complaint with the BBB here. 

Consumer affairs is another popular example of where you can submit informal complaints. This is one of many review based websites where you can submit your complaint about the company and describe exactly what happened. You can attach any evidence you have regarding the circumstances surrounding your refurbished phone scam from U.S. Cellular. It is very unlikely that this will get you any type of resolution or compensation but it at least makes other people aware of what the company is doing.

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

Posting your complaint on social media especially Facebook is a final way that you can share the issue. Sometimes Facebook offers a chance for instant messaging where the regular customer service doesn’t.

• U.S. Cellular has a Facebook page where you can post your issue. 

Tip: Unsure whether your “new” phone is actually new? You can use some quick tests at home each time you open a “new” box. 

What to Do After Submitting Your U.S. Cellular Complaint

Make sure you keep copies of all your complaints no matter where you sent them. You might need this information later especially if you use another method for compensation. 

Get a Resolution with Consumer Arbitration

Chances are not high that formal or informal processes will give you the compensation you deserve. That’s where we come in. We can help you with consumer arbitration to get a resolution and compensation for your refurbished cell phone problems. Consumer arbitration is a legally-binding way for you to pursue compensation for the damages you’ve suffered, especially if the company it’s not responsive.

Let us help you.