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Consumer Cellular Complaints 262

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8:21 am EDT
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Consumer Cellular International plan options

Vacation nightmare - do not use concumer cellular abroad! Cc left me high and dry while vacationing in spain. Phone was stolen at 8:30am in spain so contacting them to stop service was impossible since they were not available. They have no 24/7 availability so if an emergency occurs you are screwed! Later when my data was maxed it was days before I could renew the additional $50 for more. Then once that was added it unexplicabably got used up without me actually using any more. All this because they have no real time ability to tell you your status and allow themselves 48 hrs for accurate info. So I was wasting my time calling them many times on hold for 30 minutes or more each time incurring charges as if they save their money by being understaffed with any kind of infrastructure that is able to help you in an emergency. If you travel do not use consumer cellular!

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Paul Hedemark
US
Jul 08, 2018 8:44 am EDT

Sorry for the typo on Consumer. However they deserve the misspelling as their responsiveness and competence is appropriate for concumers, not consumers!

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12:02 pm EDT

Consumer Cellular Mobile phone service and products

I joined this company as an alternative to paying less and having a flip phone than a "smartphone" since I got tired of how glitchy they are. As it turns out, the brand this company gives out (Alcatel) is also difficult to use, not being able to make phone calls or text messages from time to time and would also lag and glitch so much I had to turn it off constantly when using it. On top of that I had to pay extra just to be able to send text messages, something that so far was unheard of. How can a phone company add plans for calls but not include text messaging on them?

I guess I got what I paid for and am ready to join another carrier even if it means having to pay more.

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9:24 am EDT
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Consumer Cellular Offer for free month phone service

I signed up for the free month
Received my sim. Immediately, called them as I had service. As long as activated by March 31, free month
First received a bill for $3 and change. (tax on free service) looked on back of bill contrary to their customer service was a bill
Next, my credit was checked with out my permission.
I cut off my other carrier 3 days early. Time after Time assured free month. In fact told 45 free days as I'm AARP. Not true. It's 45 day satisfaction guarantee
Next skipping part of more bills, spoke to supervisor mark. He admitted they start billing as soon as one orders sim and or cell. Next, he said there was error my account not pushed forward. Again I ask if free month valid. Next, they record us
Meanwhile called fraud line via AARP. I was informed they received umpteen complaints.
Next, as supervisor mark ask I called consumer Cellular following Saturday. Spoke to Manny he admitted ! Customers were billed for free offer. In fact one can search for it (recommend duckduckgo search engine)
Next I get billing. Offer Settle for 27 and change. They emailed offer with option pay $6 a month. No I did not agree. In fact should have had them send email confirmation of free month although I took screenshots of offer on their site.
Consumer Cellular also ticked I called ftc next, filing with attorney general. It is fraud.
Non contract? Post paid surprise.
In fact supervisor mark admitted I should have cancelled. With permission and knowledge I should have recorded them.
They are liars. Again bill one a tax quote, well turn it over and see the rest of it.
They lie about no hidden fees, being contract free, every aspect
Next I brought my own phone.
If the agent inform me of credit check I would have opted to forgo service.
Outdated data plans, post paid, fraudulent billing practices (phone service on order day) and all the above complaints. Fyi mark checked my usuage. Of course non as I did not install sim until 28th of March I believe. They owe me for my other service
Stay away from these crooks. Satisfied customer? Find a better company. Many out there at lower price and prepaid. No surprises .
They made a mistake alright (the supervisor). They messed with me.

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Update by 1Tickedofftwo
Jul 22, 2018 1:01 pm EDT

Now sending me to collections
I have to write a report to atty general of Oregon and my state
BBB (probably useless)
If AARP does not stop endorsing Cellular one I will not renew
Next FCC ignored my evidence of fraud
Btw one is charged on day of order. At warehouse. !

Received email from corp. Email one I had service two months. No I had another carrier.
She realized her mistake told me I rec free month
In essence I was charged from day one received bill three for over 150$ for two months (I provided proof I had Simple mobile to FCC/ftc).

Truth I had service less than promised free month. In fact before insert their sim I again asked if free month began that day again yes
The post paid surprises had not arrived
They finagled the bill to look good
Fraud unit told me give them nothing
Anyone have a printer i could borrow. My wifi printer is out of ink
Next collection on their bogus charge including administrative charges for mail costs them more
Avoid this company I'd rather see a rattle snake

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11:04 pm EDT

Consumer Cellular Fraudulent and shoddy service

I have a cellular phone and have the misfortune of being a former customer and employee of this company. There IS a contract with the customer, in spite of what is told to you (see Terms and Conditions on their website). If you do NOT have AARP (their 3rd party affiliate) you are forced to arbitrate and cannot sue them, they do NOT give the REQUIRED FCRA disclosure and run a hard hit on your credit AND have permission to dive into your consumer habits and credit further, they do NOT honor the soldiers and sailors relief act for active duty military members, if they sign you up for AARP they charge $16 instead of $12 the actual AARP charges, they will increase your plan if you go over and charge you the greater rate for the whole month and you are responsible for calling to drop your plan back down again. The reps are disreputable ghetto punks and for every SIM card (or new line) they get credit for a sale (so they love switching out the SIM)and have a lowered talk time, they are held to an avg 5 minute talk time and will often hang up to meet their stats, the minute they end the call they chatter about how stupid seniors are "somebody get me some cyanide", the owner has many disgusting cartoons of seniors on his website, they fail to disclose that you CANNOT change your plan when you go over plan, the two towers they bounce off of give them lower priority than their own customers so clarity and speed are an issue (charging in full minute increments to other cos partial minutes), got to say it Verizon has the BEST reception and network out there. The whole industry is moving to embedded SIM cards that do not switch out so, with any luck, they will be gone soon. Pull up the terms and conditions on their website and call your state attorney general and the FCC and report them for consumer fraud in every state you have used their service in or bounced your signal off a tower. Troll them by calling and keeping their reps on the phone for hours. The reason they do NOT have check by phone is that, each time you do it, they have a contract and they are too cheap to pay for the software. If English is not your first language, notice they ALSO did not disclose that your complaints against them on the State website are automatically ignored since they claim it was a miscommunication (other cell companies spend money for a language line). You fought the war to end all wars, gave us tremendous changes in technology, medicine, education. For Christ sake Gates is a senior citizen. I would say to reconsider and go directly to ATT or Verizon on a plan. Also, if you call to cancel, reps used to take the hit of the cancel against their sales and WOULD FORGET TO PROCESS IT. So you might find you are still with the jerks when you thought you left long ago. So make that looonnngg call from a landline to have them explain everything that your service/phone can do and call your regulators FCC, State Attorney General, Senator, Congressman. Become proactive consumers. Dont bother with AARP, they get a cut and dont care. Dont bother with BBB who uprates companies if they respond to a complaint, not if they do anything.

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Update by carrie snodgrass
Apr 21, 2018 11:05 pm EDT

no update yet

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1:45 pm EST

Consumer Cellular Cell phone service

I am a Consumer Cellular customer who has been unable to make/receive calls or connect to voice mail since Thursday, November 24, 2017 - that's six days and counting, folks. I am unable to call the toll-free Consumer Cellular Support Hotline because Consumer Cellular is my only phone service provider, so, I sent request for help messages via the Consumer Cellular website message link on November 24, 2017, November 27, 2017, and November 30, 2017. My first two messages were never replied to by Consumer Cellular, but my third request for help message was replied to by Consumer Cellular. I was told that the reason for my service disruption was a cell phone tower used by Consumer Cellular to provide cell phone service in my call area went offline on November 24, 2017. Although my third request for help message was replied to by Consumer Cellular, the solution which included updates sent to my phone to help it reconnect to the cell phone towers (i.e. serial number update via smart SIM card in cell phone) did not resolve my problem - that's six days and counting, folks. I was advised to contact Consumer Cellular's U.S. based customer service hotline [protected]) if I continue to have problems with service, however, I do not have another phone service available to me to contact them. Consumer Cellular does not have a live chat session capability which could be used to discuss customer service issues and resolutions [which would be ideal for my situation]. I cannot recommend Consumer Cellular pre-paid cell phone service to my fellow seniors because of the following shortcomings: (1) I sent two request for help messages to Consumer Cellular to which I never received a response [although I receive ticket #s immediately]; (2) Consumer Cellular does not have a banner headline capability on their website home page which would be used to indicate an outage [or other issues]; and (3) Consumer Cellular does not provide a live chat session capability which could be used to discuss customer issues and resolutions [when the customer is unable to contact Consumer Cellular via phone].

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6:22 pm EDT

Consumer Cellular I can not not ever get a person on the line. I have called as d several times as earls 9:00 am.

My husband have been members of AARP since 1997. We get e magazine and news letter every month. As seniors we put our trust in Iyour consumer information as the gospel. My husband saw their ad in magazine and wanted to switch from Straight talk to CC. He will be 70 years old August 17, 2117. I purchased the Doro (senior friendly) phone and had his phone number ported to CC. THIS has been a nightmare! If you have a question about about your monthly statement --- YOU will never get through to a REP to resolve a conflict. They put on hold and make you listen to the disgusting news. FORGET about A CALL BACK FOR YOUR PLACE IN LINE! AINT gonna happen ! AARP please address this issue concerning Consumer magazineCellular, Don't take my word ---Look at the COMPLAINTS from SENIORS like us, and DO something about it! After all you have a very "HAPPY" AD in every issue of your magazine?

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2:10 pm EDT
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Consumer Cellular Claims of payments not received, phone service terminated.

The June 30, 2016 discontinuance of phone service was the third time that Consumer Cellular terminated my service because of a lie or for an asnine reason. First, the claim was the lack of a 'regular' statement being remitted with a money order. The second was they were trying to make sure I was getting their bills timely (so they terminated my service to force me to call them from elsewhere. And now, as of 6.30.16, the claim was they did not have my money order in their office. So again, my service was shut off - right in time for the holidays. When confronted with the information that the money order was CASHED on June 15th - around the same time it's cashed each month (because they are always mailed the 3rd or 4th of each month), 'Lucy' claimed 'no one in that office received funds from me' and that's why my service was off. CFO/founder (John Marick) must EMAIL me for the money order # so the company can find their own thief. Western Union, to do a tracer for a copy of who signed the money order or whose bank is attached to the cashed m.o Absolutely NO calls from this company - they are liars who cover up wrong doing, will be tolerated. Someone stole money, and service I PAID to have was terminated. To Cellular: I expect a 6 month period of bill-FREE phone service. Send this in writing. Your customer servants are rude, and I'm tired of paying for crappy service. To AARP: Companies you endorse routinely mistreat your members because we are in a particular age group, and thereby nearly always wind up on the short end. Now having said that, I did mention I send money orders - to everyone I do business with, and if they are cashed by unscrupulous folk, I WILL NOT BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR YOUR ONLINE END-USER CONTRACTS. Twice before, Consumer later 'found' my money orders - either attached to someone else's account or laying around on someone's desk there at Consumer. This is ONE senior that will not be taken for a ride by any of the companies you endorse, just because they feel they have 'another one over a barrel.'

Check your company. You may have all kinds of gold stars and awards for Consumer on your home page, but because of rude behavior on the part of a 'Lucy' (spoke to her on 6.30.16) and this third time phone shut off for attention, gold stars is what Consumer Cell. ought to see, but going in circles, around their heads! Resolution - I will only send money to a street address, John Marick, he needs to contact me for the money order stubb number so he can send for a tracer to he can find his THIEF, but most importantly, Consumer Cell. can remain terminated until via U.S. mail, I receive an offer of a 6 months FREE service. This is the only 'good faith' way for a continued account between your member and Your phone service for seniors endorsee. I am NOT paying another dime for service I did not have.
You and Consumer Cell may contact me by email or U.S. mail only.

AARP Membership number [protected] 0.

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3:30 am EDT

Consumer Cellular AARP

I have been a member of AARP for years, thinking they had the best interests of seniors, I enrolled in Consumer Cellular due to their reviews and ad's, What a mistake, worst phone services ever. I live two miles from a cell tower, phone would not work in the house, had to go out in the back yard to talk, during the winter, cold wind and snow, during my wifes cancer treatments, talking to doctors, what a nightmare. Talked to customer service four times without results, they said it was because of my metal roof, I finally bought a new I-phone through them thinking that was the problem, no difference. Cancelled my service and went to walmart and got straight talk with unlimited everything for a cheaper price, wow what a great service, everything works perfectly anywhere I go including in my home. As far as AARP, I will not renew my subscription again due to the fact that they are just another gimmick to ripe off seniors. Just my opinion.

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betternowtoday
US
Mar 25, 2018 2:34 pm EDT

I'm a Senior, who went to Consumer Cellular based on their advertising with AARP and their television adds.
Went I purchased the phone and activated their Cell Phone Service, I made certain that no monthly payment for service would be automatically submitted prior to the 14th of each month. Consumer Cellular Representative assured me that there would be no problem with after the 14th of each month for payment. It was my clear understanding and an actual promise voluntarily given by the Consumer Cellular Representative, no automatic draft for monthly service would be submitted prior to the 14th of any month.

However in June 2017, Consumer Cellular submitted their draft to my Bank, 6-days prior to our agreed 14th of the month. I telephoned Consumer Cellular, immediately upon becoming aware of their breach of our payment date agreement. I was pleased with the Customer Service person, who apologized for Consumer Cellular's mistake and stated: the date of the 14th shall be honored from now on. That some how my account payment date had been changed by someone in the company. But, she had corrected the mistake and changed the payment date back to the 14th.

Eight-months later in February 2018, Consumer Cellular, again breached our payment date agreement; submitting a draft to my bank days earlier that the payment date. This time Consumer Cellular's breach of our agreement had much larger impact. There was money in the Bank Account to pay for work done on my property. But, when Consumer Cellular submitted their early draft for payment, and without my knowledge it shorten the funds available for the Check.

Consumer Cellular's second breach-of- promise to me, a Senior Consumer, was the direct cause for a "Return Check" scenario. I telephoned Consumer Cellular, informing them of my difficult situation in which I had been placed by their wrong act.

The Customer Service person, stated: I had to email the next level of Customer Service in order to receive any resolution to my issues. twelve emails later with Five-different Consumer Cellular employees all claiming to be supervisors or where the "Buck" stopped. I have" No Resolution"!

What I did receive from Consumer Cellular's caring personnel, were the following; higher payments and my telephone service-interrupted, along with a late fee charge, which I do not owe. A "stop payment" fee on the Consumer Cellular Check for payment mailed to the Consumer Cellular payment Center in Pasadena, CA.

As a direct result of the abuse of use from Consumer Cellular I notified the Bank and Consumer Cellular they were no longer authorized to submit any automatic drafts for payment. From now on all monthly statement will be paid by check. This way this senior is taking back control of her Bank Account from Consumer Cellular.

Consumer Cellular, blatantly retaliated against me for stating to their last Supervisor Janice Hartley: and their Accounts manager Scott, that Consumer Cellular advertises it wants" life-long customers". I dare to ask, how does that happen? Since I, as a customer have found Consumer Cellular's attitude, which has been demonstrated again-and-again as non-caring. Consumer Cellular "policies" and employees repeating their "Company Policies" illustrated a real lack in the willingness to work with the unsuspecting customer (consumer) to resolve any issue pertaining to mistakes made by the companies employees. Refusing to accept any form of responsibility for one of their employee or employees wrong doing, harming the Consumer Cellular Customer.

Consumer Cellular, did not and has not provided any resolution to me as a loyal Customer, for any of their wrongful actions. Rather, instead Consumer Cellular has been abusive, vindictive, and stolen money from a Senior, who was simply sitting at home minding her business and along came Consumer Cellular. This company has forced this Senior to have to pay under duress over $200.00 dollars not actually owed by this Consumer Cellular Customer.

This Senior, was not overdrawn at the Bank, this Senior, had not written a check to a person without the funds to cover, this senior did not authorize Consumer Cellular to submit payment days earlier than was agreed to with Consumer Cellular, on this their second offense and "Breach". The person who performed the work for the customer who had always paid by check without any issues and never had reason to think the check would be returned for insufficient funds and was shocked when it happened. All these embarrassing facts from a Senior Consumer, who always paid her Consumer Cellular Cell Phone account in full every month.

These harmful Consumer Cellular's actions, were not enough. Consumer Cellular, using their vindictive methods against this Senior Citizen, were implemented because this Senior made the decision to stand-up to Consumer Cellular's Corruption and abuse.
By filing a Complaint with the"Oregon Attorney General's Office", shortly after, Consumer Cellular shut my phone -off. There was absolutely no reason for the interruption in my phone service. The payment had already been mailed, and no money was owed on the account.

Upon contacting Consumer Cellular for an explanation as to why the Phone had been turned-off, and to please reinstate immediately the "phone service" . I was informed by Customer Service, it was due to the fact Consumer Cellular in Oregon, had not seen or received within four days my payment or it had not yet posted.
However, in this same telephone contact, two different Consumer Cellular Customer Service employees told me the company knew it takes anywhere from seven-to-ten business days for payments to be posted to peoples accounts. Now this Senior, has an additional expense of $27. in order to "Stop Payment" on my mailed check.
There was definitely no way according to the Consumer Cellular Supervisor, the account would or could be reinstated without an immediate payment by"Credit Card" for the full payment, which now included a service charge and a late fee.

I also incurred these additional cost due directly to the Consumer Cellular employee (s) whose wrong doing has caused this ongoing nightmare. A $35. return check fee at my bank, a $25. check return at the bank of the person who the check was written to, a $27. "stop Payment" on check Consumer Cellular claims not received in 4-days, so cut my service-off, a late fee by Consumer Cellular, an additional fee charged against my cell phone account for Consumer Cellular to change from "auto pay".

Forget all the glossy advertisements in the "Print" media, the insincere Television Commercials, the possible phony and paid for "JD Power" awards, along with the shady "AARP" endorsement. We Seniors have to stay alert and protect ourselves from unscrupulous and hungering wolves like "Consumer Cellular", who prey on "Senior Citizens" such as us.

By Robin Goldberg

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10:48 am EST

Consumer Cellular Samsung relay

I went with CC because of the "no-contract" feature and AARP endorsement, which I thought meant CC was a good choice. I chose the Samsung Relay phone because it has a pull-out qwerty full alphabet feature, which is one of their most expensive phones. I have called customer service several times because I cannot receive or send pictures and cannot receive "group texts" on this phone. Each time I call I talk to a different person and they all have a different solution to the problem, none of which works. So I'm stuck with this phone unless I want to buy another one and go back to a contract with a reputable company because these people don't know what they are talking about, just lip service!

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2:47 pm EDT

Consumer Cellular Reinstating my old contract

I had a contract with consumer cellular in 2014 my 2 kids were messing up with their phones so I called C.C. service and had the contract put on hold as per their suggestion. Today I tried reactivating my account after 3 attempts with 3 different support agents they finally got it up and ready. several hours later C.C. billing calls back and tells me that I have to switch the phones over to my wife's account that my payment plan that I used last year for my account was no longer allowed, which all 3 of the other reps. ok'd. It gets paid directly out of my checking account same way as before, they are trying to scam us for more money. Buyer beware.

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8:57 am EDT

Consumer Cellular (1) cannot get through and (2) overcharge for data when none used

I've been with Consumer Cellular since December 2014, almost 9 months now. I paid my bill by calling and charging to my AMEX the first 2 months. After that I mailed a paper check because of the long wait time to pay my bill.

I use my iPhone4S for voice calls and text only, no data. My plan was 1250 voice minutes, 1250 text message, and 150 MB of data. My usage had always been low, extremely under the limits, even with AT&T.

Last month I got an alert message that I was over on my data. I said no way! The end result of that phone call was to lower my minutes to 750 and increase my data to 500 MB.

Now, barely 2 weeks into this billing cycle, last night I was at 462MB of data and this morning, after no phone calls and 10 text messages, I am at 466 MB of data ! Last night the wait time was supposedly was 5-10 minutes. I hung up after more than 16 minutes! This morning the wait time again was 5-10 minutes. I hung up after more than 12 minutes.

I have done absolutely NOTHING to use data.

This company is a JOKE! I will change to another carrier ASAP !

D. Franks
Tupelo, MS

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coolmrwhiskers
US
Sep 08, 2015 12:49 pm EDT
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I had the same problem last month. Every time I talked to someone I was given a different answer. On Monday Aug 25th I kept receiving messages that I was over my limit and it kept going up. The phone that the overage was charged to was the one that my 89 year old mother uses. I called her immediately on her landline and told her to turn the phone off and called Consumer Cellular. I had to up my plan to cover the 6 plus GB used and will be charged for overages. Mike the customer service representative was helpful and disabled the data access immediately for me. He also said that the amount used would have about the same as downloading 3 movies. He told me to get the phone from my mother and call customer service back so they could help me possible trace the usage. I did just that and the snippy little girl at customer service basically said Mike didn't know what he was talking about and that someone must have used my mother's phone "we hear this all the time." Wake up "little girl" your customer service stinks. My mother doesn't have a caregiver, etc like you assumed. Know one came over or to her house that weekend. She only left the house for 1 hour to go to church and left the phone at home. I highly doubt that anyone broke into her house to use her phone and not take the phone or anything else. The only thing she used did with the phone was put it on the charger...hmmmm...I don't think that uses data. I checked any history and found nothing. Also when the customer service person told me to check YouTube I found that the app wasn't even loaded. I have been a customer for many years and have never had this happen with usage or customer service. When asked where the data charges came from and approximate time I was told that they don't have that information because of privacy. Really? How can you charge me for something but not give me any detail. She said that I could argue the bill after the billing cycle is completed, but it probably won't change anything. Well my dear "little girl" it will change things if I don't get answers...like a letter to the FCC and quite possibly a new carrier.

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12:28 pm EDT
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Consumer Cellular Customer service

I got my sim card today so I thought I was going to upgrade from 3gs to an Iphone4. when I called to activate it Waited 75 min before someone took my call. It took over 11/2 hr before I was told someone activated it online. I received no activation code in the mailing to activate it online so How could that be done without one. Wanted to know if there was a Target closeby which was 50 miles away to get a new sim card. I got no help and ended up reordering another sim which will take another 3-5 days.
The next day my old phone-the 3gs- is not working-has no service in upper left hand corner. Called them and waited over 2hrs and 24 min before someone took my call. explained my problem he puts me on hold to transfer me to someone else-waited 35 min before someone took the call. the woman was told about my problem and what happened the following day. She tells me my phone was deactivated when I tried to upgrade my iphone 4 yesterday. Told her it worked fine for the rest of the day and only started this morning. She wanted me to go to a Target and Sears to get a new sim card so It would be activated again. They cant re activate it. I am going through all this trouble so I can not be helped with their service, drive 50 miles one way to pick to pick up a new sim card. No Way.
For 2 days trying to get help so my phone works and all I get is frustration and no help at all.
Think before you sign up with this company for your cell phone service. Do you want a phone that works and have help when you need it or sign up for no help and problems with your service.

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9:53 am EDT
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Consumer Cellular Everything about them

Everything about them is a mess. Their service...isn't. They treat you like you have the I.Q. of a pimple and are rude and snarkey and don't fix a damned thing. Their "top" phone for $150 is a piece of defecation. They tell you that they can only fix issues with and be accountable for their phones, they are not accountable and you are dead in the water...trust me. We have slightly better luck with my daughter's phone we got from Amazon. Tech support is CRAP, the phone service itself is CRAP, and you don't save any money. Even with AARP, our bill climbs each month...I don't know how, but we are going back to a contract plan. As much as a contract is a pain, these companies have accountability for service issues and phone issues. Some companies are better than others, but this Consumer Cellular thing is ridiculous. It's a joke, not a really funny one either. Probably OK if you have a simple flip phone and only call 911 or AAA. If you want anything else, look somewhere else. If you are thinking of going to them...run the other way...

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9:39 am EDT
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Consumer Cellular Service

The service is poor and customer service/tech support is poor to none. They are rude and snarky and treat you as if you have the I.Q. of a pencil and talk down to you and then THEY don't fix a damned thing. Their "top" phone the Huwaei is the biggest piece of defecation. They also say that they can only guarantee and help technically if you get their phones; we did 2 out of the 3, they are terrible and tech support...doesn't support and the problems keep mounting. My daughter's phone, we got from Amazon, a Sony Experia because she liked it, so we got the unlocked GSM one. That one operates the best, but don't be mistaken, their service stinks. You don't save money really. We have had smartphones for a long long time and I'm in my 50's but not prehistoric. I adjust our plan but usually wind up with the upper limit of plans, but still it isn't a savings because we can never connect for data, even trying to operate off our home wireless modem like they recommend to save data use...well we save now because I dropped data, reduced text plan. We are looking to go back to a contract plan. As much as it is a pain, at least there is accountability. If there is a phone problem it gets fixed or replaced. Service issues are addressed. It just doesn't happen with C.C., this has been the WORST cellular experience yet. So don't waste $150 on their "top" Chinese phone, it is garbage. And if you are switching to save money, you will only save if you have a simple flip phone that you want to call A.A.A. or 911, and tell the kids you're running late getting to see them and the grandkids. They can't even remedy my problem of voice to text feature. My husband has it off and on about 35-40% of time, something that should be standard. Even with AARP discount our bill is $120/mo. It's not worth the trouble, truly it isn't. Things aren't what they appear and if you are reasonably intelligent and don't wish to be treated like an idiot then steer clear of these people.

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Teddy143
ENUMCLAW, US
Sep 26, 2022 5:31 pm EDT
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My pardner lynda baccetti passed away 9-9-2022 and i am still getting billed for her cell phone.We notified consumer cell by phone of this and they made me pay $20.00 for something so i paid it on my debit card.I did not get a reason for thius the lady seemed mosley interested in the money.I also have a cell phone from cosumers and thinking this may not have been the best move on my part. Truley -- ted pauley

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3:28 am EDT
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Consumer Cellular Useless in populated areas

Once a thrifty option for people who don't jabber on the phone all day or don't text and stuff, this outfit's signals have deteriorated to the point where if you live in a populated area, you'll have lousy - if not non-existent reception.

I for one, refuse to pay oodles of money for phone service. I don't talk for hours, on the phone; couldn't care less about texting (whatever that is - I'm not a 13 year old girl). I just want a phone that works. Over the past couple years, the signal strength on this service in any area with more then 200, 000 people is too weak and discontinuous, and your phone calls just get cut off.

My advice: get a land line with your cable company with a bundle and rebate. Or find another cell provider that will give good reception in your area - that means you have to ask people in your area if their phone service works or not.

Cell phone reception has undergone the way of broadband...too much stuff going over the lines cuts off other signals. With all this iPod stufff etc., the cell towers are now overloaded and companies like Consumer Cellular who use hindt$t signal space are now useless.

Oh...and the phone they replaced my stolen one with is the worst piece of junk I've seen in years.

Best case scenario: have some children, friends and familly; and then load yourself on one of those "F&F" plans - or just go landline. Just remember, unliss you live in some desolate rural area, Consumer Cellular has become useless.

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Update by RarelyComplain
Apr 22, 2013 3:28 pm EDT

They probably live in Blanidng, Utah or, maybe, Borger, Texas. Works great when you are driving through uninhabited areas where all you see are mesas buttes and roadrunners.

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5:18 pm EST
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Consumer Cellular Buyer beware

I contacted Consumer Cellular in November, 2011 regarding my phone that would not power on even with a full charge. The representative advised me that I had purchased a phone from Consumer Cellular with a known defect. I requested a new phone. The representative advised me that there was no warranty on the phone and I would have to purchase a new phone for $35.00. I refused and threatened to cancel my service. I was told they would look into other options.

In December, 2011, I contacted Consumer Cellular again. The representative apologized and advised me that the additional $35.00 was for a new activation charge, not for a new phone. I, again, refused to pay and threatened to cancel my service. I was told they would look into other options.

In each of the following months, I contacted Consumer Cellular and requested that they resolve this issue. Each time, they apologized and told me they were looking into other options.

In May, 2012, after being stranded on the side of the road for over 6 hours because I had a phone with a known defect and service with Consumer Cellular that I could not access, I once again called Consumer Cellular in an attempt to resolve this issue. The representative apologized and told me there was nothing they could do to help me beyond my paying $35.00 and receiving a new phone. Therefore, I canceled my service.

In June, 2012, I received another bill from Consumer Cellular for $16.07. I called and was told this was for charges billed in advance. I advised the representative that I would not pay for service that the defective phone would not allow me to access.

In July, 2012, I received another bill, this time with a $10.00 late fee included.

In August, 2012, I received another bill with a second $10.00 late fee included and a note advising me of their pending collection attempts. I called and spoke with a representative who agreed to waive the $20.00 in late fees and would attempt to take care of the last bill. Several hours later, I received a call from another Consumer Cellular representative who advised me that the last bill must be paid. I notified them that I was disputing the last bill since the service they were billing for could not be accessed with the defective phone they sold me. Further attempts to negotiate a settlement were unsuccessful.

A the end of August, 2012, I received a call from a collection agency. They advised me that Consumer Cellular had included another $10.00 late fee and a $35.00 collection fee bringing the total to $61.07. I notified them of my dispute regarding the bill and that I would not pay for service that I was unable to access.

In early September, 2012, I received a letter from a collection agency. I sent them an email through their web site notifying them that I was disputing the validity of the claim based on a non-working phone and not being able to assess the network, therefore, the bill for service was not valid.

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Jimmy Blevins
US
Dec 17, 2018 11:13 am EST

I signed up for Consumer Celluar on November 30th 2018. Ordered two phones and service. They deducted $101.65 from my checking account (have proof) Did not get phones. Recontacted them and found out they sent phones to wrong address although I repeated my address four times and had it quoted back to me. A check with postal folks showed that since the phones were undesirable they were returned. I never saw them ! I called again and since I had another months service approaching for my old service and would hae to pay it due to Consumer Cellulars mistake I canceled the order. I was told my money would be refunded right away. Today is the 17th and i still have no refund. I called again and waited 45 minuets and then was told to check with postal tracking ? I re- reported that the phones were returned via post office I never saw them and was not my problem as they sent them to a non existent postal address. I was told I was not charged for the phones ? I have proof of payment and proof of no refunds. I have reported them to the BBB folks and am if the money is not returned by tonight going to my local court house and file a small claims suit against them. They will loose the case due to my proof and will have to pay my court costs for filing but one should not have to do this to get back what is legally theirs and have to fight with a company that supplies such crappy service and customer service.

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994512ghj
US
Aug 30, 2018 5:02 pm EDT

Consumer cellular served me well for a quite a while. One day lighting hit a tower and was out of service for 16 days. Multiple calls were given to Consumer cellular. They were nice and checked stuff and told me service would be restored in 3 to 5 days more than once. I could drive into town- about five mile and get spotty service.
Before the lighting strike all my phone worked satisfactorily. I was never able to place a phone call from home again. I was never given any information as to a fix or that they had a problem. I went to Verizon and now have good service at my home and everywhere I have been.
It appears that Consumer cellular towers are contracted with AT&T who contract to another cellular tower. It also appears that nobody communicates in their organization.
I have much better signal strength with Verizon that I ever had with Consumer cellular. I did save some money by using them upfront. Because they refused to help me retain service I had to purchase new phones, pay hook up fees, drive to town to make call for 16 days, waste time with their no resolution staff. I spent over five hundred dollars changing service.
Then to top it off they refused to cancel all of my monthly service fees.

My recommendation for anyone getting cell phone service is to pay a little more and get a reliable carrier like Verizon or anyone else.

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5:55 pm EDT
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Consumer Cellular Lousy phone, unfair billing and payment not yet returned

I opted to use consumer cellular rather than my current AT&T because I could save $25.00 a month & with no contract.I was billed for the 1st. month service of $49.10 before I received the 2 phones and had already paid the $ 123.17, which now totals over $172.00. The phones are junk and I contacted to get info as to how to return. I mailed out the phones and they received them 5 days later. However, their po0licy is to not return my money for 21 days after the phones are received. I have contacted them an 3 occassions and have had no luck. They are useless people working for a useless company and if anyone uses them, be prepared to be ripped off. I am disappointed in AARP for the backing of the Jitterbug phones, which consumer celolular charges $100.00. Not a dealo for those of us on limited income trying to save a few bucks .

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JohnQuest
La Crescenta, US
Jul 19, 2011 3:26 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Sue Weaver is a joke. Jitterbug is a joke. Their phones don't even work.

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Sue Weaver
Carlsbad, US
Jun 22, 2011 12:51 am EDT

Hi, Mickie D. My name is Sue Weaver, and I’m the VP of Customer Service at GreatCall, creators of the Jitterbug cell phone. I saw your post today, and wanted to personally reach out, if you have any questions or concerns we can resolve for you.

We at GreatCall strive to offer our customers a superior level of customer service and superior products.

As such, I would be very interested in speaking with you, either via phone or if you provide me with a direct email address, to learn more about your experience with GreatCall and Jitterbug and answer any questions you may have. At your convenience, you can please reach out to me by calling [protected] and asking for Sue Weaver. I look forward to hearing from you.

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3:38 pm EDT

Consumer Cellular Charge for phone service before the phone is activated

Consumer Cellular began charge when UsPs show that the phone is located at your post office. Even if you don't get a notice from UsPs, Consumer Cellular charge you. The charges should began at activation. Even if you don't get a notice from UsPs, Consumer Cellular charges you the minute that the phone arrives at your post office. The charges should began at activation. They are not very helpful-nor apologetic about charging you if you are not using their service. They need to be more consumer friendly and undertand that service charges should begin hen people are using their service-i.e. at activation.

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1Tickedofftwo
US
Jun 01, 2018 9:19 am EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I signed up for the free month
Received my sim. Immediately, called them as I had service. As long as activated by March 31, free month
First received a bill for $3 and change. (tax on free service) looked on back of bill contrary to their customer service was a bill
Next, my credit was checked with out my permission.
I cut off my other carrier 3 days early. Time after Time assured free month. In fact told 45 free days as I'm AARP. Not true. It's 45 day satisfaction guarantee
Next skipping part of more bills, spoke to supervisor mark. He admitted they start billing as soon as one orders sim and or cell. Next, he said there was error my account not pushed forward. Again I ask if free month valid. Next, they record us
Meanwhile called fraud line via AARP. I was informed they received umpteen complaints.
Next, as supervisor mark ask I called consumer Cellular following Saturday. Spoke to Manny he admitted ! Customers were billed for free offer. In fact one can search for it (recommend duckduckgo search engine)
Next I get billing. Offer Settle for 27 and change. They emailed offer with option pay $6 a month. No I did not agree. In fact should have had them send email confirmation of free month although I took screenshots of offer on their site.
Consumer Cellular also ticked I called ftc next, filing with attorney general. It is fraud.
Non contract? Post paid surprise.
In fact supervisor mark admitted I should have cancelled. With permission and knowledge I should have recorded them.
They are liars. Again bill one a tax quote, well turn it over and see the rest of it.
They lie about no hidden fees, being contract free, every aspect
Next I brought my own phone.
If the agent inform me of credit check I would have opted to forgo service.
Outdated data plans, post paid, fraudulent billing practices (phone service on order day) and all the above complaints. Fyi mark checked my usuage. Of course non as I did not install sim until 28th of March I believe. They owe me for my other service
Stay away from these crooks. Satisfied customer? Find a better company. Many out there at lower price and prepaid. No surprises .
They made a mistake alright (the supervisor). They messed with me.

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2:35 pm EDT

Consumer Cellular Scammers paradise

I am a victim of cell phone fraud. I get 30 phone calls on my cell phone consecutively and the caller says that i called them. The purpose of this scam is that i pay by the minute plan. I bought my cell phone from Consumer Cellular and the phone that i bought you can not id the # until you open the flip phone. This happens everyday for months now and i finally decided to see what it's about, . All the callers are so sorry even if i cuss them out. All the people calling are from other states. I have become familiar with fraud through a friend who has lost everything through a different kind of scam.I can tell by answering this calls that this thugs are nothing more than scam artist racking up minutes for them and the cell phone company. I have reported this to local police, state attorney general, FCC and FTC and I have told the phone co. that i am investigating this. Since it is small it looks as if they will get away with it forever. THIS IS A BROILER ROOM AND A SCAMMERS PARADISE

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metou
US
Nov 04, 2015 7:19 am EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

A week ago we ordered a generous amount of minutes and data as well as 2 iphones through Consumer Cellular believing we would have good monthly pricing as well as good service. After mutliple calls one phone was activated the other has not been able to be activated by CC to date. We took the phones to the Apple store who assured us the problem lay with the service provider. Additionally, when we checked we became aware the sim cards in the phones were for T mobile not ATT which we requested (CC works with both companies). It took 3 trips to Target to get the new sim card and a substantial number of calls, holding on and being transferred while CC rectified the matter.It is numerous days since we had the phones activated and CC has still not been able to activate the 2nd phone. Countless phone calls have ensued between our home and CC, they promise their tech department is working on it. Everyone is very polite but we keep receiving empty promises. This should be a basic technical issue that any service provider should have the ability to easily handle.
Finally was able to speak with one of the managers who promised he had given the situation priority and that he would get back to us before the end of his work day. He called back once to say they are working on it and he would definitely call back before he leaves. Never received that call. If they are unable to activate the phone within another day - outrageous that it is takes a service provider days to do this, we will go with another provider. Had we originally gone with a major service provider the phones would have immediately been activated as any service provider should be able to do, and we would not have had all these days of frustration. Meanwhile, anyone needing to reach me is not able to do so. Frustrated CC customer.

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12:14 pm EST

Consumer Cellular Outraged me

First the *** phone breaks - breaks, just breaks on July 4th weekend. I lose all contacts, everything. I call and get Peggy on Mars who says call back Monday (Monday was a holiday). There is no place local to get Motorolo phones repaired. Options - be without a phone and wait for warranty to be denied. So, I pulled the plug and went with anothe provider. Got a bill for $35.00 a month and a half later. Paid it. Now get a past due notice of $20.00 - no explanation. This company ***! Avoid it at all costs! I have been frustated time and time again with them. Mailed the phone (in pieces) back to them and didn't even get a sympathy card - ***.

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Mia120
Las Vegas, US
Jan 30, 2011 6:03 am EST

What happened to you is really infuriating. Good thing I chose Just5 as my mom’s provider. My mom is able to save a lot for her calling plans with Just5. Their offered calling plans do not cost a lot. In fact, it is much cheaper than Consumer Cellular offers. All of their minute plans are good for 90 days so their cheapest calling plan, which costs $10, will only cost $3.33 each month. This company does not also bind my mom in contract, but unlike Consumer Cellular this doesn’t rip her off. I’m really glad we were not easily enticed by the luring offers of Consumer Cellular when we haven’t known Just5 yet.

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About Consumer Cellular

Screenshot Consumer Cellular
Consumer Cellular is a wireless service provider that offers affordable and flexible plans for individuals and families. The company was founded in 1995 and has since become one of the most popular MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) in the United States. Consumer Cellular operates on two of the largest networks in the country, AT&T and T-Mobile, which ensures reliable coverage and fast data speeds.

One of the most significant advantages of Consumer Cellular is its focus on simplicity and ease of use. The company offers straightforward plans with no hidden fees or contracts, making it an excellent choice for those who want to avoid complicated billing and long-term commitments. Customers can choose from a range of plans that include talk, text, and data, with options for unlimited usage or pay-as-you-go.

Consumer Cellular also offers a variety of devices, including smartphones, feature phones, and tablets, from popular brands like Apple, Samsung, and Motorola. The company provides excellent customer support, with representatives available seven days a week to answer questions and provide assistance.

Another notable feature of Consumer Cellular is its commitment to serving older adults. The company has partnered with AARP to offer exclusive discounts and benefits to members, and its plans include features like medication reminders and health and wellness apps.

Overall, Consumer Cellular is an excellent choice for those who want affordable, flexible wireless service with no contracts or hidden fees. With reliable coverage, a range of plans and devices, and excellent customer support, it's no wonder that Consumer Cellular has become one of the most popular MVNOs in the United States.
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Overview of Consumer Cellular complaint handling

Consumer Cellular reviews first appeared on Complaints Board on Jul 15, 2010. The latest review Cell phone galaxy A14 SG 6617898906 was posted on May 29, 2024. The latest complaint Everything about them was resolved on Aug 06, 2013. Consumer Cellular has an average consumer rating of 1 stars from 275 reviews. Consumer Cellular has resolved 5 complaints.
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  1. Consumer Cellular Contacts

  2. Consumer Cellular phone numbers
    +1 (888) 345-5509
    +1 (888) 345-5509
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    +1 (800) 686-4460
    +1 (800) 686-4460
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    Head Office
    +1 (503) 706-2351
    +1 (503) 706-2351
    Click up if you have successfully reached Consumer Cellular by calling +1 (503) 706-2351 phone number 1 1 users reported that they have successfully reached Consumer Cellular by calling +1 (503) 706-2351 phone number Click down if you have unsuccessfully reached Consumer Cellular by calling +1 (503) 706-2351 phone number 0 0 users reported that they have UNsuccessfully reached Consumer Cellular by calling +1 (503) 706-2351 phone number
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  3. Consumer Cellular emails
  4. Consumer Cellular address
    7204 SW Durham Rd Ste 300, Portland, Oregon, 97224, United States
  5. Consumer Cellular social media
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