Apple / AT&T Condone iPhone Theft?
Less than a week after getting my wife an iPhone 3G, it was stolen. Here's what I've learned. Neither AT&T nor Apple care that your phone was stolen. AT&T will not black list the IMEI or SIM, meaning that whoever stole the phone can go right down to AT&T and get the phone switched over to their account with ZERO questions asked.
Apple will not black list the serial number and will allow it to be registered with iTunes, just by plugging it into the computer.
Even if you deactivate your phone service, the iPhone (either model) basically becomes a fully functional iPod Touch.
Condoning theft is a strong accusation, but it would be simple for either AT&T or Apple to brick the phone. Furthermore they refuse to offer insurance on the iPhone (far more expensive phones are insurable) which begs the question why? I'll tell you why, because AT&T get a new customer with the stolen phone locked into a two year contract, the theft victim has to continue paying for two years with no option but to pay full market price ($499 USD) to replace their phone AND get locked into another two year contract. Luckily you can drop the 3G data plan at will, and luckily we still have her old Motorola RAZR. Otherwise, we'd be out of luck and spending at least $150 USD on the most basic of phones.
The rotten cherry on top of this crap cake story is that I bought the phone with my Corporate American Express Card since that's the card I have on file with AT&T to pay my bill with. American Express offers a great service called Buyers Protection that covers you from damage or theft in the first 90 days. It's complimentary service available on every American Express Card...EXCEPT the Corporate Card. Nice.
I've given both Apple and AT&T a lot of my hard earned money and they flat out don't care. I honestly think "iPhone Theft" is viewed as another revenue stream for them.
That sucks in about every way it could. After all of that, I'm kind of surprised that AT&T isn't locking the phone to your account for the whole 2 years, and making you pay for it the whole time.
And, gee, if the location service worked, you could at least track it down that way.
Sorry for your pain.
Posted by Tim Kennedy on August 29, 2008 at 08:23 PM PDT #
Yeah, like @davetong said, they should be able to use the GPS to help the police track it down. It's either laziness or greed that prevents them from helping you.
Posted by Kevin on August 29, 2008 at 08:54 PM PDT #
The police refused to even take a police report as they don't do that for Cell Phones. Considering it's really a computer with a phone, they need to re-evaluate what they will and won't take police reports for.
Posted by Thin Guy on August 29, 2008 at 09:00 PM PDT #
That sound illegal and incredibly lame. Sorry to see you guys going thru such a nasty experience.
Posted by Skrocki on August 29, 2008 at 09:05 PM PDT #
Ouch, I can't believe this! Seems like you've now been stung, but we need to raise awareness of this.
I've been debating about getting one of these for months because of all the bad press I've heard, and this is the worst story I've heard so far which finally settles it for me.
I hope you've better luck with the next one.
Posted by Curtis Cunningham on August 30, 2008 at 09:13 AM PDT #
Among other things this is one of the problems with corp Amex. None of the benefits of a real Amex and YOU are personally on the hook for the bill if it doesn't get paid or there is a delay in payment.
Posted by Shawn Ferry on August 30, 2008 at 10:43 AM PDT #
:( I may have missed the tweet, but when you say stolen, do you mean it was lost, found by someone, then used by that person rather than rightfully returning it? Or was it ripped off our of a purse or something? If its the former, FWIW to Mrs ThingGuy, pretty much everyone I know with an iPhone has lost it at one point because they're so slick and just slip out of your pocket. Most people lose them in their homes or cars tho- rather than into the hands of a lowlife.
I wonder if any of the theft recovery products for laptops (ex: http://adeona.cs.washington.edu/) have been ported to the iPhone yet?
Posted by rama on August 30, 2008 at 11:10 AM PDT #
It was left for a few moments on the grocery checkout counter and when she returned to get it "nobody had seen it". We were hoping that they'd use it to call someone (we got our daughters phone back that way), but they've only called to get voicemail. Whether lost or stolen though, it would be very easy for ATT to black list the phone or Apple to black list the serial #. This is done with other carriers in the US and abroad as a way of deterring theft. If they do nothing to protect the consumer, I don't see how they can legally lock them into two year contracts.
Posted by Thin Guy on August 31, 2008 at 11:54 AM PDT #
Thanks for this blog post, I found your blog through google.com and I had my iphone stolen (well i put it down, and then someone took it) and I'm going through all the same stuff you are, however I used a Visa Card and thanks to your idea of getting the credit card company to refund the money i was able to contact them and make a claim. Looks like i'll be getting my money back. Thanks for your blog post :)
Posted by Stephen on September 02, 2008 at 07:33 AM PDT #
I completely agree - AT&T / Apple are missing vital closure to an open consumer abuse hole - no insurance offered in combination with no option to replace a stolen phone outside of having the consumer pay full price. We "lucked out" after having a two-week old iPhone stolen, since we have a family plan and another phone on the plan was eligible for an iPhone upgrade at the discounted rate. And the essential condoning of iPhone theft through the lack of a simple IMEI blacklist option for stolen iPhones is downright apalling.
Posted by Warren on September 09, 2008 at 03:21 PM PDT #
That is sad. And I am not surprise. Once you buy, you are on your
own. That's how it usually works. I hope Apple gets it together. I
have had some problems too with my Apple iPhone. I have learned to
fix it myself. And now my phone is good to go and I am loving it.
Posted by Carmen Vj on September 13, 2008 at 07:57 PM PDT #
Thin Guy, I responded a while back and I don't see my post.
This is SOOOOO wrong. It is possible to find these thieves and now one does anything?? Neither Apple or ATT? That is just why we as a country are so broken. People can steal and they know they can get away with it.....plain WRONG!
I'm sorry...this bums me out... Barb
Posted by Barbara Kish on September 14, 2008 at 07:48 PM PDT #
can't you just cancel your contract iph your phone gets stolen? did they ask you to pay a fee or something?
Posted by Carmen on September 21, 2008 at 04:37 PM PDT #
Carmen,
No you can't. You are signed up for two years. There's a fee to get out, but we still want phone service for her.
Posted by Thin Guy on September 21, 2008 at 06:34 PM PDT #
The thing that gets me is that Apple had no problem turning iPhones into bricks when people were Jailbreaking them to put 3rd party software on it (I was not one of them). Now they have the App Store it is not happening any more. It is perverse, to say the least, that they will not do the same with a phone that has been reported stolen.
They have no problem bricking phones without your consent when you break their rules, but will not brick it when the phone you bought is being used by thief. As every iPhone is identified as unique when plugged in to a computer, surely it would be an easy thing to setup in software.
Also, the gps capabilities should be somehow be used to allow you to locate the phone yourself, again via software. It is your phone not Apples. You do not lease an iPhone, but buy it and you should be able to control it and do all you can to keep it in your grasp.
Posted by Paul Horabin on September 27, 2008 at 11:34 AM PDT #
Well on wednesday 01, 2008 at target, in los banos ca my iphone was stold by a women come on i mean not even like 2 mins i went back to get it and gone!! nothing i mean how can people be like that you know how hard people work thier butts off to get a phone like that and for stupid at&t and apple not to cover us or track it by serial number!! i mean i was upset cuz am an employee at that place so i went and checked out the carmeras and yup thats how i new it was a women . but now i have no phone and i went to the police and nothing she can go to jail cuz i have very important information on thier but i guess she dont have a heart!!!
Posted by yesenia medina on October 04, 2008 at 02:53 PM PDT #
Seems like there needs to be a Class Action Lawsuit brought apon Apple and AT&T....that would straighten em' out real quick.
Posted by iPhone User on November 06, 2008 at 12:49 PM PST #
reading other similar complaints from apple it seems that the iphone does not fall far from the tree
Posted by phil on November 09, 2008 at 05:41 AM PST #
Well it is not a perfect yet, until Apple allows background processes, but it is a start for those who still have your iPhone:
http://www.gadgettrak.com/products/iphone/
Posted by Ken on December 01, 2008 at 12:09 AM PST #
I found you through Google...my 16 year old son is in China w/his dad...got his Itouch pickpocketed...he was soooo careful with it. Fortunately, (I think) we bought it at Costco w/our AMEX and the buyers protection should (maybe) cover it, since it's only been 2 months (they cover w/in 90 days of purchase). Gee, now all they have to do is get a police report in China, submit a receipt, provide homeowner's insurance, AMEX statement, etc. etc. This is WORSE than trying to fill out a rebate! I'll let you know how it turns out. Love your blog! Check mine out...
Posted by Frieda on December 06, 2008 at 03:56 PM PST #
I recently had my ipone stolen, and searched the internet for any help in recovering it. most of the sites i found echoed your claim that att won't help, and neither will the police. apparently it's not enough of an emergency for the police to subpoena att or apple to gps locate the phone. however, i came across this thread on apple's support site-- http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=8589758#8589758 -- and can verify that you can buy a replacement phone from the store for the same price you paid when you signed a new contract. just scroll to the bottom and follow what i did. hope that helps! good luck :)
Posted by Carmel on December 08, 2008 at 10:06 AM PST #
I agree I am full on with the idea of a class action lawsuit. Anyone know a lawyer?
I bought a phone for my girlfriend for christmas and it was stolen.
ATT or Apple pretty much said tough luck we feel your pain (do you really lol). Im pissed off and someone now gets a ipod touch with all her personal info on it. Im furious because there is no option for freaking insurance or any other way to watch yourself.
After the fact I found you could buy it with a covered credit card but come on every other phone is covered and these pieces of junk are not worth more than some of the new phones out there. If it wasn't for the fact that I like the phone I would can ATT a long time ago. If Verizon ever goes gsm ATT is screwed.
I think I will attempt to figure out a way to make a program that will allow you to brick a phone by calling it from a specific number and entering in a code. Although I hear there are programs that allow you to track it what good is that if the phone is shut off in the case of my girlfriends.
Lol maybe I will install some C4 (if it was practical) and give the next would be thief a surprise I would be rich if I could do that. I think I found my next 9 - 5 IPHONE bounty hunting.
On a real note, please anyone
All say "I" for a class action lawsuit?
Posted by Derek Dawes on December 16, 2008 at 04:03 PM PST #
I also had my iphone stolen and I've learned the same as many others.... It is true that neither AT&T or Apple care too much that your phone was stolen. It is true AT&T will not black list the IMEI or SIM, and that the scumbag that stole your phone can go down to the AT&T store and get the phone switched over to their account with no questions asked. Apple doesnt black list the serial number and will allow it to be registered with iTunes.Hell the tech guy from Apple told me the policy is to give software/tech support to these phones UNBELIEVABLE !!!! I gave them a case number from the local police and nothing....It does seem that they are condoning iphone theft. The upside is they get to sell you two phones ,the second at full retail.
Posted by Bob on December 19, 2008 at 04:25 PM PST #
this matter. It is totally beside me that as a consumer and taxpayer that we have no protection when we spend our hard earned money and patronize these retailers. What also baffles me, is that the retailers “claim” there is nothing they can do. Would the DMV allow me to register a car that has been reported as stolen? So, why is it ok for AT&T and Apple to allow something like this to happen to valued customers. If greed is the mitigating factor….I small CLASS ACTION! If does not seem fair in any shape form or fashion…especially when this is a phone that has to be registered and/or synced in order for it to work. It is sad that this is a ploy rooted in greed where the consumer gets screwed. How is that fair when they will not allow you to insure the phone. I am truly hurt and very disappointed. Please let me know if there is a class action law suit.
Posted by K Davis on December 22, 2008 at 03:23 PM PST #
One more thing...Since they are driven by greed, why not charge a fee to block an IMEI number or trace the new user of the stolen/lost phone. Also, I have seen many applications (after the fact)that can be installed to track a lost/stolen iphone...At least I think this should be a standard application, especially since it now come with GPS
Posted by K Davis on December 22, 2008 at 03:55 PM PST #
Blocking Sim is a good idea, but blocking imei is pointless. CMPE/EE knows how to reprogram the OS and desolder the band chip and reflash the IC via techtronics instruments resolder the chip. You can find these instrument in your local university engineering lab. Thats if your phone is bricked, if owner hasn't realize he lost it, than remove the sim immediately to prevent bricking and use quickpwn and latest 2.2 non-activated IPSW from piratebay, jailbreak without sim, install imei changer via cydia insert your legit sim and you get custom Imei that doesn't match the back of iphone or the sim tray.
Sorry to bust your balls, but Iphone Imei is very much reprogramable Iphone 1g only need ziphone.gui to do it, don't need cmpe degree for that.
Posted by John K. on December 30, 2008 at 03:31 AM PST #
Blocking the IMEI is certainly not pointless - granted there are ways around it for a small percentage of those folks who would steal someone's iphone, but there is a still a large number of iphone grabbers who would have no clue how to jailbreak and what not. It equates to putting a club or alarm on your car, or even your home - just because the "experts" in the thieving sector can get by it, doesn't mean you don't still do it to deter less skilled would-be thievers.
Posted by WJB on December 30, 2008 at 06:37 AM PST #
Creating an IMEI blacklist is a step in the right direction and will help deter theft to a degree. The UK did this, they rolled out a nationwide system that kept a blacklist of all stolen phone IMEI numbers the carriers tapped into this and blocked usage from these IMEI numbers.
However, some savvy things found a few ways to get around it, the first is the technical way as the IMEI lives in volatile memory and can be altered, there is actually a technique called "tumbling" that will change the IMEI and IMSI with each call made, but you average person does not know how to implement this as it is very complex. The second way thieves got aroudn this was to ship the stolen phones to a different country. Stolen phones form the UK started being discovered in Russia in high volumes. Since the database was UK only, the phones worked perfectly fine in other countries.
For those who have been victims I am wondering if you had law enforcement contact AT&T? We have software that works with the iPhone and our customer received tracking data from it, the thief connected it to his personal home wi-fi network and a subpoena was sent to Comcast to get the account holders name and address.
Posted by Ken Westin on December 30, 2008 at 10:00 AM PST #
Ken,
The police will not take a report on a stolen cellphone. I even tried to pass it off as a computer, which it is, but they just wanted to give me a badge number to tell my insurance company. Forget about the IMEI for a second, Why won't apple block the serial number? Why is insurance not available? To ensure people buy AppleCare?
Posted by Thin Guy on December 30, 2008 at 10:04 AM PST #
Won't take a police report for a stolen phone? I have never heard of this, what was their reasoning for this?
For an iPhone the serial number is not passed when calls are made, there is some evidence to indicate that the iPhone serial number and iPod Touch serial is passed to Apple when connected to iTunes, but this has been the same story with the older iPods and Apple will not respond to the press regarding it. Some theories are that if Apple revealed they can block a serial number, it would raise privacy concerns as that means they are associating the device id with your personal information. Mobile phone insurance is available I believe through AT&T, it costs $5 a month.
http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/basics/choosing-features-services/wireless-insurance.jsp
Posted by Ken Westin on December 30, 2008 at 10:27 AM PST #
Ken,
Please call your police department and try to fill out a report on a cellphone. Then please read the links you send. Especially the very last line. "Excludes Prepaid GoPhone® and Apple iPhone™" Is this the same apple that will brick your phone/remove apps when you don't play by their rules?
Posted by Thin Guy on December 30, 2008 at 10:34 AM PST #
I was able to get a police report for my stolen iphone and gave the case number to ATT and APPLE but was told by ATT and APPLE I need a subpoena before they will do a thing.I am told getting a subpoena is not an easy task. The saga continues...
Posted by Bob on December 30, 2008 at 10:47 AM PST #
For tracking of a lost phone there is a program called cylay from iphonetech you can buy it from appstore or get it through cydia if you manage to unlock/jailbreak yours.
When your phone gets stolen time is valuable, the perp who commit the crime usually are dumb, they don't take out the sim not to mention reprogram the os. Plenty of time to track it down using 3g gps system onboard you phone via cylay. Also buy iphone insurance from squaretrade and statefarm/farmer they offer insurance at 5 dollar a month for a year a good investment.
Most importantly take it with you strapped by a bungie cord and leather case, don't leave it in your car visible through car windshield or place it anywhere that don't belong to you. Most often people place it in a public place and then leave without taking their phone.
If im not mistaken, getting a subpoena isn't going to get your phone back, if thats true what is the point wasting time and money.
Posted by John K. on December 31, 2008 at 12:15 AM PST #
I think your wife was careless and absent minded which resulted in the loss of the phone you bought for her. So, who should bare the responsibility of this misfortune? AT&T? Apple? I don't think so! I think you should accept responsibility and stop trying to blame some other entity. It's people like you and your careless wife that raise the cost of consumer electronics for us all. You make me sick and I hope AMEX tells you to stick it!!
Posted by HeadShot on December 31, 2008 at 03:25 PM PST #
Headshot, you are a moron. A little buyers protection is all I am after and have gladly paid for said protection if it was available.
Posted by Thin Guy on December 31, 2008 at 03:28 PM PST #
Oh okay, thanx for clarifying that........and don't call me a moron. I am way smarter than you are. I am a senior programmer for MS.
Posted by HeadShot on December 31, 2008 at 03:40 PM PST #
Headshot, writing to me that my wife and I make you sick, that I'm trying to blame others when far more expensive phones have insurance available, telling me you hope AMEX tells me to stick it = Moron. Hanging out then saying you are way smarter than me and a senior programmer for MS = Troll.
Posted by Thin Guy on December 31, 2008 at 03:48 PM PST #
All your base are belong to us! MSFT
Posted by HeadShot on December 31, 2008 at 04:03 PM PST #
Iphone dev team released yellownow on new years day, jailbroken 3g are now unlockable via downloading yellow now on cydia. Iphone 3g user can switch to tmobile/vodaphone if they are banned by at&t.
Posted by John K. on January 02, 2009 at 08:59 AM PST #
And your point is what ............that if you are banned from one crappy network you can switch to a crappier network while compromising the legitimacy of your phone? You just don't make sense man! Now ............if I could place my iPhone on Verizon's network, that would be measurable progress. So don't come around pretending like you're "in the know", because you're just not and it makes you look stupid and uninformed! God almighty!
Posted by HeadShot on January 05, 2009 at 09:12 PM PST #
my I phone was stolen 3 months into my NEW contract with at&t. Same thing is happening. As an already existing customer, At&t denies you the right to buy an iphone at their store (for retail price) and denies you (of course) the right to buy any of the re-furbs they have for sale.
And yes, they offer no insurance, no tracking, no way to list your serial number as stolen. The next person who activates that phone with a new sim card will get brand new at&t service (poor baby.) At&t basically offers nothing and claim its due to their contract with Apple. When I call apple, they say 'due to their contract with at&t' they also can't sell any existing at&t customer any phone for less than the inflated retail price. Any 'new' customer gets the lovely $100 off for getting into a new contract with at&t. Why are we punished for being already existing at&t customers? Shouldn't it be the other way around? I really really look for the day that some accountability and changes are made. Maybe if enough of us get mad enough and screwed enough we could have some impact. :)
I will help with anyone who wants to find out info on BBB or unsavory business practices. I used to love apple...now I'm really really disheartened. To me, they have always and still do offer superior products and design but unfortunately with the additional of the iphone, subpar if not pure evil business practices.
I wouldn't wish this on anyone. It sucks enough to have your expensive device stolen but then to be held in this kind of trap is unbelievable. I wonder if they take AMEX at the apple store...wouldn't it be fitting if they didn't????
Posted by lgwood on January 06, 2009 at 07:32 PM PST #
THIS IS SPARTA!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by HeadShot on January 13, 2009 at 12:04 PM PST #
As a recent victim of iJacking I am so angry!!! Apple is iProfiting off of iPhone theft - in a joint venture with the thieves, At&t and the police - the stolen gadgets are listed as "lost" instead of (read my lips) "stolen", without exception. This makes the sales statistics for iPhones very impressive (pffft and as a footnote the consumers look like morons). The result is a false illusion of double or triple the iBrand's popularity not to mention the enormous profits reaped off of the misfortunes of their loyal and loving customers. And though apple admits that they have the abillity to track and locate the stolen phones they refuse to do so because of "privacy issues." Sure, with all the professional iPhone thieves out there - who wants to invade their *privacy? And voila, a new industry is born - overpriced, outsourced iPhone insurance yey. Those apple vultures try to push it on you like ... iDunno, like they're getting commision or something? At&t doesn't have any shame in jumping on the opportunity to profit from this either, apologetically forcing the iPhone subscriber to renew it's 2 year contract everytime they purchase a $600 replacement iPhone. They should just issue "At&t forever" promise rings with all their friggin' commitment issues... And both companies have the nerve to call the poor iJacked victim their "most valued customer". Awwww...I call blacklisted word. People aren't stupid - just right now apple and At&t have all the leverage. Hey Chris Hansen from Dateline NBC: there are a whole bunch of predators out there, now get your hidden camera blacklisted word over there with the quickness - blacklisted word them immoral iProfiteering blacklisted word's.
* I friggin do!!! blacklisted word them, in fact - once their privacy is fully violated they should have both their hands amputated so that they can diffuse bombs in Iraq...as members of the N.U.B.S. bomb squad.
Posted by zsolt on January 19, 2009 at 09:39 AM PST #
I believe a class action lawsuit is in order for this serious lack of action by ATT and APPLE. I for one am ready for this as my son and several of their friends had their's stolen at school with no repercussions. $300.00 is alot of money for a piece of equipment and if APPLE gave a shit they would prevent this from happening. Refusing to register these stolen devices would obviously block a revenue stream for them and I believe that we are entitled to a piece of that profit as we are the ones that footed that purchase for the APPLE product in the first place. Any attorneys interested in taking on these clowns from ATT and APPLE please contact me as I am in. I say appr 150 million would suffice as a class action suit against these clowns.......
Posted by LKelly on February 03, 2009 at 03:02 PM PST #
I couldn't agree more; the person who stole my Iphone is taking more from me than he probably thought he was. It really pisses me off that AT&T and Apple don't care at all about anything but money.
Posted by Josh on February 17, 2009 at 06:22 PM PST #
that how business grows, they wont act on anything coz if they do it cost money to do things, so dont do anything no expenses , and the person who lost their iphone , have to or no choice but to buy new phone, think about it if your the business man and you selling phone and one of the person bought phone from you and asking for replacement , would you give one? 90 % no, coz youll lose money , so he got no choice but to purchase new one from you...for business Money is what they after....you lost your phone too bad , i know iphone is really nice piece of plastic and glass, they attract people , so if you want it , you'll probabaly get a new one..thats profit on apple's corp. so yea Profit $$$ is their target...
Posted by DJhomie on February 22, 2009 at 12:42 AM PST #
I just had my iPhone stolen two days ago. I religiously kept my phone at my workplace with me at all times--except for just one time when I placed it on our office manager's desk, alerting her to the fact that I was placing my phone in front of her; an hour later it was gone (there is absolutely no chance that the manager took it). I read Thin-guy's story, at least it makes me feel better to know that I'm by far not the only one with my extreme frustration with both AT&T and Apple whose conduct is deplorable. Headshot's comments are astonishingly idiotic, can't be taken seroiusly. At the very least, AT&T and Apple should offer the possibility of replacing the phone at the same price as it was initially bought. I would like to know if there are any plans for a class-action suit against either or both companies. Count me in.
Posted by TonePainter on February 22, 2009 at 07:52 PM PST #
well...a similar thing happended to me and AT&T is just fine with it..so it IS corporate greed operating here...the kind of greed that gave us, and continues to give us a trashed economy, foreclosures, bankruptcy, etc...and why do they do it?...because they can get away with it...
by the way, not only is there cooperation between AT&T and Apple on this subject...the AT&T rep i talked to today said that "AT&T and Apple have a policy" to get full price each time a phone is lost or stolen..and, yes, Apple is just fine with resetting stolen phones for personal use and AT&T is just fine with signing up stolen phones...
indeed, i'm surprised not to see a "criminal enterprise" tab on the AT&T Wireless home page...gee, i wonder if they review stolen phone revenue growth at their quarterly management meetings?
Posted by Iain Somerville on February 23, 2009 at 10:07 AM PST #
There is supposedly a way to track your lost or stolen Iphone, but you have to install the app in advance. It is called Mobifindr and you can find it at Navizon.com. You set up the app and a password and in the event you lose your phone, you can text your phone on any cell phone, you will then receive a text back from your phone with the exact geographical location of your phone.
Sounds wonky, but if you go to http://www.iphonefreak.com/2008/06/lost-your-iphone-fear-not-video.html you can watch a video of the application in action.
Of course knowing this won't help if you have already lost your phone. :(
Posted by Amber on February 24, 2009 at 10:08 AM PST #
I am currently going through the same thing (as above mentioned) The "supervisor" on the phone even had the audacity to raise her voice at me because I brought up the following:
--I have to get "locked" into a new contract as if it's my 1st day with AT&T with an "Upgrade" available after ANOTHER 1.5 years but have to pay FULL price for the phone (how is this not criminal?)
--Their new "No Contract" policy, starting March 26, really means I will have to pay an additional 100 dollars and still be locked into my current contract so the phone will be actually be 700 dollars plus tax.
--Their use of the word "upgrade" is bogus. Upgrade as defined by Webster as: to improve or replace especially software or a device for increased usefulness. (Um,I'm buying the same phone there is NO upgrade!)
--Refurbished phones, according to this lady, are only available to people who have reached their "Upgrade date" and DO NOT APPLY to people who are getting a replacement phone who do not meet that criteria.
--I'm livid. Why is the AT&T customer getting screwed so badly? Why, because they are making a killing off stolen phones! So is Apple! They don't even offer insurance. AT&T customer ='s a screwed one...
How has there not been a class action lawsuit against these criminal actions? I even have a police report. That doesn't mean garbage to them too. They just don't care.
Posted by Tracy C on March 23, 2009 at 10:16 AM PDT #
Plain & simple ATT wants your money & don't care you as a customer. My phone was stolen 2 weeks ago, & today the thief turned it on, kept my work email address & emailed me letting me know they have my phone & its on & called me the b word. Apparently the creep just had to pop the sim card, put in a new one & he was good to go. Did I mention he copied my boss? I called ATT, there was nothing they could do they stated. ATT whole "upgrade" thing is a scam, they offer NO insurance for the IPHONE, & continue to victimize the victim. My 2 year contract was for an IPHONE, not a cracker jack phone. The staff in the store and on the phone is useless. If a class action ever comes about, count me in because what they are doing to their customers is illegal, somehow.
Posted by Kins on March 25, 2009 at 03:17 PM PDT #
Really what the thief is doing could be considered harassment, or even a threat. You should contact the police, they can get a subponea to make AT&T provide information regarding who has the phone. AT&T keeps track of the IMEI number which is unique to each phone, they will have a record of what account is using your phone, but you have to get the police to do it.
Posted by Ken on March 25, 2009 at 03:28 PM PDT #
Count me in too. I finally got a new phone last week and I was locked into a new Contract, paid full price for the phone, and they had the balls to tell me there would also an "Upgrade" Fee. An "Upgrade" fee!!! Then they even put on my receipt that I saved $200.00
AT&T sickens me! I plan on calling them, yet again, to tell them I want that "Upgrade" fee removed. Also the 10 AT&T service "representatives", that I talked to over a three week period all assured me that my minutes would roll over when I signed the new contract. Guess what? My rollover minutes are back to zero again!
F'in criminals! (sorry for the poor language)
Tracy C
P.s. Kins... Good luck. First thing I did when I realized the phone was stolen was drive about 80mph to my closest friends house and took over their computer for 2 hours to change every single password and to deactivate my work Email from the phone. I also filed a Police Report but AT&T just doesn't care. And their new "no contract" is a load of garbage too at $200 added to the cost of the phone (that's what it is to get of a contract which lowers every month after that) so what's the point?
Posted by Tracy C on March 30, 2009 at 08:54 AM PDT #
Obviously, they do this so they can keep charging people the retail price.. think about it this way: if they allowed me to purchase replacement iPhones at the discounted price, what's to keep me from continuously report them stolen -- and pocketing the profit each time? Hell, it could pay for my bill if I did it once a month.
It sucks, but Apple is a business. Not a charity.
Posted by Zach on April 13, 2009 at 03:14 AM PDT #
Zach, if they offered insurance they usually have a max replacement of two. Still doesn't explain why insurance isn't offered for the iPhone when it is available on every other phone they sell.
Posted by Thinguy on April 13, 2009 at 08:31 AM PDT #
Ah, that makes sense. Getting my 3G in 2 weeks, but I have a pretty good track record for not losing phones. :p I hope it continues.
Posted by Zach on April 13, 2009 at 05:08 PM PDT #
Weeellllllll, alrighty then... Great news for stolen iphone victoms.... After much pounding, subpoenas, and written threats to ATT and APPLE they are releasing a new program designed at arresting the thieves and recovering the stolen items. This recovery is accomplished in a very simple way. I worked with them and gave them a way to track where in the world your stolen item is. Heres a hint thieves!!!! Every wifi, net card, bluetooth net connecting item on the planet has what is commonly known as a MAC address and this is permanemt and non changeable. Beware theives because your jailtime is comming. Any MAC address that is reported stolen is and will be tracked down very simply and the @!#@$#$ thieves are going down.
The procedure for stolen iphones was just released by ATT two days ago. This also includes Blackberries and the like.. First a police report must be done. Then the district attorney must be forced to subpoena the local company in question. ATT, APPLE, whom ever. By force I mean this: Attorney, newspaper blogs, bad press, basically badgering and forcing the DA's to do their jobs... Then when ATT gets the subpoena they can provide law enforcement the name and the address of the #$@#!$% person that stole your item. They arrest the thief and you get your item back. ATT, APPLE and the like did not want class action lawsuits in which they knew that they would lose. So, I helped them find a way to find the stolen items. Think of the newer cars with sattelite communication and cars with lojack. Recovery is very possible.
Posted by lee on April 18, 2009 at 06:04 AM PDT #
Hello all, this may or may not help you depending on your situation.
In my situation, it will help, first i must tell u the short story in order to explain this.
I was at a breakdancing party, so most people know each other. Basically I see the same faces a lot at different events. I left my phone on a cornered table with a lot of junk on there, so it was somewhat hard to see. But anyways, I did that so I can breakdance a little... Moments later, phone was gone!!! I was pissed as hell. These people know that I'm a big military man and it will not be pretty if i find them. Heres my solution in which im still waiting on to happen:
First, they must use the phone and call someone. Hopefully they are dumb enough to do this, but as someone stated before, most thieves in our time are pretty stupid. I will consistently check my call log (online), when they call someone, I will have my friend (who has a very innocent beautiful voice) call that number. If it is someone we know, we will hunt him down and forcefully get the information I need from him to get to my phone. If it's someone we DON'T know, my friend will sweet talk him into meeting her (without mentioning the phone or any relation to the people at the party). After that, when the person meets up with my beautiful friend, she will lure him to a more private non-public area, and yeap u thought it, repeat the fun part. " investigate "
This next part u dont really have to read, but im doing this neways cuz it makes me feel better. When i find this guy, I will actually be nice to him/her (pretty sure its a him, but wutever). I will give him 2 options. 1) Pay me straight up $500.00, i will go to the bank with him and everything. 2) I will take it by force. Now you're probably wondering.... hmm why isnt there a 3rd option, where u call the cops and let them handle it? Well lets see, im not sure if theres enough evidence... like someone said before, there is a way to check the serial on itunes.. but okay.. .would the cops go that far to help u? The main reason why cops, att, and apple do not help, is because the iphone is too low costing of a device (yes $500 or $400, or wutever it costs now is too pocket changey for them) to spend money on tracking the device. Im pretty sure everyone knows that ANY cell phone thats connected or has service, is trackable. Now I had another idea, and this one would get the cops involved, maybe even the FBI. But I'd rather not do this because i'd be in deep trouble and probably lose all my rank and perhaps charged also... Basically just tell them, oh I had classified military information on that phone, you must retrieve it! Yea.... not gonna do that. Sadly, Im probably getting another iphone :(... I HATE TO SAY IT!! but i really love that phone. Anybody, ANYBODY, please let me know if theres a better but similar phone out there. Thanks for reading, please reply to this so I can feel better about someone who feels my pain, lmao.
Posted by Karl Tran on April 19, 2009 at 11:30 AM PDT #
ahh so thats why it wouldnt post,, i said the f word once. =)
Posted by Karl Tran on April 19, 2009 at 11:34 AM PDT #
Att does this for all phones, not just the iphone. My exboyfriend took the phone he was using on our shared family plan. Left me with the bill and was able to open up a new account with the phone that was a part of my plan. I had reported the phone stolen and he was still able to do this. There needs to be some kind of protection for consumers and existing customers. It is extremely unfair.
Posted by lo on April 21, 2009 at 02:03 AM PDT #
Wow that is definitely a crapper. You know, it's almost like apple and att are encouraging phone theft.
Well I got at least a bit of good news, I got a really nice customer service rep. yesterday. She listed that I am a valued customer and that I will be eligible for a "phone upgrade" even though my 2 year doesnt end till 2010. Hopefully she was telling the truth.
Posted by Karl on April 21, 2009 at 11:04 AM PDT #
Must a phone be TURNED ON at all times in order for the phone to be tracked in anyway possible? Because, alot of times, low-lives will steal the phone and turn it off. Of course, at one point in time it will be turned on again but some people cannot wait that long such as myself. Answer back asap Please anyone, especially Lee, from reading your post.
Posted by Unknown on May 14, 2009 at 05:44 PM PDT #
To the "Unknown" person who asked about the phone having to be turned on in order to track?
The answer is yes, unless you have some kind of special phone that is transmitting even though it's off. But that would drain the battery so, if your phone does not use any battery power while it is off, then no you won't be able to track your phone while it is off.
And although most of the time people turn off the phone after stealing it, they will be dumb enough to turn it back on at some point. So you will have to be actively checking to see if your phone started transmitting or not.
Posted by Karl on May 16, 2009 at 01:28 PM PDT #
I got jumped two nights ago for my iphone. Filed a police report. The lady at the ATT store was nice enough to send my serial code to other stores in the region. I miss my iphone but do not miss att's craptacular customer service. This is bullshit, if i ever get a new iphone, i will get the family tracking plan on it since ATT and apple dont give a flying shit about us!!! I guess I am glad I won't be fighting all these charges att is constantly trying to barrage me with. Oh well, live and learn. Thank you apple and att for turning another customer away.
Posted by Luke on June 08, 2009 at 04:39 AM PDT #
My iPhone 3g was stolen two days ago (and of course I updated to 3.0 but didn't activate Find My iPhone). Since I'd only had it for three months + 2 weeks (2 weeks past AMEX's protection plan) and the new "S" is out, I'm basically SOL in getting a replacement iPhone until I drop $400 for another 16GB. And that's because I'm eligible for early upgrade. WTF? That would be, oh, $700 I spent on iPhone in a little over 3 months! There are 16GBs refurbed for sale online, but you can't buy the thing separately, only as a new customer. It's total BS, and ATT needs to offer some type of insurance plan. I'm so p***off.
Posted by Jocelyn Baun on June 24, 2009 at 09:09 PM PDT #