Re: $250 Rebate Scam

Uniblurb3 · ‎09-14-2009

Couldn't find anything written as far as changing the $250 reward when you order online with rep assistance.

But they do have this statement a couple times in the Offer Details: "Prices, programming, and offers subject to change without notice."

The following is also from the "Offer Details" listed under the "30-30-30" & "buy 2 Get 1 Free for 6 months" promotions:

"$50 Back for online orders at www.att.com. Reward may be provided in the form of an AT&T Reward Card or gift check, at company’s discretion."

Believe it may be what they don't say the rules are in ordering online rather than spelling out you cannot talk/chat with a rep or you will lose this $50 reward and maybe some others too.

Agree that rep assistance, during an online order, may result in changes to your rewards should be spelled out.

hellokitty0613 wrote:
MY QUESTION IS WHERE DOES IT STATE ONLINE IF YOU USE A CHAT REP IT CANCELS OUT THE 250 ONLINE PROMO? IT DOESNT STATE IT ANYWHERE IN THE TERMS OF AGREEMENT ONLINE OR DO THE CHAT REPS STATE THAT WHEN ASSISTING ONLINE...SEEMS VERY MISLEADING... CAN ANYONE CLARIFY WHERE THEY ARE GETTING THIS INFO???

mibrnsurg · ‎07-15-2008

hellokitty0613 wrote:
MY QUESTION IS WHERE DOES IT STATE ONLINE IF YOU USE A CHAT REP IT CANCELS OUT THE 250 ONLINE PROMO? IT DOESNT STATE IT ANYWHERE IN THE TERMS OF AGREEMENT ONLINE OR DO THE CHAT REPS STATE THAT WHEN ASSISTING ONLINE...SEEMS VERY MISLEADING... CAN ANYONE CLARIFY WHERE THEY ARE GETTING THIS INFO???

As I previously stated that it should state that about chat or phone help. I look at that statement "to

order online" to mean just that, not to get chat help or call in on the phone. When users do that

they do not get their 'full rebate', we've (users) seen this happening for months here on utalk, there's

been no official notification from ATT about this problem.

Chris

Please NO SD stretch-o-vision or 480 SD HD Channels
1-800-983-2811 to avoid Mr. Voice Recognition
YRMV IMHO Simply a U-verse user, nothing more

DLGilliam · ‎10-06-2009

DLGilliam · ‎10-06-2009

I haven't gotten scammed from AT&T today, too. I have wasted the past couple of hours trying to talk to the people at the Reward Center who are extremely arrogant. I told them their online ad is extremely misleading. It stated specifically that you were entitled to a $250 rebate for signing up with a qualified tv service which we did. Today I get online to see the reward and it is a $50 gift card. They told me that I had signed up for a $30 credit for six months on my bill. I said that it was not an option when I signed up for internet service. My question to them was why I would knowling take a $30 credit for six months when I could get a $250 gift card. Pretty much the sum of it--I am going to report them to the Better Business Bureau and I will warn all of my friends and anyone else I can tell to avoid AT&T Uverse. We have know several people that have nothing but pure hell with their service--which isn't any service at all--they have been without tv, internet, and phone off and on for two months.

Message Edited by TreyW on 10-07-2009 12:31 PM

chasetec · ‎06-18-2010

Add me to the list.

I ordered the service online over a month ago with the $250 promotion. My order got *stuck* and I got an order number but no account number or installation date. The only way to fix the problem was to call ATT. The rep said she had to cancel my orginal order and place a new order. I was promised $20 off for 6 months, $200 gift card, and $50 dollars credit on my bill.

After I get my first bill I call to ask where my credit and gift card are. I was told I only got $20 dollars off for 6 months, no gift card and no credit. After comlaining the best that the rep could do was give me a $100 gift card and $30 dollars credit. We'll see if I actually get that but it is still $120 dollars less in promotions than I was promised when I signed up.

And to make it even better; I was referred to the U-Verse service by my girlfriend who has ATT wireless. She should have gotten gift cards for making the referral but her referral was denied because she has a ATT wireless number instead of ATT home phone. The terms and conditions on the ATT referral website state that it is okay to have a wireless number instead of a home phone.

Message Edited by chasetec on 10-06-2009 07:52 PM

DLGilliam · ‎10-06-2009

In looking online, there are many complaints against AT&T for this rebate scam on many sites. AT&T doesn't seem to care--maybe if everyone will register a complaint with the FCC (which you can do online) they might take notice. The $250 is not as big of a deal as the principal of the thing or their attitude of take it or leave it. Someone mentioned a class action lawsuit--it might take something like that to make them notice. Regardless, we don't need to let this thing die.

a1aparrot · ‎10-04-2009

The common thread here is that EVERY poster had a problem with the rebate. Some got it resolved, some didn't This shows a pattern of deceit by AT&T.

I attempted to sign up on line. There was a $200.00 rebate at the time. I didn't get past the screen that does the credit check. (I had to block all access to my credit due to an ID theft last year.) So when I didn't get past the credit check, another screen pops up telling me that if I call in my request, I'll get the $200.00 plus an extra $25.00 for my effort.

So I signed up for U300 with HD 3 receivers and the sports package. Was told I'll get the $225.00 (I was also told NHL Center Ice was available, but that's another thread.) Weeks later I did receive the letter to go to the site to get my rebate. It was (as others have noted) only for $100.00. Sensing a scam I decided to call in to see where the other $125.00 was. I called customer service. They looked it up and said I was only eligible for $100.00 and to call the rewards center. Sure enough the rewards center told me I was denied the other $100.00 because I phoned in my order. They had NO clue about the extra $25.00 which was offered by both the credit screen AND the CSR. They told me to call back customer service.

I called back customer service and demanded to speak to a manager. After a 30 minute wait I got one. After lengthy negotiation she gave me a $100.00 credit on my bill. Not what I was promised but better than nothing.

A month goes by and I get my bill. The $100.00 was there and so was an upgrade to U450 with all the extra associated charges!!!! This was never requested and I was never told of the upgrade. I called customer service. The girl could not figure out how to adjust my bill to reflect U300 so she offered me $40.00 credit which I accepted. I turn on the TV and my HD is gone. Another call to customer service and 2 hours later my HD is back.

But wait! There's more!!!

Wait a month, the next bill arrives. No $40.00 credit. I call customer service. They said just pay $40.00 less than the due amount. I requested a new bill, they said no. Paid the bill less the $40.00.

Wait another month. Guess what? I'm $40.00 in arrears and being threatened with service termination. Called customer service again. They said they fixed it and to pay $40.00 less than the bill. I requested a new bill. They said no.

We will see what happens NEXT month.

Bottom line, I was scammed on many levels when I signed up with U-VERSE. I'd go back to DirecTV but there is no way in hell I'll get locked into their 2 year agreement.

Message Edited by a1aparrot on 10-07-2009 11:20 AM

hellokitty0613_1 · ‎09-28-2009

i have learned that the chat reps used the wrong promo code for the online orders and submitted the 1000 cash back not the 250. att is looking into the issue and last heard they are correcting it and issuing out appeasement checks to those customers. more info to come forth.

a1aparrot · ‎10-04-2009

hellokitty0613 wrote:
i have learned that the chat reps used the wrong promo code for the online orders and submitted the 1000 cash back not the 250. att is looking into the issue and last heard they are correcting it and issuing out appeasement checks to those customers. more info to come forth.

How did you learn this? What's your source? Why should anyome believe anything AT&T says?

Appeasement checks? Why not just do it right the first time?

I seriously doubt the veracity of this post.

Rebate_Victim · ‎10-09-2009

Got another victim of the scam here. The AT&T rep is telling me I didn't read it properly??? I printed it out as I always do when dealing with cash back offers. Here it is verbatim:

"Offer ends 8/25/09. Available with new residential online orders for U200, U2200 Latino, U300 or U450 with AT&T U-verse High-Speed Internet plans. One offer per service address. AT&T U-verse services must be ordered between 8/03/09 and 8/25/09. Redemption letter with online and phone redemption instructions will be mailed after service activiation. Customer must redeem online or by phone within 30 days of receipt of letter."

I ordered the U450 package with a High-Speed Internet plan on 8/19/09 and met all the above requirements.

I would hope all the money I paid for my education including law school would enable me to read and understand that paragraph.

This is clearly meant to get people to sign up and then they change the rules.

I am glad I didn't take down my satellite dish.

PowerCycle · ‎03-27-2009

fcampobasso wrote:
Thanks for the lesson, is that what this is? I know. Rest assured, ATT does monitor the content here.

Yes... AT&T does have people monitoring forums about their services... But I wonder why there still seems to be no action on their part.

hellokitty0613_1 · ‎09-28-2009

at this time cannot disclose my source but can assure you it is being taken care of and 12000 customers will be getting their rewards for the online chat orders..in the correct amount.

abech23 · ‎10-13-2009

The exact same thing just happened to me. They promised $250 cash back if I signed up before August 25th. A rep told me if I upgraded to the u300 I would get an additional $100 for a total of $350 cash back. Recently got two $100 rebates and was told that's all I was qualified for. There is some SERIOUS misrepresentation going on by ATT. I'm still trying to get a hold of the rep that promised me the extra $100. This shouldn't happen and really sours me to ATT.

mibrnsurg · ‎07-15-2008

From what you are saying you didn't sign up online that the deal required (talked to a rep), then

you changed your package deal which can be a deal breaker for the rebate too (even if you upgrade

to a higher package). Think rebate $100 (from $250) by talking to rep which got you second $100.

Chris

Please NO SD stretch-o-vision or 480 SD HD Channels
1-800-983-2811 to avoid Mr. Voice Recognition
YRMV IMHO Simply a U-verse user, nothing more

abech23 · ‎10-13-2009

Actually called today and was told that I don't qualilfy for the extra $50 because I had AT&T previously for my landline...basically telling me to read the fine print. Yesterday a CSR told me that I didn't qualify because I needed to order the U450 not the U200 to qualify. I might call tomorrow to see what other answer their dart hits. I did order on line and spoke to the rep when I was trying to set up my voice mail. ATT is acting very deceptive and their CSRs are very unprofessional in my opinion.

a1aparrot · ‎10-04-2009

mibrnsurg wrote:
From what you are saying you didn't sign up online that the deal required (talked to a rep), then
you changed your package deal which can be a deal breaker for the rebate too (even if you upgrade
to a higher package). Think rebate $100 (from $250) by talking to rep which got you second $100.

Chris
Please NO SD stretch-o-vision or 480 SD HD Channels
1-800-983-2811 to avoid Mr. Voice Recognition
YRMV IMHO Simply a U-verse user, nothing more

So what you're saying, is its OK for the agtent to lie!

mibrnsurg · ‎07-15-2008

Wasn't responding to you Mr.broken record, stuck on Uverse sucks.

Chris

Please NO SD stretch-o-vision or 480 SD HD Channels
1-800-983-2811 to avoid Mr. Voice Recognition
YRMV IMHO Simply a U-verse user, nothing more

greenwing · ‎12-16-2009

OK...going on record here...

Last night I was online and going through the order process...I selected the online chat to ask a question...Ended up chatting with a "Shawn" I think was his name...Anyway, he asked if he could call me in 10 minutes...So I said OK...Ended up with him saying that since he was in the att u-verse/web department my order would get a $325 cash back rebate after having the service for 30 days...I specifically told him that I would probably down grade from the u450 TV service and the 18mb internet service after my 30 days were up...He said that was fine and I would still be getting a cash rebate of $325...I specifically asked him about the rebate and he said I did not have to do the actual order online and the $325 I was eligible for going through him was a better deal anyways...I SPECIFICALLY ASKED (for the record)... hehe

Then I started looking at these forums and saw this thread...I just called u-verse tech support and they told me that I should get the $325 rebate, but they can't tell me for sure until after my first 30 days of service...Install is set for 10/22/2009...

I ordered u450, 18mb internet, and 1 voice line (keeping the same number)...

Putting all this here for reference in case I have issues next month in trying to get my rebate...

Sounds like a lot of people here are getting the run-a-round...

Message Edited by kenmullins on 10-16-2009 09:01 AM

VinnyM69 · ‎08-28-2009

Just to offer my experiences with AT&T U-verse cash back offers so far. My install was on 07/29/09. U200 TV package and Internet Pro. Install went fine. Both the inside installer and the outside guy that checked the line were there onetime and knew what they were doing. I'm in the Grand Rapids, MI market for those who care.

About two and a half to three weeks later I was notified by snail mail that my rebate was ready and to go to the getmyrewards.att.com web site to complete the redemption process. Going to the rewards web site I noticed that my reward amount was $200. I was promised $250 plus an extra $50 from the online sales person's department for a total of $300 in rewards. I went ahead and completed the process to get the $200 reward and received that check about a week or so later, which was around the 28th of August. I figured they would be sending me the other $100 later.

After waiting until today, 10/16/09, and seeing no further notification on the rewards site or in the mail of the rest the reward, I called the contact number listed on the rewards web site. After being on hold with the automated call system for 15 minutes listening to elevator music, I got a recording saying the call volume was exceptionally high at this time and could I please call back another time. And was promptly disconnected by the auto call system. Bummer....

Anyway, I also had received a postcard in the mail from U-verse about week ago offering me HBO for free for three months. So I called the number listed on the mailing to get the free HBO. The call was answered almost immediately by a very nice sales lady named Channel (?), like the perfume. She set me up with the free HBO, no muss, no fuss. So I asked her if she could possibly help me out with my missing $100 from the rewards program. She said she could after I explained the situation to her. I was put on hold for 4 or 5 minutes while she called the rewards center (she obviously had a number to get though to them fast). She got back on the line and told me that I would be getting the missing $100. I'm supposed to check back with the rewards web site in 7 - 10 business days and my $100 reward should show up.

So, as long as she is true to her word and the $100 shows up on the rewards web site in a week or 10 days, I'm a happy camper. This is the first time I have had to call AT&T and they couldn't have been nicer and more helpful. Very positive experience.

hellokitty0613_1 · ‎09-28-2009

what is the $150 plan b headliner?

Uniblurb3 · ‎09-14-2009

hellokitty0613 wrote:
what is the $150 plan b headliner?

Dunno, which of the 49 other posts are you referring to?

In your reply hit "Quote" on the far right top and it will insert the post in your reply.

choco1122 · ‎10-20-2009

Uniblurb3 wrote:
Pranav4827, am curious with the monthly adjustments just how close to the $300 offered you received? Often users do not see a monthly, or lump sum discount, as the same thing as a rebate. While you are not receiving a cash back rebate, a discount is more or less the same thing.

The main reason there are so many problems with rebates are the sales people are most often not AT&T employees. These sales reps are subcontractors who will promise about anything to make a sale. AT&T really needs to take a closer look at the false promises these sales reps are making to new customers. They are doing more harm than good. Both the new users and CS suffers severely from these underhanded sales tactics.

Think AT&T/U-verse has done a great job in having professional installers that are AT&T employees. Most all of the other cable/satellite companies use subcontractors and their quality of work sure shows. I had many nightmare installers from VOOM and Directv. The U-verse installers were like a dream come true.

Now why doesn't AT&T look at this and have only sales staff that are employees. If they continue to use subcontractors make each one of them have some type of ID number to hold them accountable for their actions. And they should be required to offer this number to every sales contact they make. If they would have to cover their over-inflated offers, out of their own pocket, there would be no deception involved.

Sorry to go off on a tangent and don't really know what recourse you have at this point.

Pranav4827 wrote:
I am another one sailing in the same boat.
Promise was 300 dollars
Money received till date 150 + some adjustment to monthly bill after talking to a manager. Total does not add up to the promised amount.
Manager did admit that rep might have oversold to close the sale. Prior to speaking to the manager I spoke to another rep, where I got the feeling that she is trying hard to see if I am lying. I did not convey it to the manager because I might be wrong as it was just what I felt (never clearing said...you are lying)

In short, att oversold the rebate and I am surprised to see so many cases here.
In all I was never satisfied with their pic quality in comparison to the earlier service (cable). they score over number of HD channels because of which i want to stay with them.
But, I have seriously started wieghing my options now about should I stay with them or not. But I wish to give them some more time to resolve this issue.
Is there anything action so many consumers can take against them?
*Edited*

Message Edited by TreyW on 10-23-2009 01:40 PM

Uniblurb3 · ‎09-14-2009

I would bet only AT&T employees have AT&T employee ID's with a number assigned.

What kind of "employee ID" are you referring to in regards to subcontractors?

A door-to-door salesperson sure isn't going to have anything with an AT&T assigned ID number on it. We have seen these sales agents on this forum before and some carry every type of service application there is in their briefcases. Don't want U-verse; they will sell you on another provider.

Also a sales subcontractor calling prospective new customers isn't going to have an ID/number if they work for themselves.

I have made contact with many AT&T employees including those in upper management. And every one of them has openly offered their employee ID number as requested. The only contacts that have refused to furnish their ID numbers are sales agents. Could this be because they are not AT&T employees and don't have an ID number as I originally stated?

choco1122 wrote:
Uniblurb3 wrote:
Pranav4827, am curious with the monthly adjustments just how close to the $300 offered you received? Often users do not see a monthly, or lump sum discount, as the same thing as a rebate. While you are not receiving a cash back rebate, a discount is more or less the same thing.

The main reason there are so many problems with rebates are the sales people are most often not AT&T employees. These sales reps are subcontractors who will promise about anything to make a sale. AT&T really needs to take a closer look at the false promises these sales reps are making to new customers. They are doing more harm than good. Both the new users and CS suffers severely from these underhanded sales tactics.

Think AT&T/U-verse has done a great job in having professional installers that are AT&T employees. Most all of the other cable/satellite companies use subcontractors and their quality of work sure shows. I had many nightmare installers from VOOM and Directv. The U-verse installers were like a dream come true.

Now why doesn't AT&T look at this and have only sales staff that are employees. If they continue to use subcontractors make each one of them have some type of ID number to hold them accountable for their actions. And they should be required to offer this number to every sales contact they make. If they would have to cover their over-inflated offers, out of their own pocket, there would be no deception involved.

Sorry to go off on a tangent and don't really know what recourse you have at this point.

Pranav4827 wrote:
I am another one sailing in the same boat.
Promise was 300 dollars
Money received till date 150 + some adjustment to monthly bill after talking to a manager. Total does not add up to the promised amount.
Manager did admit that rep might have oversold to close the sale. Prior to speaking to the manager I spoke to another rep, where I got the feeling that she is trying hard to see if I am lying. I did not convey it to the manager because I might be wrong as it was just what I felt (never clearing said...you are lying)

In short, att oversold the rebate and I am surprised to see so many cases here.
In all I was never satisfied with their pic quality in comparison to the earlier service (cable). they score over number of HD channels because of which i want to stay with them.
But, I have seriously started wieghing my options now about should I stay with them or not. But I wish to give them some more time to resolve this issue.
Is there anything action so many consumers can take against them?
*Edited*

Message Edited by TreyW on 10-23-2009 01:47 PM

VinnyM69 · ‎08-28-2009

VinnyM69 wrote:
Just to offer my experiences with AT&T U-verse cash back offers so far. My install was on 07/29/09. U200 TV package and Internet Pro. Install went fine. Both the inside installer and the outside guy that checked the line were there onetime and knew what they were doing. I'm in the Grand Rapids, MI market for those who care.

About two and a half to three weeks later I was notified by snail mail that my rebate was ready and to go to the getmyrewards.att.com web site to complete the redemption process. Going to the rewards web site I noticed that my reward amount was $200. I was promised $250 plus an extra $50 from the online sales person's department for a total of $300 in rewards. I went ahead and completed the process to get the $200 reward and received that check about a week or so later, which was around the 28th of August. I figured they would be sending me the other $100 later.

After waiting until today, 10/16/09, and seeing no further notification on the rewards site or in the mail of the rest the reward, I called the contact number listed on the rewards web site. After being on hold with the automated call system for 15 minutes listening to elevator music, I got a recording saying the call volume was exceptionally high at this time and could I please call back another time. And was promptly disconnected by the auto call system. Bummer....

Anyway, I also had received a postcard in the mail from U-verse about week ago offering me HBO for free for three months. So I called the number listed on the mailing to get the free HBO. The call was answered almost immediately by a very nice sales lady named Channel (?), like the perfume. She set me up with the free HBO, no muss, no fuss. So I asked her if she could possibly help me out with my missing $100 from the rewards program. She said she could after I explained the situation to her. I was put on hold for 4 or 5 minutes while she called the rewards center (she obviously had a number to get though to them fast). She got back on the line and told me that I would be getting the missing $100. I'm supposed to check back with the rewards web site in 7 - 10 business days and my $100 reward should show up.

So, as long as she is true to her word and the $100 shows up on the rewards web site in a week or 10 days, I'm a happy camper. This is the first time I have had to call AT&T and they couldn't have been nicer and more helpful.   Very positive experience.

Reveived email notification today from the AT&T Reward Center that the additional $100 of my rebate was being mailed to me ($100 AT&T Reward Card).

Message Edited by VinnyM69 on 10-23-2009 03:50 PM

Message Edited by VinnyM69 on 10-23-2009 03:51 PM

Uniblurb3 · ‎09-14-2009

Good for you VinnyM69 and glad to see you are receiving all of the rewards promised.

reyma2 · ‎10-29-2009

I was promised $250 to sign up online. Only redeemed $100 and $50 (total $150) visa gift cards. Had to call for other $100. Still waiting to redeem. Operator said will take 7-10 business days. What the hell is going on out there at AT&T. It's a good thing I like the U-Verse total home DVR technology, otherwise, I would switch back to my old service. Do the right thing AT&T and keep your promises.

slim4086 · ‎11-16-2009

I see I am not the only one who had a problem with the cash back I was promised.Signed up on-line when promo was $200 cash plus a $25 gift card for tv and internet service. Never rec'd promo code and when I called AT&T was told my promo had expired. While they did reinstate a $100 cash award for me which I liked it was still far from the amount I was promised. I urge any who sign up to be wary of promises made by AT&T

nmohns1 · ‎11-24-2009

Hello,

I am dealing with this same issue. Added to it, I was told I could cancel after 90 days and then get my $300 reward. AT&T has since changed at least 3 aspects of what I was told. I saved the chat and have proof. Have you found a lawyer?

Nikki

chestnutvinegar · ‎11-27-2009

Hi all,

It's been probably more than 5 months now since my ATTUverse service was ordered and activated, and the only reason I ordered was because there was the $250 cashback promotion thing going on. I even have the offer details printed out on the date that I ordered (5/25).

1) $200 cash back offer: Online orders only. Given for ordering new ATT Uverse U200 TV or higher.

2) $50 cash back offer: Special Online only bonus. Available with new residential online orders for U200 (or higher) with ATT Uverse High Speed Internet.

So I got the whole package deal of TV, Internet, and Phone, and plus I remember the large title banner on the U-verse website that was promoting the same thing for $250 cashback. There was also something going on about $19 off per month of TV service for 6 months at the same time, so that just helped me make my decision to go with Uverse easier.

About 30 days after activation of the service, i received the reward center mail for the $50. Great, so I redeemed that. Weeks roll by and nothing about the $200, even after checking the reward center redemption page frequently. I tried contacting online chat, the rewards center, and billing and sales, and they just said to wait for it. Before I know it, months have rolled by, and I had a family member call in to see what she could find out about it. They told her this bull -- The promotion was either for $200 cashback, or the $19 off tv for 6 or 12 months. A couple days later I found the time to call in again to see what they were talking about, and the person told me the same thing. For one, the $19 off was clearly for 6 months as stated during the "customize your package" screen, there was no such thing as $19 off for 12 months when I ordered. Secondly, I didn't see any option for either or for the promotions. As I understood it, it was both $19 off for 6 months, and the $250 total cashback. The person on the billing and sales line managed to keep a straight face while telling me this, while I had the Promotion Offer Details page printout right in front of me. It does not say a thing about receiving only either $200 cashback or $19 off for 6 months.

Anyway, not only has it been 5-6 months since I ordered and activated, it seems this $200 + some other cashback offer has been going on constantly since then, except now I think I read the fine print that says the $200 will be returned in the form of a visa gift card or something like that. When I ordered, it specifically mentions in the offer details that it would be a check, and that the check cannot be used to pay for local phone service provided by ATT.

ANYWAY, is there somebody higher up I could contact about this issue? I've seen some threads already that mention that a guy named David can help out with these sort of problems, but I looked at his thread and it looks like he's taking care of prequalification and technical issues with service? Should I send my information to him anyway? He also notes to provide contact notes for the phone calls and case numbers, but I did not save any of that information from the phone calls, but can he help anyway?

I've also got an issue with extra tv service billing (for HBO). Cancelled it and service was turned off, but was still charged for it for the following month, blah blah. I need to call billing first though about this. I just haven't found the time to do that lately.

Message Edited by chestnutvinegar on 11-27-2009 10:16 PM

ShaunMN · ‎03-03-2011

Moved:

Moved for better exposure