SharkJumping

Dually noted. We buy a LOT of mobile phones, and I can tell you I've had this same experience with more than a few carriers. T-Mobile flat out denied me the $100 rebate on a Nokia 6600. The only reason I purchased it was because the manager of the store ( a T-Mobile store, not a reseller) checked and assured me of the rebate. So I got two denials, but they got me for another year. I was finally able to get a $100 credit when I called a supervisor and asked to cancel my account.
I have had some many problems with rebates on electronics that I just don't even pay attention to them anymore; assuming that I am either going to get screwed, or that it will take them 6 months to send me the check.

Rebates are a scam. I'm just waiting for the problem to get big enough for the class action lawsuits to start.

-David

I've recently started having some problems with rebates too and the lack of customer support or responsiveness from the company. I've wondering why consumer protection groups are not making a issue out of this. I'm sure I'm not the only one frustrated.

It's my understanding that third-party dealers like Wirefly are able to offer huge rebates because they make a commission off of every new customer they sign up... however, the carriers don't pay that commission until the new account has been in good standing for six months. And Wirefly can't pay out YOUR money until they get THEIR money.

I've been following these rebate issues for a while now, and that seems to be a key issue in terms of the frustrating time frames. As for me personally, I got my money without any issues.

Your experience sounds like a comedy of errors. I'm suprrised because I've always been a fan of theirs and I got my rebates too, though the rebates did take a LOOONG time. I used them to switch to Cingular about a year and a half ago. Got phones for me and my wife. Was very satisfied and had planned to use them again.

Yes, the rebates finally arrived today, Feb 28th, a mere 5-6 months after they were submitted.

Cool. I'd note that in the blog post itself though, not as a comment to yourself. LOL!

I'm not sure if this helps anyone, but a few months ago I found this site in a search: http://rave.e-var.com. I'm not sure who they are affiliated with, but I ordered here (they have a cumbersome order process--bordering on ridiculous), but the long and short of it is that I got a check back ($50) without having to send in a lame rebate forms. They sent the check about 75 days after I activated.

Received a letter stating that my rebate submission was invalid for reasons that were fabricated such as I did not include the order Number was not written in the rebate form, wrong copies of paid Sprint bill etc. After submitting the corrections per their instructions, & submitting proof that their reasons for deeming my submission invalid, the invalid status has NOT changed. Multiple calls to the Rebate Customer Center only achieved unfulfilled promises to correct the unfounded "invalid status". I mailed my submission on 10/2005. To date
3/2006 no status change has been made. No rebate has been received. The 2005 Keystone Web Performance Award fpr Best Overall Customer Experience given to InPhonic is a big joke.

I've submitted 2 rebate claims to inphonic. Their website indicates that the rebates are being processed along with a lame excuse about their rebate center being re-located and requests being back logged. This is a very poor way to do business, and like you It will not happen to me again. Let the buyer beware.

Inphonic is a scam, BIG TIME.

My wife and I are also having problems with wirefly, we turned in the rebate forms way before the dead line and filled out both exactly the same. We received one rebate but got an email that are other form was incomplete. After many calls we finally got a hold of someone that told us to fill it out again and fax it in since there was only a couple of days left before it would be to late. Now we got another email that we didnt turn in the form by the dead line. Finally got a hold of some idiot that told us there was nothing they could do. WIREFLY IS A RIP OFF!!!!! Does anybody know of anywhere to put in a complaint besides wirefly or t-mobile.

Rob

I followed InPhonic Inc. every detailed instruction.
On there website it states they are going to send me instructions to correct the problem however of course the rebate dates have already passed.

We should not let them get away with this scam especially since there have been compliants from everywhere.
I am going to contact Motorola and the service provider. I am going to submit a compliant to the Texas Attorney General.
Please do the same.

It just goes to show support your local retailer and deal with a person. Then you at least have a person to hold accountable. If it seems too good to be true, it's probably too good to be true. Wirefly has been notoriously horrible, but keep sucking people in with these rebates they try not to offer. Stay away!!!!!!

Inphonics, Wirefly and Cingular got me to sign up. They are still holding $400.00 for the advertized REBATES. Now over 5 months past due. DO NOT order anything from WIREFLY and do not buy stock in Inphonics. I am very disappointed. My family and I still need of the rebate that was promised. I submitted correctly & properly they use excuses and noncompliance of the terms as a reason. This was not true. Please avoid these vendors. I hope Cingular reads this and learn of the underhanded dealings used by their business partners.

My rebates status as same as Geep. My rebates were received on 3/8/06. The web site and Inphonics's customer service indicated the rebates been approved and the check will be mailed out. I have not seen the check yet. Today, the cellphonerebates.com has been changed, the information is different and my claim isn't found. All above complaints are true. The rebates deals are scam. I will fill out a complaint to Federal Trade Commission and Better Business Bereau related to Wirefly, Inphonics and T-Mobile. T-Mobile should be responsible for all the act. We are the consumer who just want a phone and we don't want to play any game. Thanks for all listening.

Same situation as everyone else. Does anyone have the telephone number to contact inphonic or wirefly?

I have been waiting over a year for my rebate. Finally got a hold of what appears to be an intelligent person at Inphonics today. She is listed as the head of customer complaints on their website. Anyway, here is the contact information:

Hollie Kapos

She was very helpful and stated I should receive my check in 7 to 10 business days and that if I did not, to please call her back.

Hope this helps.

Hi, everyone:

We have a NEW, dedicated rebate hotline as of July 21. Our agents can assist you with your specific rebate submissions. Please call:

Thanks,

Jon Delahay
InPhonic

I bought my phone from wirefly.com. I have a $250 rebate coming to me and I am so ANGRY! It has been over 5 months since I sent my rebate and I have not seen a dime!! This rebate stuff is crap and this is SUCH A BIG SCAM!!!! I will start a lawsuit against this company and I do not care if I lose a ton of money doing it!!!!

I'm yet another dissatisfied customer. Avoid Wirefly and Inphonic at all costs. It's not worth it. I've submitted a complaint to the Better Business Bureau, I recommend everyone else do the same. No rebate 4 months and counting. They misspelled my name even though it's typed on mulitple forms. Convenient way to not pay for them.

I dont think that all the rebates that are denied by wirefly is a scam. Everybody complain about what went wrong but they dont say what was their mistake. If it was a scam inphonic would not have provided a toll free no and an address for the rebates center. Why cant people have some patience and wait for their money back? For all of them who complain about not getting their rebates, please tell me one company which does not have consumer complains? Its obvious that inphonic will honour our rebates after they get paid after 6 months of good standing. are they any charitable institution to provide free fones. After all they are also a business concern, aren't they? just a small suggestion... We all work for different business concerns, I think we all should call BBB and ask how many complaints are lodged against our business. Every business has their own policy and terms and conditions.

VEDIKA....What you said is CRAP! All of these people sent in their rebates ON TIME and CORRECTLY. If they are such a wonderful company, then why are there multiple lawsuits against their company? You obviously haven't dealt with them. And as far as waiting a six month period, it should have stated 6 MONTHS instead of 8-10 WEEKS!!! This is a breech of contract. So, please don't defend the company that is trying to screw people out of their money!

I called Inphonic and told them that since they had violated the agreement by not sending me the rebate check within the stipulated time, all other terms and conditions associated with the agreement automatically become null and void. This includes the one year service contract with the wireless service provider. Believe me, Inphonic, wirefly, cellphonerebates, a1wireless.com are all scams. BTW, did you know that the phones that are sent by these web sites are not new, but refurbished. Nowhere on the site is the word new phone mentioned. Wonder why.

I have ordered a Nokia 6250 phone from wirefly with the contract of Cingular....the order was placed 15days ago...I am yet to receive my order. Customer service phonelines are found bsy continuously....This ppl are horrible.

Thank you so much for ur interest CAMBY and AGREE WITH CAMBY. But tell me one thing are ur rebates denied. Just to let u guys know, I have placed 18 orders with Wirefly and A1wireless. I have submitted all the requirements on time. These are the orders that are placed by me for my business. I have been dealing with Inphonic for the past 4 yrs. I understand that it takes a LOOOOOOOONG time to get processed. But I did get all of my rebates and I'm awaiting for 2 more rebates that I have submitted this year in feb which still shows processing. But I think I should deal with this patiently 'coz I'm getting a free fone at the end. I'm sure they WILL NOT eat up my money. I know my rights. But I am not greedy and I cant lose my patience for money at least. Whenever Inphonic promised something they did fulfill it. Might be a little late but I did get my rebates. When I had accepted the risk I would not lose my patience. Ofcourse even my carrier will not provide me a cell fone at the cost at which Wirefly provides. I understand the fact that Wirefly is just an infant in online cell fone marketing and it has a go a long way. So I think I can take the risk and I would continue taking the risk.

After several-month-long painful wait with continuously pushing Inphonic Customer Service, I finally got what they promised- $150. The whole experience is really unpleasant. I won't do business with this company anymore.
Remember, I submitted my rebate applications several time, because the customer service always claimed that my applications didn't exist.

Vedika, Did you receive my email on all the complaints? This is ridiculous!! There are over 3,000 complaints with this company regarding wirefly.com!!! A little more than average?! Also, the contract states 8-10 WEEKS to receive your rebate!! NOT 6 MONTHS!!!

Hello again, everyone:

I'd like to remind folks to try calling our new rebate hotline at . It's been up and running for a few weeks now, and has become a valuable part of our customer service.

If, however, you'd prefer to e-mail me directly, that's also a great way to find info about your rebate. Contact me with your order number, and I'll be happy to personally look into your account, and find a concrete timetable for you.

Thanks,

Jon Delahay
InPhonic - Office of the President

I called the service number, it's a recording. I sent in 3 requests on the website. I faxed my paperwork in once to try to speed the process. I finally received my rebate a week ago after ordering my phone in January and sending in the paperwork on March 23. This took way too long and way too much effort. It may have been my complaint to the better business bureau (http://www.bbb.org/) that finally got me my rebate. I recommend filing a complaint.

I also talked to the Garcia law firm (http://www.lawgarcia.com/) about their pending class action law suit against Inphonic. If you're really angry, I recommend you talk to them as well.

If I miss a payment on my credit card by 1 day I get jacked for $20 plus. Inphonic is late by at least 4 months on my rebate, I have no pity.

I am just doing what I think is fair for Inphonic, because I got my rebate, and pretty easily, without much fuss at all. Here's my story:

I purchased 2 phones from Wirefly in November, 2005, only to find, after the purchase, all these negative reviews online about them. I was undeniably scared that I was going to be out $430 in rebates. There was nothing I could do, so I decided to just eat the cost if the rebates didn't come. I set alarms on my calendars, and kept my eye on the dates to mail off the rebates. One thing I didn't find in the online reviews was an instance where someone actually got their rebate.

The 6-month mark came, and I documented everything I needed to document, and sent off the rebates certified mail. I also documented the dates I sent things off and the messages posted online at cellphonerebates.com. After 8 or 9 weeks, I checked again, only to find the "still processing" message online. I called the number posted above (office of the president), and actually got a person on the phone the second time I called. After a 2 minute conversation, she assured me she found my rebate and had begun processing it. She said I should get my rebate in 5 to 10 business days. After the call, I checked online at cellphonerebates.com and the status had changed! It said it was processed! After 5 days, I checked online, and they had mailed the check! 5 days later, the checks had arrived. 3 days after that, the money had arrived in my bank account. I was skeptical all the way, but wirefly did what they said they were going to do.

Stay Away at all cost! I ordered two Razr phones and renewed my family share plan through Wirefly. After waiting for the phones to ship (which never happened), I contacted Wirelfy and was told the Blue Razr's were out of stock and asked if I would like to receive the silver instead. I said sure and though that was that. I then received an email saying the order for my two Bluetooth headsets had been cancelled. When I contacted Wirefly, they informed me that as the accessories were included with the original phones, they were cancelled and I would have to reorder. I though not big deal, I will just reorder, but then I was informed that as the price at the time of my order change was $29.95 I would have to pay this amount for each phone. I was amazed to find that because of their lack of stock I was being charged for phones, which were originally free. I asked for a supervisor and after around 20 minutes of talking was assured, my account would be refunded. After not receiving the refund, I contacted Cingular who was kind enough to contact the vendor on my behalf. Once again, Cingular was assured the charges would be refunded to my account. Again, no refund was received and as a result, I contacted Cingular who in turn contacted the vendor. The Cingular rep and I were told the refund would not be given unless I returned the phones. The Cingular rep was amazed to find Wirefly was charging an $18.00 processing fee, as Cingular charges this same fee. When I originally saw the charge, I assumed it was the charge for upgrade from Cingular, but it turns out Wirefly charges their own fee. Again, Cingular was amazed by this and recommended I return the phones and not continue to do business with this company. I cannot express how strongly I would encourage customers not to order anything from Wirefly. The Cingular Rep and I received false information form 3 employees of the organization. Stay Away at all cost."

For those, like me, who have not gotten their rebates after following the rules: Here's a bit of news:

DC’s AG Sues Popular Wireless Marketer

Washington, DC - Attorney General Robert J. Spagnoletti announced today that the District has filed a consumer protection lawsuit against InPhonic, Inc., ("InPhonic") -- a DC based business that sells wireless phones and plans to consumers across the country. The District alleges that InPhonic fails to clearly disclose how difficult it is for consumers to meet its rebate conditions and that many consumers are unable to obtain promised savings.

see full text at:

http://www.oag.dc.gov/occ/cwp/view,a...v_GID,1521.asp

I also advise you to write and complain to Inphonic (aka firefly) Their stock symbol is INPC. Also, go to Yahoo finance and place messages on the bulleting boards. This company has fooled a lot of people. Time to reap what they sow.

Power to the consumer.

Over six months ago I mailed forms for 2 rebates for $125 each on a cell phone purchased from Wirefly.com. They approved one of the rebates and said the other one was not mailed by the deadline and that the phone bill sent with it did not fall in the correct time period. Both forms had exactly the same deadlines, required the same phone bill date range and were mailed at the same time....I emailed them scanned images of their rebate forms and asked them to review them. They've been reviewing my claim for almost 3 months now. I still have not yet received a check for the rebate that was approved nearly 3 months ago...

I chased the INPHONIC people for nearly a year to get my rebate - tons of phonecalls, emails and all I ever got was more delay tactics. Finally, I filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau three weeks ago. Suprise! My rebate check showed up via FedEx express! It's amazing how quickly InPhonic can get that check out if they really want to. All in all, it took about 2 weeks since filing the bbb report and receiving my rebate check. Before that, I had tried to gert that check for nearly a year, all I ever got was the runaround and was just about to give up on ever seeing that check when I stumbled upon the bbb website. I encourage all of you who are due your rebates from InPhonic, wirefly, liberty wireless et al to file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. You can do this easily online for free at the following link: http://www.bbb.org/complaint.asp I filed 2 complaints - one against Inphonic for the rebate and another against the company I bought my phone from (Liberty Wireless). It is very easy to do - when you get to the second page that says TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMPLAINT choose the BUSINESS COMPLAINT option and when it asks for the name of the business type in InPhonic and it will display the rebate centers we have all been dealing with in vain. It is very self-explanatory from that point. Also, after finishing the BUSINESS COMPLAINT I went back and filed a second report using the CELL PHONE company complaint option. Even though it says cell phone SERVICE you can use that option to report InPhonic (their name shows up on a long list on the next webpage - including wirefly etc. and just about any other cell phone company you can think of - this rebate thing seems to be a widespread problem) ). Hope this can help some of you to get your rebates. I couldn't believe it when that Fed Ex delivery came and I saw the sender was InPhonic! Don't give up!

I was prompted to write this review after reading the recent negative reviews for wirefly. I ordered two Moto Razrs with a family plan from T-Mobile. I had existing numbers to port. I decided to call in the order as opposed to submitting online so I could speak to someone and express my concern after reading some negative reviews. I told the wirefly rep that lately their reviews had not been so positive. He was surprised, but I didn't expect anything less. I placed my order on Sunday night, August 20, and used their FedEx second day shipping. The rep clearly told me I would receive my order in 5-7 business days. I received the phones on Thursday, August 24, even sooner than the rep indicated. Understand that a credit check needs to be done, the order has to be processed and the numbers have to ported to the new service provider. When I received the phones, on the packing slip it clearly indicated that service would be activated in 48 hours, which would be August 26. It all rolled out that way and it went smoothly. I even called T-Mobile to get status and they confirmed that service would be activated on the 26th. As for rebates, these Moto Razrs were being offered free with T-Mobile service. I only had to pay $9.99 for shipping of the second phone and $1 for the credit check. On top of the free phones, T-Mobile was offering $50 rebate with the purchase of EACH phone. Yes, I will receive $100 in 6-8 weeks. The rebate is submitted directly to T-Mobile and must be done so by September 30. This is not a rebate offer from wirefly nor do I have to submit to or through wirefly. Overall, I would recommend wirefly. I had a positive experience with both wirefly and T-Mobile. I would suggest to anyone considering using wirefly to place your order by phone so you can ask questions, but before that, do all your research on their website, read wirefly's term and conditions and the terms and conditions of the cell phone provider's offer. I would also recommend that you seek out TRUE free phones, not free after mail-in-rebates offered from wirefly because this is where the company may falter. All the reviews I read concerning rebates to be received from wirefly sound like a nightmare. You have to wait 181 days after your service has been turned on to even submit the rebate. If you are looking for a good deal and want free phones up front, I strongly recommend wirefly. The fact that I will get $50 rebates from T-Mobile after already having received free Razrs is an added bonus to the already smooth, prompt service I experienced. Good luck to all!

wow! i am blown away by all of this...yet again, i sort of expected to read plenty of bad reviews about inphonic/wirefly.

i too have had a horrible experience, but i should've listened to mom's advice - 'when it is too good to be true...' - well, you know the rest of how that goes.

i ordered from wirefly august 2005. waited 6 months to send my rebate of $200. all completed to perfection in it's due time. i received an email stating that it would take another 8-10 weeks to process (which i thought was ridiculous)... and waited, and waited, and waited...still am waiting.
i've made several phone calls emails. inphonic states the $200 are mine, but what is the hold up?
20 days ago they said it would take 5-10 days for the check to mail out. i had to call once again, and after waiting on the phone for 40 minutes for a manager, i was told 'she was too busy and that they were closing but that i would get a call from the manager tomorrow'. also the rep from inphonic (laurie) stated that they were basicaly told to lie to us about the 5-10 days wait time for the checks to be mailed out and that now they were told to say they don't know how long more it will take for us to receive our checks.

this company is all bullshit...i will follow kimberly's advice and make a few complaints with the better business bureau. hopefully this qwill be the end of it. and if there is a lawsuit around, please contact me as i am interested in being part of that lawsuit.

Below is the email I send to the InPhonic, their auditors, Cingular, Staples (InPhonic latest business partner), Buy.com on 08/14/06

InPhonic called me with in a few days.
I received my check in the mail on 08/26/06.

I received a second phone call with in a week. This time it was from Cingular wireless customer care rep. She confirmed that Cingular has received many complaints about InPhonic. She asked me to follow up with her and let her know if I have received my rebate. She was so concerned that even offered for Cingular to give me a $150 credit if InPhonic doesn't mail the rebate.

I suggest you send similar emails to all recipients listed below.

---------------------------------------------

, , , , , , , ,

Filing a complaint with NASD / SEC - InPhonic, Inc.

Dear Sirs:

Pls note that I will be filing a complaint with NASD / SEC to investigate InPhonic, Inc.practices in processing Customer Rebates and reporting Rebate Revenue / Commission on your financial statements - i.e. your Revenue Recognition policy stated on your most recent 10-Q:
"Our wireless revenue is reduced for estimated deactivations of customers prior to the expiration of a time period that ranges 120 to 180 days from the date of activation, depending on the wireless carrier. We estimate deactivations based on historical experience, which we developed based on our experience with carriers, customer behavior and sources of customers, among other factors, allowing us to accrue estimates with what we believe is a high degree of certainty. If we determine that we cannot accurately predict future deactivation experience, we may be required to defer 100% of our carrier commissions revenue until the expiration of the appropriate chargeback period. Our reserves for deactivations are included in accounts receivable and deferred revenue on the accompanying balance sheets.
In addition to receiving commissions for each wireless subscriber activated, we earn performance bonuses from the wireless carriers based on negotiated performance targets. The most significant bonus we earn is the quarterly volume bonus, which we bill wireless carriers for on a monthly basis, based on current month activations. We record these bonuses as deferred revenue at the time of billing until we achieve the quarterly targets. We also earn other quarterly bonuses from certain carriers for maintaining low customer churn and signing up customers for certain additional monthly “features” such as text messaging or data service. Wireless carriers also periodically offer bonuses for achieving monthly volume and other performance targets. We recognize these monthly bonuses as earned in accordance with the provisions of Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 104, Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements . Revenue is recognized only when all of the following criteria are met: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (2) delivery has occurred or services have been"

On 04/21/06 I received an email from , stating that my rebate was received and is currently being processed. Four months later and many unsuccessfully phone calls, I still have not received my rebate. On 07/07/06, a recording was posted at that due to recent problems all rebates have been re-processed.
I have filed a complaint with BBB Metropolitan Washington DC and Eastern Pennsylvania office - Complaint tracking number 0C213-204D8-834AD-581AA-26EA6-05B35-A3

D.C. Sues InPhonic Over Rebate Restrictions
By Annys Shin Washington Post Staff Writer Friday, June 9, 2006; Page D04
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/08/AR2006060801810.html

On June 8, the Attorney General for the District of Columbia informed InPhonic that it filed suit against the company because of certain advertised rebate offers.

There is evidence that the foregoing is a common practice of InPhonic, Inc. and a class action seems imminent - http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-7817-0.html?forumID=74&threadID=149735&messageID=1668489

Yahoo Finance - Message Boards: InPhonic, Inc. (INPC)

Cc: - the following have been Cc as follows as they maintain current business partnerships with InPhonic,Inc

* Outside Auditor Grant Thornton LLP

Grant Thornton Ed Nusbaum CEO
Grant Thornton Kara McFarland Manager, Public Relations

* Buy.com (b/c I purchased the phone from Buy.com)

Buy.com, Inc Scott A. Blum Chairman
Buy.com, Inc Neel Grover CEO
Buy.com, Inc Roger Andelin CIO

* Cingular (b/c I purchased a Cingular Plan)

Cingular, Inc. Kathy Dowling VP Customer

* Staples (b/c they signed on 07/13/06 today announced that they have signed and launched a multi-year agreement with Staples, Inc. to be the exclusive provider of cellular products and services on Staples.com. )

Staples, Inc. Owen Davis Manager, Public Relations
--

Thanks,
(Name)
(Phone Number)

Forget about geting a rebate. after several emails promising the rebate is being processed the rebate never being received. I will foward copy of the emails to the FTC, FCC, USPS, and the Florida Attorney General. This people are a bunch of crooks.

I purchased my cellphone in Jan 2006, after several reminders via emails, phones no action have been taken and I have still not received my $400 from wirefly...

I did receive my rebate.. but not until after I had fought very hard for them, and would never recommend InPhonic to anyone. I was simply answering the previous person's question...

Yet another frustrated person waiting for their Inphonic/Wirefly rebate here. They're still stonewalling; the rep at the Wirefly rebate number posted earlier () would not even admit that Wirefly and Inphonic are the same company.

Given the amount of stuff turning up here and other boards, I'm filing in small claims court tomorrow. It's only $15, and a short trip to my local courthouse.

Oh yes, I should add...
I called my provider and told them that I would _not_ renew my contract with them if I saw their logo on the Wirefly website come renewal time.

I purchased my Wire Fly Razor phone almost one year ago and I have yet to receive any REBATE CHECKS!

I mailed the rebates off with a return a receipt on each of them via USPS in March 2006.

What is today’s date? Oh yes, Sept 20th, 2006!! OK lets see that was six months ago. The 8-10 weeks where did that go? That’s what Wire Fly agreed to 8-10 weeks turn around. Now that I have given it the FULL 8-10 week plus (total 6 months) I will file actions against WireFly/ InPhonic with the BBB (the logo is shamefully on their website), www.fraud.org and also with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) which is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C).

Located at http://www.ic3.gov/

I have sent two emails to WireFly personnel and the same response has come back to me. THE CHECK IS IN THE MAIL……

Online Fraud & Deception
Cell Phone Rebate Scam - Wirefly / Inphonic

August 31, 2006

I purchased a cell phone on November 19, 2005 from Wirefly. I was to receive a rebate of $200.00 per the Wirefly associate provided I file a rebate form no earlier than 180 days from activation and no later than 210 days. I would then receive a $200.00 rebate 10 weeks later. Per the Wirefly associate I spoke with on the phone.

The rebate form was not available on the Inphonic website until April 1, 2006. After printing the rebate form I was surprised to see a different date for filing the rebate form. The form stated, “The rebate form must be postmarked no earlier than 60 days after the activation date and no later than 120 days after the activation date. With this window, I lose. (128 days had lapsed since my phone was activated by T-Mobile.
I submitted all proper UPC's, receipts, rebate forms etc upon receipt of my 2nd bill. This was also a condition of the rebate. I filed the rebate form April 3, 2006 certified mail.

I waited 10 weeks, it was around June 26 and I had not received any communication from Wirefly/Inphonic whatsoever. I checked the status on their website and discover that my rebate was not approved. It stated, “Your submission was not postmarked within the valid timeframe”. You will receive a letter or postcard describing this problem. The letter or postcard may have instructions on how to correct this error. Never received the letter or postcard.

Called T-Mobile Customer Service on 6/27/2006.

The T-Mobile CSR called Wirefly/Inphonic and stayed on the line, I was informed that I had filed too early. The 180 days – 210 days rule applied. I mentioned that the rebate form had different dates, 60 days – 120 days for filing. The Wirefly/Inphonic CSR had no knowledge of this filing date for a rebate. I faxed the forms I had submitted. He said that I could check their website in 14 days for an update. I checked the website 14 days later, July 11, 2006, it was not updated nor did I receive the letter or post card as referred to on their website. At this point I’m not within either date range.
This business model has one intent, to defraud the consumer. I'm not the only victim. Search the Internet for Wirefly Inphonic scams - you will find plenty.

I called T-Mobile Customer 6/12/2006 to share the outcome of this scam. I was really surprised T-Mobile has a business partner that operates in such a deceptive manner. I have yet to receive a rebate from Inphonic nor do I expect one.

I hate wirefly, 6 months and i still haven't gotten my rebate yet. Lame excuses from " all rebates need to be processed again to RELOCATION".. Consumers are being tricked by these companies they need to be regulated and the government needs to get involved to end their skeem.

Well, I went ahead and filed suit in Small Claims. It was $30, not $15 as I posted earlier, but still worth it. I'll let you know how it goes.

Concord District Court
305 Walden St.
Concord MA 01742
Docket Number 0647SC 0755
Trial Date: 10/31/06

Wirefly is a bad news, stay away from them...It took me six months to get the rebate from them despite submitting all rebate forms in order and in time. Every time I would call them, I will get the answer, we are still processing but your rebate entry is all valid.

My phone was supposed to be free after my rebate. I got my Motorola i860 with a two-year service contract for Nextel from Wirefly on August 10, 2005, and on August 13, 2005 activated my service with Nextel(now Sprint). My phone was supposed to be "free" I got 2 rebate forms, each for $125, totaling $250, which was what the phone cost.All forms were properly and timely executed. I submitted my claim March 3, 2006 as stipulated.On march 17, 2006 I got an email saying they received my claim saying 8 to 10 wks.for processing. Didn't hear a word until their next email, which was June 9, 2006 stating my claim had been approved and I would receive one more email the day the check would be mailed. Today is October 2, 2006 (1 yr + 2 mos since I bought the Motorola i860) I tried calling 2 different numbers and a recording told me to use their website because of high volume, and then cut me off! Their website address was extremely difficult to find, and when I did, the claim was not found! I too will report them to the BBB, and never use them again, but I still want my $250! What do I do now??

I have the same story.... I should have had my $300 rebate at least by July 2006. All of my rebate information and paperwork was "approved" and "being processed" as of mid-April 2006. I've tried the tactics, just like everyone else. E-mailed Jon D. at inphonics who also said my checks were going out with their next check run--this was Aug 2006. And here it is, mid-October and no checks from InPhonics. Time for me to file my complaints with the Attorney General, etc.

What a lousy way for a company to do business.

Inphonic.Inc is a company set up to defruad customers
They lie to you to get a sale and lie to you when you seek answers.
Lie after Lie!!!!
NO REBATE was sent outdated
rebate forms

Wow. I was extremely close to ordering from WireFly, but I will not do so now. I want to know if they are new phones or not??? Also, it seems too good to be true that I can get a Blackberry Pearl for free!!! Aren't they $500 phones. I'm glad I did the google to find out info about WireFly and the crap they put people through. Thanks everyone for your comments, it made me make an easy decision to use my local retailer. Now if only I could find a cell phone made in America...

This is how mine finally got resolved:

gather email addresses for news magazines...here are some:

60m at cbsnews dot com
abc dot news dot magazine at abc dot com
2020 at abc dot com

send a message to them outlining your problem and that there should be a segment covering rebate problems in general.

On that email, copy all the executives at Inphonic. You can get a list from their website. Go to Inphonic dot com, click on the About Us link and then get all the names from the Management Team and the Board Of Directors. The email standard for Inphonic is first initial last name at Inphonic dot com. So the CEO David Steinberg would be

dsteinberg at Inphonic dot com

Within hours of sending mine, I got a call from Megan Murray at Inphonic...she is the secretary for David Steinberg. She is claiming to send mine out via FedEx with a tracking number. Finally it is in the hands of someone other than Inphonic!!!!

Good luck...time to bring these jokers to justice.

On May 9, 2005 (order #20096422), I had the misfortune of responding to a Wirefly offer that promised Cingular Wireless service with a Motorola Razr phone for $74.99 after $100 rebate. Upon arrival of the phone I was shocked to find that it required SIX MONTHS of service before a rebate would even be processed (this was said nowhere in sales pitch), but bit the bullet and went ahead with the activation, despite my misgivings.

When I did submit the rebate, promptly and as instructed, it was rejected, despite my having followed every instruction to the letter. (I have copies of all original documents.) I was told the claim form was "illegible or incomplete." It was not. I was told my wireless bill was "invalid." It is not. (What could that even mean? I sent two months of my actual bill, as instructed. I didn't even black out any info, as I was tempted to, as all my calls, with phone numbers, are listed.)

After receiving my form letter rebate rejection, I went online and found, literally, hundreds of complaints about Wirefly bogusly turfing rebate claims, hoping customers won't resubmit (or won’t have time, since they allow only a 30 day window, total). I filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, sent a letter to Cingular (who is still working with this company) and sent my resubmission of all documents via traceable mail. They were delivered on January 16, 2006 at 3:06 p.m., according to the USPS. Then I waited again.

Two more months passed and, on March 3, 2006, I began an email dialogue (I have also spent MANY hours on the phone) with Wirefly's wholly owned rebate-processing subsidiary cellphonerebates.com. First, they claimed they had never received my resubmission. I then faxed them the 19 pages of documents, including proof of delivery, FOUR TIMES over the next two weeks. Finally, on March 16, 2006 I was told, via an email (return address: ) from the "Financial Operations Department" that my "rebate will be processed" and to "please allow 6-8 weeks for processing."

In four of the dozens of subsequent emails I was told my rebate was "expediated" and I'd "receive a check in 7-10 business days."

It is now October of 2006 and still no rebate, despite monthly calls and/or emails on my part. Each time I'm told that my rebate is "processing" and it will take "an additional 3-4 weeks" for me to receive it. The Attorney General of Washington D.C. is currently suing this company.

It has now been 18 MONTHS since my initial purchase. I'm not letting this go and I'm not letting InPhonic get away with defrauding customers. I have documented every phone call, email, fax and mail exchange (I now have more than 80 pages in a file folder) including their online status reports (from cellphonerebates.com) that says my rebate "will be mailed soon," which first appeared in March 2006.

InPhonic means InCompetent! I have had a notice on their rebate web site that my claims were approved and I would receive the checks in 2-3 weeks. It's been 3 months and still no checks. Forget the toll free number....all you get is an answer, a short spiel about call volume then they hang up! Some bunch of crooks here!

I too ordered form Wirefly for 2 Cingular phones for a rebate of $240. Sent in all of the necessary paperwork by cert. mail to both locations, faxed 4 times, talked to cust. serv. and their dedicated rebate line,emailed at least 5 times, and left 2 messages with the office of the president at inphonic, and even spoke to a Ms. Kemp in the Pres. office who said my rebate had been processed and would be sent to me shortly. I just emailed the President tonight as this has been an ongoing battle for 4 months after having the phones for almost a year. I have gone through the same run-a-round as everyone else, and have documented everything. They say I didnt sign the orig. rebate form, I know I did, I kept copies. I would like to see them produce all of these so-called Unsigned Rebate Submission Forms..They Cant. I too will be contacting the authorities, if this Delahay doesnt respond. This is so discouraging!!

I got a rebate rejection letter from Wirefly that simply stated that my order number was incorrect and therefore the rebate was rejected. When I filed the rebate I photocopied the invoice that had the order number and how could that have been incorrect. All of us should file a class action and take this Wirefly out of business before they defraud other innocent customers.

I'm one of those people that photocopies everything and have gotten every rebate I have ever submitted. This one had me worried which is how I found this site. I mailed my rebate request 7/18/06, a few weeks after it was mailed got the notice the address changed for their rebate processing center (to a different state) but that if it was already mailed there 'would be no delay'. I was able to check my status on cellphonerebates.com, when it finally showed approved, waiting to be paid it seemed to get stuck there for a couple months. Finally received my check EXACTLY 4 months to the day after mailing my forms. They are slow and definitely not meeting the advertised processing time, but maybe they're getting better.

Never again ! These people are downright crooks . I was told that my rebate was denied after I bought TWO phones for $180.00 each. I'm expecting $360 rebate which they told me there is nothing that they can do . These people are trained to LIE < LIE< LIE and defraud the customer. I have the names of everyone I spoke to on a recorded line -- I wrote to the BBB and to this guy Delahy if he responds . I want my rebate, they already received a hefty commission off of my sales since its two phones for TWO years. I called Cingular who is the carrier and made a formal complaint with them not to be partnered with Wirefly or Imphonic. I want my rebate !!! They said it was postmarked out of the parameteres when they were the ones who told me that I had to wait 6 months and pay six bills on time before I would be even eligible . They said the rebate form would be mailed to me which it was not . I sent them original bills et all. Unbelievable ! I never had a rebate scam like this one before !!!! Every other time I've sent away for rebates they've come in a timely manner. The old saying is true ---if its too good to be true it usually is . The phones were not new , the service is horrible and I waited over 30 minutes on hold which I know they do on purpose. If anyone has any information on how to get this problem resolved... please let me know ! Thanks !

try emailing a Jon Delahay at i dunno if its another scam to buy time and to avoid paying up the rebates, but i think Jon is really being sincere about wanting to help those who have been duped.

i received a letter stating that i will not be receiving the $110 rebate that wirefly owes me due to whatever crap they made up. but after emailing jon, i decided to give him a week to reply (i figured he'd be pretty busy with all these complaints to deal with) to which he never did so i called his supposed office # and got a machine....stating that the lines are busy and to try again later or i could check my rebate progress at cellphonerebates.com and to my pleasant surprise my previously denied rebates are approved and now i must wait the "4-5 weeks" for my rebates to get in. i'll keep yall posted.

this might be weird but i actually have sympathy towards jon..he seems to be the only inphonics employee trying to help others solve their miseries with the company. its seems that he's trying to reach out to the unsatisfied customers in every website or forum set out for inphonics complaints...yet it's only him, where's his other fellow employees or whatever?? anyway, after emailing him and finally having my rebates approved i thought i'd give a hand and visit some sites and help out.

..or i could be very naive, i will followup on my awaited rebates in a month..or even earlier if they arrive sooner! =)

so dont disappoint me jon!

ok...so now i'm told that it'll take about 6wks for my rebates to be "processed" and then another 12 wks for me to actually receive them.....hmm, what's this thing i hear about people threatening to join in on a lawsuit against inphonics, and then all a sudden they get their rebates UPSed to them???? ...quite tempting at this point

I had a very similar experience with Wirefly.

I mailed in a rebate to Wirefly within the designated time frame provided. Two months later I received a letter from them stating that I did not provide a valid email address. This is dookie. Not only did I have my email address clearly printed on my rebate form but it was printed so neatly that Helen Keller could have read it. Further it is the same valid email address that I had when I ordered through Wirefly. They didn't have any problems taking my money and sending me an order confirmation, but now that it is time for them to send me a rebate my email address is invalid. I would avoid using Wirefly unless you have no interest in receiving a rebate check. I have talked to several other people who have run into this very same problem.

Go after your cell phone service provider, they are benefitting from the behavior of Wirefly / Inphonic. After two years I lodged a complaint through T-Mobile and suggesting they are complicit as they do deals with and through Wirefly. Two weeks later a check showed up in my mailbox.

i finally got my total of $100 in rebates!!!!...about 3 months after emailing Jon Delahay person. () but better late than never, so now i can move on about my life w/o worrying about being ripped off, good luck to the rest of yall in the fight for ur rebates!!

Do not underestimate the value of getting free cell phones from these websites.
No one else offers them this cheap, even without the rebates most of them are better.
I STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT YOU BUY FROM ONE OF THEIR AFFILIATE WEBSITES because most of them have an actual person who will be your advocate, or point of contact when you have a problem. Please also note, most people don't write in here to say how GREAT their experience was! These guys sold 850,000 cell phones in 2006 (or more). I don't see 1% (8500 people) complaining. Not only that, but rebates are traditionally TRICKY, so BUYER BEWARE! I might recommend www.thebestfreephones.com or www.ezwirelessphones.com as an alternative to these other sites, as you can always contact them directly and whine and moan.
GOOD LUCK

June 5, 2007

Director of Consumer Affairs
Po Box 19065
White Bear Lake, MN 55110

Dear Director of Consumer Affairs:

I have submitted two wireless rebates to your company. The first rebate was accepted and I am awaiting payment of $40.00. However, the second and high dollar amount of $60.00 was rejected even though I replicated the process. I received a letter stating that I would need to resubmit and include a copy of my wireless bill and was provided two options.
I chose the second which states “30 days from this letter date”. I resubmitted copies of all paperwork with a Cingular wireless bill with the date range 03/04/2007 – 04/04/2007. The letter is dated 05/01/2007. Incidentally the wireless bill which I submitted met the criteria for either date range specified within the letter. I checked online to see the status of my rebate and was disappointed to read that it was rejected and that I would not be allowed to resubmit.
I called and spoke with a customer service representative who stated that the wireless bill that I submitted had no date listed. I explained that Cingular wireless does not provide a specific date, but a range. He stated that they use the later range for their determination. He then stated that my bill showed 03/04/2007 to 04/04/2007. I said, that sounds correct, but I don’t have my paperwork with me at the office. He stated that the bill needed to read a date of 03/11/2007 or later and that mine read 03/04/2007. I again explained that the bill does not have a specific date, but a range and 03/04/2007 to 04/04/2007 certainly fell within both the “after 03/04/2007” date and the letter date of 30 days from the letter date of 05/01/2007.
Next, I asked if I could speak with his supervisor. I was transferred to Alicia who was very combative and did not listen to my explanation. She said that it was “too late now” because the date on the letter had passed so any submission would be outside of the date. I explained that I submitted my paperwork according to the letter within the time frame and any additional issues should be addressed going forward. She explained there is a company policy stating that I could not resubmit. I asked if she could show me where or send me a copy and she said no. She said that they would pull my original paperwork, which frankly does not address the issue and that I could check back in 2-3 weeks. I asked to file a complaint and was provided this address.
I have met the requirements of the submission request and would like my refund processed. If you require any additional information I will be happy to forward it. If a policy preventing the resubmission exists then it should be provided to the consumer rather than arbitrarily applied after the fact. I appreciate your time and attention to this matter and I can be reached at any of the information provided below.

Best Regards,

I bought mine 2 years ago, did everything perfectly. Even called them trying to follow up for months. Even called Cingular a few times. Resubmitted ppwk because they "lost it". Total scam, I never saw my $200 and I was extremely careful to play by the books & give them no excuse to not send it...

Too good to be true!

We did our research and found (what we thought) was the best deal on a new Motorola RAZR V3 cell phone (for Verizon).

This people at Wirefly are not only incompetent but complete scammers! Wirefly will do everything under the sky to void and not deliver on their rebate offers. We have heard everything, we meticulously followed their instructions on what to send, when to send it, bla, bla, bla. After being directed, and redirected via phone and mail the offer has now expired and they no longer are able to fufill the original offer of the rebate. THEY ARE SCAMMING PEOPLE left and right and laughing all the way to the bank. The customer service SUCKS. Calls are directed to their customer service headquarters somewhere in India. So, not only is it frustrating that they fall short on customer service, but you can't even understand what they are saying. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER AGAIN will I buy from Wirefly (or buy something attached to a rebate offer)! I also can not believe that Verizon conducts business with a company like this.

I have the same problem with wirefly to get my rebate processed. Every time I call them i get the same answer: we can not give you an answer how long this is going to take. I already spoke with a member of the Clark Howard Radio show and she had the same problem. I would never ever give this company my business again

This is a blog entry I received from RCRwireless about Wirefly which should take care of their out of stock issues and in essence help them in concentrating more on we their customers.

If you havent received you rebates, this might be a good time to push a little to try to get it.

I have purchased 3 times from comparephones.net and have never had an issue with rebates. 2 of my 3 orders had mail in rebates which I received each time. Looks like they are better to deal with

Add me to the list of those screwed out of rebates by wirefly.com

They continue to give me that "bill copy included does not cover the period in question". They were even kind enough to send me a .pdf of both rebate submissions (which utilized the same bill). One shows a date of 6/1, the other 6/15. They claim I did not supply the correct cellular bill for the larger rebate.

It was the same bill included with both rebate forms. They mis-entered the 6/15 date as 6/1 (whether on accident or purpose is anyone's guess) and refuse to pay the $100 rebate.

thie own form on the $50 rebate shows the check was issued on 7/17/2007.

Too bad they won't even mail me that one.

I have been fighting with inphonic/wirefly since June of this year trying to get a rebate mailed to me that has been "approved, payment pending". Long telephone and email arguements have come to this disturbing information in my email this afternoon.

---
Thank you for contacting the Rebate Team.

We have received your most recent inquiry regarding your rebates.

On November 8, 2007, the sponsor of this rebate, InPhonic, Inc. filed a
voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S.
Bankruptcy Code. The filings were made in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for
the District of Delaware. They have obtained a debtor-in-possession
financing facility which will give the Company the financial resources it
needs to operate under Chapter 11 and reorganize. You will receive
communication in the mail regarding any approved rebate claims. Please visit
www.inphonic.com/reorg for additional information on their
reorganization. Again that is www.inphonic.com/reorg.

Thank you for your patience.
Sincerely,
Rebate Team

----

Isn't that a fine how do ya do!

Not only do have I not recieved my rebate. I now get the below message on a regular basis. I am planning on making a complaint with T-mobile. How can we get this scammer of the internet???

PV

Thank you for contacting the Rebate Team.

We have received your most recent inquiry regarding your rebates.

On November 8, 2007, the sponsor of this rebate, InPhonic, Inc. filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The filings were made in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. They have obtained a debtor-in-possession financing facility which will give the Company the financial resources it needs to operate under Chapter 11 and reorganize. You will receive communication in the mail regarding any approved rebate claims. Please visit www.inphonic.com/reorg for additional information on their reorganization. Again that is www.inphonic.com/reorg.

Thank you for your patience.
Sincerely,
Rebate Team