Lose the IPhone and no mercy from Apple or AT&T; this is wrong!.

[bradl]

First of all, AFAIK, BlackBerry doesn't offer this service.

Second of all, $500 is very reasonable. What's stopping you from 'pretending' that you lost/stole it, handing it off to a buddy, and getting the phone for cheap price again?

And don't tell me, "they can block the phone" because they can't.

Because your phone number is tied to the SIM card in the iPhone and the account along with it. So if you tried to get the phone again for the same number, they have on record that you have it for that number, and are still in your 2 year contract, and can charge you full price for it.

Nothing to do with the phone, but with the number. You could transfer that number to a non-iPhone or non-smartphone and keep the number, but you still could not get an iPhone or any other new phone, because that number is not eligible for upgrade until your period comes up.

BL.

 

[Applejuiced]

Next time make sure you're more carefull with such an expensive cellphone.
Nothing much you can do about it though since they dont offer insurance on it.

 

[rjohnstone]

Buy with AmEx.

You're only covered for 90 days with Amex.
After that, even Amex will tell you you're SOL.

 

[braddick]

To bad there isn't a Government bail-out program for lost iPhones. Of course, even if there was it would cost the U.S. taxpayer $1,500. for every iPhone that was replaced under it.

 

[GoKyu]

I work retail, and sell replacement/protection plans on various electronic items.

It's an optional service, and I convince some people to buy it - others tend to say "Oh, I don't buy those things" or "You know, I think I'll take my chances."

All it takes is for someone to go through something like this one time to see how inexpensive these plans can be - even if you never have to use it, it's there for you, giving you *peace of mind* to know that you're covered if something happens.

There's not much you can do this time, but next time you'll know better, and hopefully make the smart choice.

(Full disclosure: I own an iPhone 3G, and purchased a 2 year Squaretrade warranty on it for around $100. It's worth it to me, in case I accidentally damage my phone. If I *lose* it, that would fall under homeowner's insurance - most 3rd party warranties aren't going to cover loss/theft.)

 

[Steve686]

Mercy is for the weak!!

Cobra Kai! Cobra Kai! Cobra Kai!

 

[acfusion29]

Because your phone number is tied to the SIM card in the iPhone and the account along with it. So if you tried to get the phone again for the same number, they have on record that you have it for that number, and are still in your 2 year contract, and can charge you full price for it.

Nothing to do with the phone, but with the number. You could transfer that number to a non-iPhone or non-smartphone and keep the number, but you still could not get an iPhone or any other new phone, because that number is not eligible for upgrade until your period comes up.

BL.

I don't get what you're trying to say.

I understand how cell phones work, I've been selling them for some time... thanks though.

 

[bradl]

I don't get what you're trying to say.

I understand how cell phones work, I've been selling them for some time... thanks though.

Simple.

Instead of tying everything to the phone, they tied everything to the account the number is on, and the duration of the contract for that number. So if they see that you have an iPhone for that phone number, they know how long you've had it and the duration until it is eligible for upgrade.

So if you lose your iPhone or if is stolen and not recoverable, you're pretty much SOL until the contract for that number comes up for upgrading. Until that time comes, you buy it at full retail price. Want to hand it off to a friend and say it's stolen? fine. You're still stuck at buying it at full price, because you're still in the time in your contract that your phone is not eligible for upgrade.

Only way you can get around it and get the iPhone at the subsidized price, is if you have a family plan. Add a new line (you'll get a new number), and get the phone. If you find the old phone, you still can cancel the new one within the terms of the cancellation policy and be good. CAVEAT: Find your old phone any time after that, and you're stuck with paying for 2 iPhones in that family plan.

BL.

 

[1BadManVan]

I don't get what you're trying to say.

I understand how cell phones work, I've been selling them for some time... thanks though.

hes saying whats stopping you from just handing it off to a friend and getting the iphone at contract price is that if it was actually lost or stolen you would also need a new sim card. You could just hand it off to a friend, take your sim card out and put it in the new one since that sim card woulda been lost with the iphone. And sim cards they can track

 

[Looon]

Learn to be more careful with your expensive electronics. AT&T and Apple aren't your parents it isn't their job to buy you a new toy because you broke your old one.

 

[ucfgrad93]

How can you possibly blame apple? Are you serious? Maybe att should have insurance as an option but you could have just got a 3rd party option. It's nobodies fault but your own I'm afraid. Could happen with any other valuable item.

Agreed. It does suck, but life is like that sometimes.

 

[daflake]

Damn AT&T and Apple for trying to turn a profit. I think that all IPhones should be free!!!!

Some people are so self-entitled.

 

[Roy Hobbs]

Wow I can't believe they won't just give you a free phone.

I would fully expect Apple to give me a new MacBook Pro for free or with a huge discount if I lost it.

I once lost a shirt I wonder if I should call up Ralph Lauren and demand a discounted shirt?

 

[aristobrat]

So now, in order to replace my lost IPhone, I have to pay $500.00, but I refuse. It is not the money, but having to sign a new contract seems like kicking someone when they are down.

$700 = full price of an iPhone

If AT&T is offering you a replacement iPhone for $500, then they're giving you a $200 discount off of the full price.

No wireless company is going to give you a $200 discount and not require that you sign a contract to stick around for awhile.

If AT&T really wanted to kick you when you were down, they wouldn't even offer you the $500 discounted iPhone option.

 

[MTI]

This thread remains a good learning opportunity. Every one should have a look at their personal possessions and give a quick thought to whether 1) it's valuable to you; 2) whether it's covered by some form of warranty and/or insurance; 3) and what would it cost you to have that item (and all the data if it's filled with that stuff) replaced.

Do you have a place, like a USB drive, where photos of "your stuff" are ready for insurance adjusters and the police? How about that encrypted list of serial numbers you always meant to get around to doing? Scanned copies of purchase receipts?

 

[thegoldenmackid]

$700 = full price of an iPhone

If AT&T is offering you a replacement iPhone for $500, then they're giving you a $200 discount off of the full price.

No wireless company is going to give you a $200 discount and not require that you sign a contract to stick around for awhile.

If AT&T really wanted to kick you when you were down, they wouldn't even offer you the $500 discounted iPhone option.

By the same token you can pick up a used one for while under that price, sans the warranty.

 

[i-John]

It's not just iPhones, it's pretty much every "smartphone" on the market right now.

The reason is that smartphones are more heavily subsidized. It opens itself to fraud. They will take that risk with a normal phone, as the subsidy isn't as high and they don't lose as much.

The honest people always get screwed.

Most insurance companies will allow it to be added to home insurance plans.

 

[ArrowSmith]

More iCash for Apple. $31 billion cash pile isn't enough. Onward march to $200 billion and control the entire tech sector!!!

 

[tcphoto]

I doubt that the OP will find much sympathy for losing his/her phone. As an adult, you must learn to keep track of your keys, phone and children if applicable. I just did my own inventory and am backed up with mobile me just in case I lose my phone. We can only hope that Santa replaces your phone.

 

[samcraig]

Apparently accountability is passé.

As another posted - with so many possessions we buy, you aren't insured for loss (unless covered by homeowners).

Another poster feeling entitled. YOU lost your phone. And that sucks - it really does. But take responsibility for it. It's no one's fault but your own. Again - it sucks. But that's the situation. So yes - you can either buy a new one under the terms and conditions by ATT/Apple or not buy a new one. We always have choices. You aren't being robbed. Extorted. Or anything of the like.

Wow. Just wow.

 

[MMM.PWR]

My 3G that I only had for a WEEK was stolen last year. What did I do? I bought myself a pay-as-you-go $30 phone and sucked it up for a year and a half until I was able to get my 3GS at a reasonable price.

AT&T will not give you another $299 phone because there's no way to prove that you did lose it. For all they know you could have just sold your phone on Ebay for $500 (making a $200 profit).

You're SOL.

 

[ToroidalZeus]

Just add a new line to your account and buy a new iphone.

200 for the iphone 3gs 16gb + 10 a month for the extra line = 400 over 20 months. Thats still 100 dollars cheaper then a no contract iphone or is it 200? Plus since the money is spread out, its far more reasonable to afford.

 

[MacManiac87]

Dear People:
Losing or breaking a cell phone is the number one consumer complaint. Why? Because it happens all the time. Cell phones break and they get lost or stolen.

99 out of 100 cellular telephones (including Blackberrry, Kyocera and Palm smart phones) all offer insurance; if you lose the phone, you pay a small deductible ($25-$50.00)and a replacement phone is sent to you. But not the IPhone. If you lose the IPhone, there is no insurance program offered by Apple to either replace it, or help allay the cost.

Four months ago, I purchased a 3GS 32G from AT&T for $299.00; plus tax, plus case. I even purchased an additional Care and Protection Plan for $100.00 more. Unfortunately, last week i lost my IPhone. I searched high and low, but could not find it. I contacted AT&T about a replacement IPhone, but now the new price is $500.00; plus I also have to SIGN A NEW TWO YEAR CONTRACT. If I do not sign the contract, then I will have to pay full ertail price of $700.00. I asked the clerk what was difference between them and the Mob? I truly feel I was being extorted. I had to now pay $500.00 and sign a new contract too? That really irked me. (In my opinion, all they were missing was a gun and a mask).

What I also found troubling was that although I had Location Services on, two, different GPS Program, my IED number; as well as Google Maps, etc., no one; neither AT&T nor Apple would help find my IPhone; and they could have done it quite easily. Apparently, I didn;t purchase Apple's additional program called Mobile Me for another $100.00. (I had no use for this Mobile Me program--it was designed for people on the road; although one of its option was a phone location service--which itself has limitations). Therefore, no one at Apple or AT&T would help me; so I was out of luck.

If you ask AT&T about it, they blame Apple and told me that Apple would not allow AT&t to insure the IPhones. Even though a comprable phone like a Palm or Blackberry is equivalent to an IPhone in price. If I had a Blackberry, I would have simply paid a small deductible ($50.00) and I would have been sent another unit. I even called Apple and asked why they did not offer some insurance program on the IPhone, but the young lady had no answer. She asked me if I had a Home Owner's Policy (which I do; Homeowners, Business Insurance, AMEX Protection Plan and not a one can help me).

So now, in order to replace my lost IPhone, I have to pay $500.00, but I refuse. It is not the money, but having to sign a new contract seems like kicking someone when they are down. I cannot give AT&T the satisfaction. Therefore, I am going to simply cancel my business account with AT&T and simply pay the $175.00 cancellation fee. And if I decide on another IPhone, I will get it under my name for $299.00 (and maybe cheaper after Christmas; who knows).This way I will at least save $26.00; while concomitantly not giving those bastards the satisfaction of compelling me to re-sign a contract that I had just signed less than six months earlier; no way. That is bad business.

In conclusion, I was able to locate Steven Jobs apparent email address, and sent him an email regarding this matter, but to date no response. I will keep you posted. So don't lose your precious IPhone; don't break it either. If you do, you will pay. Can you imagine paying over $300 for the phone four months ago, and now having to pay at least $500 a week before Christmas. What a bummer.

Happy Holidays All.

You lost the phone, not Apple or AT&T. Why should they help your ass when its your mistake? Am I missing something here???

 

[acfusion29]

Simple.

Instead of tying everything to the phone, they tied everything to the account the number is on, and the duration of the contract for that number. So if they see that you have an iPhone for that phone number, they know how long you've had it and the duration until it is eligible for upgrade.

So if you lose your iPhone or if is stolen and not recoverable, you're pretty much SOL until the contract for that number comes up for upgrading. Until that time comes, you buy it at full retail price. Want to hand it off to a friend and say it's stolen? fine. You're still stuck at buying it at full price, because you're still in the time in your contract that your phone is not eligible for upgrade.

Only way you can get around it and get the iPhone at the subsidized price, is if you have a family plan. Add a new line (you'll get a new number), and get the phone. If you find the old phone, you still can cancel the new one within the terms of the cancellation policy and be good. CAVEAT: Find your old phone any time after that, and you're stuck with paying for 2 iPhones in that family plan.

BL.

Yes, I understand that... I don't get why you quoted me tho lol.. whatever.

 

[scaredpoet]

Dear People:
Losing or breaking a cell phone is the number one consumer complaint.

How is this a "complaint?" When you lose or break your cell phone, that's not wireless carrier's fault. It's your fault for not properly safeguarding what amounts to a very expensive ultraportable computer. If you don't treat it with care, it'll break. If you don't watch it and keep it safe, it'll get stolen.

However, AT&T didn't MAKE you break your phone. Nor did they steal it. It's not their fault, and you can't blame them for it.

99 out of 100 cellular telephones (including Blackberrry, Kyocera and Palm smart phones) all offer insurance;

Please get your facts straight. NONE of the cell phone manufacturers offer insurance. That's right. NONE.

Insurance is instead offered through 3rd party companies. AT&T happens to have Asurion as an insurance company that they market and will bill you for, but Asurion will NOT cover any smartphone on AT&T's network.

But not the IPhone. If you lose the IPhone, there is no insurance program offered by Apple to either replace it, or help allay the cost.

That doesn't mean insurance doesn't exist for it. Safeware, for instance, covers iPhones for loss or damage. But whose fault is it if you didn't do a Google Search to figure that out?

I asked the clerk what was difference between them and the Mob?

The Mob probably stole your iPhone. AT&T, did not.

Also, just a word of advice: comments like that to customer service reps never get you anywhere, regardless of who you're talking to and what the situation is. It may sound clever to you, but it really isn't and it gets you nowhere in the end.

What I also found troubling was that although I had Location Services on, two, different GPS Program, my IED number; as well as Google Maps, etc., no one; neither AT&T nor Apple would help find my IPhone; and they could have done it quite easily. Apparently, I didn;t purchase Apple's additional program called Mobile Me for another $100.00. (I had no use for this Mobile Me program

You do now!

If I had a Blackberry, I would have simply paid a small deductible ($50.00) and I would have been sent another unit.

Maybe things have changed recently, but last I checked, Asurion didn't insure Blackberries either under AT&T. Smartphones are simply not covered. You have to get a third party to insure your phone, either through your insurance agent, or through companies that explicitly insure mobile equipment (like the Safeware link above).

So now, in order to replace my lost IPhone, I have to pay $500.00, but I refuse.

Case closed then. Time to move on.

Bottom line: iPhones cost a lot of money... the largest capacity, top of the line model running up to $700. The first time you buy one you might get a hefty subsidy from AT&T, and that's why it cost you less than that initially. AT&T is basically eating the majority of the cost on the condition you sign a contract and stay with them for a couple of years.

If you lose your iPhone, AT&T will let you do an early upgrade, but they STILL have to recoup the cost of the old subsidy, plus another $200 they're eating on the early upgrade price. If you don't wanna sign another contract with them, then they aren't going to subsidize your iPhone, and you have to pay the full price that Apple is charging for that phone.

It is not the money, but having to sign a new contract seems like kicking someone when they are down.

No, it's more like: a lack of responsibility on your part does not translate into forced charity on AT&T's part. You lost it. If you want another one, you have to pay for it. Simple as that.

In conclusion, I was able to locate Steven Jobs apparent email address,

Oh, God help him.