Cricket Wireless Customer Service Issues

I am interested in buying a smartphone but I would like to know if I can choose not to have a data plan and only have talk and text options at a lower rate. I always have access to Wi-Fi and I am looking to spend a maximum of $20 per month after taxes for unlimited talk and text. If Cricket can offer this option, I am willing to switch from my current provider and buy a Cricket smartphone with the required service. Thank you for your help. - Ryan N. [redacted]

My husband accidentally transferred my IMEI from another carrier, not realizing I needed a different phone for Cricket's network. Cricket has rebates for phone transfers. Is it possible to receive a rebate for a new phone while retaining my current number, even though the SIM IMEI is already linked? Can we unregister the initial IMEI, keep the number, and still receive the rebate for the new phone after the number transfer to Cricket has been completed? The number is now associated with a Cricket account.

After transitioning from Sprint to Cricket, we were advised that we could simply insert a new sim card into our existing iPhones, pay for the first month and activation. However, upon doing so, the iPhones didn’t work. Checking online, we found that though Cricket claimed they were unlocked, they were not. Unfortunately, we can't afford to unlock them and would like to purchase new phones from Cricket to utilize the service we've already paid for. I'm interested in the LG G Stylo deal offering $40 off with activation, as I've already covered a month of service and activation for the non-functional iPhones. Given the misinformation received from Cricket, I am seeking guidance on how to proceed with the LG G Stylo offer.

In February, Mr. M purchased a ZTE Grand X Max Z cell phone from Cricket Wireless with Cricket Protect insurance at $ per month for device coverage against loss, theft, and damage. In April, the device had issues after an accident. Asurion, the insurance company, assigned claim number [redacted] for a replacement, but no contact was made within 24 hours as promised. When Mr. M visited the store in June to explain the situation, the staff advised him to pay the deductible in cash, which he does exclusively. Following their instructions, he contacted Cricket's customer service and was told he could pay the deductible in cash at a store to receive the replacement. On July, when he went to pay the deductible, he was unexpectedly charged the device's full price, an upgrade fee, and a phone case cost. Mr. M believes it was an error as he was only supposed to pay the deductible in cash, leading to an overcharge of $, which Cricket is reluctant to refund, claiming he agreed to the charges in-store.

I made a double payment on my bill last month and my phone service is currently suspended. I've been struggling to find help to restore my service. I paid via Western Union and specifically asked if they accepted Cricket payments before making the transaction. The person assured me they did and I even filled out a form to be in the system. I was told it would take 10 minutes, but when I returned after 30 minutes, my phone was still not working. Despite multiple visits and calls to both Cricket and Western Union, I have not been able to resolve the issue. It's frustrating as I have not received my phone service or a refund.

Dear Customer Service, I recently switched to Cricket's $30 plan on April 1, [redacted]. Before traveling to Canada on April 18, I contacted your customer service number, 1-[redacted], multiple times. I was advised that by upgrading to the $55 plan, I would have the ability to make calls from Canada to Canada or the US with unlimited data. Trusting this information, I upgraded my plan between April 18 and April 23. Upon arriving at Vancouver airport, I discovered that my phone had no service or data connectivity. Despite renting a car and planning to use the phone for GPS navigation to reach my Airbnb, I was left stranded without signal. In a frustrating turn of events, I ended up having to rent a GPS for $[redacted] to find my accommodation. The lack of phone services made it challenging to communicate with the Airbnb owner to enter the building, causing distress for both of us. I initially had a $30 plan through Red Pocket that included unlimited calls to Canada, Australia, and China. Disappointed by the lack of service in Canada after transitioning to Cricket, I contacted your helpline on April 26 upon my return to the US. A representative offered a partial credit of $10 for the plan difference and directed me to seek a one-month credit by reaching out to you. I would appreciate it if you could review my situation and consider offering a one-month credit to address the inconveniences faced during my trip. Thank you for your assistance. Best regards, Ling Gao

I am experiencing issues with my data network and suspect someone is hacking into it. I would prefer to speak to a representative in person due to these concerns. Despite having a smartphone, I have not been able to use YouTube movies or Geezer music as intended. My husband and I, both disabled with terminal cancer, are struggling with these technical difficulties. Although data seems to be streaming to these apps, I am unable to access them properly, leading to data usage without benefit. This is my second attempt at owning a smartphone after losing money with AT&T's guidance. Their suggested number change did not resolve the issue nor did they provide any reimbursement as promised. I am frustrated and worried if family members could be involved in this hacking situation. I urgently need assistance as our data is depleting, and we are financially constrained due to our medical conditions. Please contact me promptly as I am unwell and require support with my phone and network.

I bought my Samsung Halo phone in February [redacted] as a Cricket Wireless customer with a $7 monthly insurance plan. This is my second phone from them, and it's been having issues. I decided to check if it was a refurbished phone by following a demo online. During the touch test at step #11, the phone malfunctioned, drawing a line instead of a border. After restarting, it continued to have issues at steps #12 and #15. Despite looking new when I received it, I suspect it might be refurbished. I want this situation fixed, or I'll file a complaint with the BBB after having the sales associate run the refurbish test in-store.

In May, I had to file an insurance claim for my ZTE Blade X Max phone and was offered an Alcatel Idol as a replacement. Unfortunately, the Alcatel Idol had issues, and after speaking with a helpful customer service representative, it was agreed that I could receive the ZTE Blade X Max instead. However, when transferring me to the warranty department, I got disconnected without any notes being left. I prefer the ZTE over the Alcatel due to its quality and want the original phone I purchased. Despite attempts to address this, I was advised to file a claim, even though my phone is undamaged. My main request is to receive the ZTE Blade X Max that I initially bought and insured. If this cannot be arranged, I may consider switching to another carrier where I could have better customer service. Please reach out via email at [redacted] or phone at [redacted].

I had a negative experience at your cricket store. Previously, Game Stop managed cricket services much better. The staff at Game Stop stores were friendly, patient, and provided great assistance. In contrast, the cricket employees lacked helpfulness and patience. They should learn from Game Stop's approach of taking time to explain without being pushy. I used to recommend cricket to others, but now I am considering switching to a different company due to the poor customer service. Despite this, I still value my galaxy grand prime phone. The cricket employees made inappropriate comments about it not being a current model. This kind of behavior is unprofessional and unacceptable. I believe bringing back cricket services to Game Stop would be a positive move.

I am experiencing difficulty accessing my Cricket phone due to a PUK code requirement, which I do not possess. Simply suggesting to contact Cricket directly is unhelpful as I am unable to make calls currently. I am reaching out using a non-phone device and wondering if Cricket's customer service offers an online chat option. It is frustrating to feel like my business is not valued by Cricket. Despite the lack of service, I anticipate receiving a bill next month for my Cricket phone. The main issue is that the SIM card in my phone is locked, leading me to remove it and attempt to call [redacted] for assistance, but that was not successful either. I am unsure how to proceed in reaching out to Cricket for support. While humorously considering shouting for help from my roof, it is clear that this is not a viable solution.

I purchased a phone from Cricket Wireless last year and recently decided to cancel my service. I sold the phone, not realizing it needed a SIM pin code. Upon trying to use it, the buyer found it locked. I contacted Cricket to have the phone unlocked, as the buyer is unable to use it. I believe I should have been informed about this requirement when I bought the phone so I could have made an informed decision. Cricket's website claims there is no contract, but not being able to use the phone with another carrier implies otherwise. I am seeking the unlock pin for the sold phone to rectify this issue. Thank you.

I visited my local cricket store for help with my SIM card and was informed that the SIM reader was no longer functioning on my phone, which is less than a year old, and that I needed a new phone. Despite being told I qualified for a specific price for an upgrade, I was actually charged a different price meant for bringing my own phone, and an upgrade fee was added although I was not technically upgrading. Additionally, I was enrolled in cricket protect without my consent and was billed for it. After being a loyal customer for 14 years, I am disappointed in the lack of consideration shown by cricket towards long-time patrons like myself. While new customers are offered attractive deals, existing customers are left without any benefits or incentives to stay. I paid $[redacted] for a mediocre phone that is already giving me trouble when I could have purchased a superior and more affordable phone online. I have canceled the cricket protect plan and am seeking clarification on the pricing discrepancy. At this point, I am dissatisfied with the customer service at cricket and am considering switching to a different cell phone service provider that values its loyal customers.

I believe it is unacceptable that I have to navigate through options to reach a customer service representative, as I am a paying customer and deserve access to assistance whenever needed. I am disappointed with Cricket's customer service and the lack of support provided despite being a loyal customer for many years. I expect the full service I pay for, not outsourced assistance that falls short of my expectations. By outsourcing to save money, Cricket is neglecting the quality service I am entitled to as a dedicated customer. Recently, after making a payment with my Visa card, my phone service was shut off even after receiving confirmation of the payment. This is frustrating and inconvenient. I hope Cricket addresses this error promptly and restores my service as promised. Regards, V. Tomlinson

My Cricket ZTE Overture 3 has stopped working. I returned it using RA#[redacted]0. The warranty service representative instructed me to remove the SIM card and take the phone to UPS. Three days later, a replacement device arrived, but it was missing the battery and back cover. Upon contacting customer service again, they assured me I would receive the missing parts in 6 to 8 weeks. Unsatisfied with this, I requested to speak to a supervisor after a 20-minute wait. The representative then acknowledged that I was not informed about retaining the battery and back cover. They promised to send an email within 24 to 48 hours, but I have not received it yet. I have been without a phone for 3 weeks and request at least 1 month of service credited to my account if the missing items are not received by 7/23. If the matter is not handled properly, I demand a refund for the defective ZTE device, reimbursement for one month of service, and I will cancel my Cricket account. If this issue is not resolved, I will seek assistance from the appropriate consumer advocate. Thank you, Michael Herman.

I have been experiencing ongoing issues with my prepaid account linked to James Willson's address. Despite attempts to address the problems by adding new lines, they persist. It seems store employees might be contributing to the difficulties. It's frustrating to have issues with adding/upgrading lines, especially affecting my son's number. During a recent visit, I allowed a staff member to handle the SIM card, only to later find my son's phone service interrupted. The box with the SIM card remains unopened, suggesting a mix-up in activation. Prior to this, I have spent nearly $[redacted] on phones and SIM cards to resolve similar issues. I hope for a prompt and effective resolution to this ongoing problem. Additionally, I appreciate the availability of APN settings for BYOD options on the website.

I am having trouble obtaining a SIM network unlock code for my phone with the IMEI: [redacted][redacted]. Despite being informed that the issue was resolved, it still persists. My recommendation is to consider switching to Cricket only if you have an unlocked phone for their service. Purchasing phones from them seems to be a waste of money as they are reluctant to provide unlock codes even after full payment. Paying for a phone should entitle me to use it wherever I want, especially after completing the payment and taking ownership of the device. Since there was no contract signed, it feels unreasonable for them to withhold access to the unlock code. Therefore, I suggest avoiding purchasing Cricket phones to avoid such issues.

My father recently acquired a new Cricket phone. He is disabled and has limited knowledge about high-speed data usage. His bank account was charged for an additional six gigabytes of high-speed data, which he did not authorize. The debit card information saved on the My Cricket app from his previous phone seems to have caused these unexpected charges during the phone switch. He is requesting a refund or credit for the overcharge on his next bill; otherwise, he is considering changing his phone service provider. As a loyal customer of Cricket for years, he trusts the company to rectify this error promptly. The account is registered under Louis Reece, phone number [redacted].

I am a recipient of SSI/SSD, and I receive my funds on a Direct Express card. I have $[redacted].20 loaded onto my card. I use the Direct Express app to track my balance and transactions. When I tried to pay my Cricket bill on the 1st, it initially did not go through on the automated system. I spoke to a representative since I have two phone lines, and after the conversation, the payment was processed. Unfortunately, I was double charged for $80, which is visible in my transaction history. Despite the customer service agent's assurance of a single charge, both amounts were deducted. I have contacted Direct Express, and they mentioned a 5-day window to resolve the extra charge. As a person on disability with financial obligations, this situation is concerning. Instances of overcharges were also noted in June. I kindly request the prompt resolution of this issue and a refund of the $80. The transaction details can be verified using my account ending in [redacted]. Your assistance in rectifying this matter is much appreciated.

It has been over a month since my signal hasn't been working. I spend hours with no signal on my cellphone, unable to make or receive calls, access Facebook, Messenger, or WhatsApp - no internet at all. What's going on? When I switched to this cell phone company, everything worked perfectly for the first few months. I even felt relieved after years of searching for a company with unlimited internet to communicate with my family abroad. I've looked everywhere on my phone and can't find a customer service number. I want to know what's happening. Please be honest about whether your company is not functioning properly. I might need to switch to another provider if this continues. I shouldn't have to pay each month just to have a phone sitting here unused. If you're cutting off my signal to push me into more expensive plans through those monthly discounts, it's not right. I rely heavily on GPS for work, so I need a reliable service.