Advice re: AT&T Return? - Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III General

I called AT&T tech support awhile back because of a couple problems I was having.
1st thing I noticed was the backlight settings not holding. I would set it o not turn off. It would stay that way for awhile, then revert back to shutting off at 10 seconds.
2nd problem was the case around the battery heating up when charging.
3rd problem was that the unit seemed to overheat if I used it (mail, internet, basic functions) for more than a few minutes. The display would then shut completely off, I'd have to pull the battery to shut it down, let it cool off then reboot.
Tech support turned me over to warranty repairs, who sent out a new phone.
I put the old one in the buble envelope they provided, stuck their label on and mailed it back.
I received my old phone in the post today with a big dent on the screen, and an arrow sticker pointing to the dent. When powered on, the screen shows a splat where the dent is and cracks widening out from it with no actual display visible.
The screen was in perfect condition when I mailed it out.
Now they want me to pay $500 for the new phone that they mailed me because "physical damage isn't covered".
BUT the phone wasn't damaged before I mailed it in. Obviously, I'm angry. I need to call AT&T and discuss this with them. I'm wondering if this has happened to anyone else, and if so, how did you deal with it? Or if anyone has any advice for how to deal with AT&T on this matter?
Thanks,
Kari

this seems odd..att states in their terms once you send out your device it becomes their property and they will not send it back under any circumstances..just keep calling them and calling..it might take you 5 hours of total talk time but you CAN get what you want trust me..i had a broken usb port (from the first version of the tilt that was released which was porly manufactured) which MANY people on xda had similar issues but nothing on att's or htc's side had been documented and they kept telling me "no its not covered blah bla" and finaly after about 4 hours of total talk time (mostly holding and reexplaining the situation 1 million times) i got an elevated elevated elevated personnel who put a note to waive all charges when the device was inspected so dont give up..just demand to be speak to elevated personnel and dont let your guard down make it clear that you sent it in for so and so reasons and why would you send it an obviously physically damaged device...DONT GIVE UP UNTIL YOU GET WHAT YOU WANT

Well thats a bumer, it all depends on who you talk to, when you call AT&T or the insurance company. I assume you have asurion . But my advice is to call asurion and not at&t because they have nothing to do with at&t , and demand to speak to a supervisor , and forget about the operator and request a transfer. Incase the you still have the envelope to take pictures of it and submit it to the returns claim after speaking with a supervisor. Thats if the envelope shows any external damage you can say it was the S&H carrier . its going to be a tough one but you can win. From my experience with asurion i had never had a problem . i have always reported my phones from at&t and sprint/nextel As lost or stolen , therefore they cannot demand a return on the phone. i have done it for over 4 years and have gotten over 5 thousand dollars in phones some i sold some where really lost or broken, but even if they was broken i still said lost or stolen. hope it helps for your next insurance experience.

Update
Well, I only had to talk to one person and they agreed that the phone was damaged after shipping, and removed the almost $500 charge.
Hurrah and thanks for the advice.

Which story is the truth?
The one here or the one on this Ebay listing?

Could be a coincedence. But if not that's pretty shady.

herecomesthetornado said:
Which story is the truth?
The one here or the one on this Ebay listing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They probably buy their red arrows at the same store.

Related

O2 are the most shocking company ever !!

I thought this little story would show O2 in a slightly new light....
a couple of weeks ago, my prized XDA2s developed 2 faults....one, it the on/off switch stopped working and the only way to power off was to remove the battery (??!!) and two, there was no audio what so ever coming from the speaker....nothing on media player, nothing on a call (although i rarely used it as a phone)....
so, i rang the legendary CS and was told by a young person who clearly was on their first day of social speaking, that i needed to take it to my nearest O2 store...
this i did, to be told it needed to go away for repair (no replacements allowed) and that it would be approx 2 weeks......no loan unit, nothing....
anyway, phone call 2 weeks later from an entirely different branch to say my phone was back........
so, go into the store to collect only to be told by the assistant that they had not repaired the unit...........IT WAS WATER DAMAGED !!!!
personally, i have never used the pda in the rain, it has never left the expensive leather case that i lovingly enveloped it in.......plus, the screen was and still is in pristine condition, protected by the expensive protector that i purchased for it..................WATER DAMAGED!!!
he then proceeded to show me a photocopy of the main board with more arrows than a Red Indian convention - allegedly this was my board indicating all the alleged water damage...........
so after much discussion, whereby the assistant grunted, huffed, rolled his eyes, looked around the store several times at another argument that was taking place, he basically informed me there was nothing i could do........'claim on your household insurance'...........which bit of 'it has never been in the rain' did he not understand............
no repair, no replacement, don't care if i did write to Head Office, please take your £259.99 lovely pda with no audio/power button and leave....
WELL O2, YOU REALLY HAVE GOT LOUSY CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE.....
so if anyone wants knows anywhere i CAN get this fixed, i would be grateful
oh, and yes, i would definitely recommend Orange/Vodafone/T-Mobile to anyone !!!!
ouch....that sucks...were u on an insurance plan?
I was having a look through this insurance plan I'm on from o2 (oh...and not a fan of o2, just got the contract so I could get the phone for 99.99 and use it on vodafone) and if mine ever messes up *crosses fingers* then I'll probably call them up and tell them I lost it!
At least then I can be sure I'll get a working one back. lol
There is now a clause with lost phones, your claim must be accompanied by a police report number and then, at their discretion, they make a decision as to whether it is a "valid" loss, if they decide it isnt valid you get nothing it seems. I think the only people who need worry are those that have made multiple claims by way of getting a new phone every year.
all the networks are crap really, none them care, they are all halfwits in customer services.........and they still charge us a fortune for calls
It is fortunate of me, as i do not need to suffer from lousy customer service but the XDA in Singapore definitely cost more than those over at your side.
Hi, my name is Dom and I've been without my O2 XDAIIs for 1 week now. (thanks - I needed to get that off my chest)
I took my phone to an O2 shop last Monday and gave them a list of faults as long as the average M25 traffic jam. They told me 7-14 days and we should have it back.
If they tell me my unit is WATER-DAMAGED, I will be in contact with my solicitors. The closest my unit has been to water was being clipped to my belt while I took a wizz!!! Also, the only marks on the unit are the wear on the keyboard of the sliding mechanism and a slight scuff mark on the right edge where I knocked into a wall by a cyclist (crazy idiots).
My advice - contact a solicitor. Get he/she to get in tough with O2 regarding a replacement unit. The solicitor will cost a bit but it should get you a positive responce from O2. You might be able to get out of them.
Good luck!
Dom
Not only get a solicitor but make sure that the solicitor applies for costs as well as a replacement, that way it costs you nothing, assuming you win.
You may even be lucky and find a solicitor who is prepared to have a go on a no win no fee basis as it is likely to only take a few threatening letters to sort it out.

Nexus One swap, Will they charge me for unlocking?

Did any of you here swap your phone with HTC and your phone was unlocked?
My phone's defects are obviously hardware: Power button failing and Screen has a gap around sides, (Dust gathers around screen everyday, have to clean manually).
Can they charge me for unlocking and rooting it, even though these issues are hardware specific? Anyone has a story to share?
During the call, the HTC Rep told me that "we will charge your credit card for any non-warranty problems." Does unlocking count as one?
yes they will charge you for having your phone rooter,cause is out of the warranty that's what they told me over the phone...
I heard some Reps are unaware that HTC honors Hardware warranty. Maybe they said that to you because they are just reading a script that says "unlocking = void" I've read stories here that they still repair though. Is it true?
I just had my Nexus One (unlocked bootloader) replaced through HTC without a charge for a similar hardware defect. When I called, I didn't mention anything about it being rooted, nor did he ask. I received my replacement, HTC received my defective unit, and I was told my ticket was closed with no charge on my account.
The replacement I received has a new defect and I'm currently awaiting another replacement to swap it out as well. I don't think they care, but I wouldn't parade around talking about it. Just be courteous and flash everything back to stock as much as you can.
Ok, thanks for the info! It would be great if they didn't charge me for this.
Please keep us informed on how everything turns out. Several people have said they've had no trouble. It would be nice to get a list if reasons for RMA with success rate. I have a fairly strong feeling as long as it's hardware related and involves no root caused problem (led from n1 torch, speaker from louder music, etc.) the rate would be pretty high. HTC really, in all the times I've had any problems has been one of my favorite call centers to contact.
I have successfully swapped my phone. I had the dust under screen issue and i called them up. Not questions asked about unlocked. I got my phone and they waited a week or so and i saw my ticket was closed. Now im calling back because my replacement one now has dust under the screen also.
Did you guys get these phones new that you are able to do this?
I just bought my N1 used from someone and I'm wondering if this will apply to me if incase i get the dust issue
I have a question regarding replacement swapping as well.
My phone has the power button defect and I'd like to swap it for a new one.
However, I dropped my phone on asphalt recently and there are minor scuffs on 2 edges and a ding on the top left edge. Will this be a problem in swapping?
Will I get charged or something after they receive my phone? The defects are not related to me dropping it.
Coderedpl said:
Did you guys get these phones new that you are able to do this?
I just bought my N1 used from someone and I'm wondering if this will apply to me if incase i get the dust issue
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got mine on Craigslist. I traded my Iphone 3gs for it. Wonderful trade. Android fanboy since G1, but wanted to see what all the hype was about for the iphone. I never saw it. haha.
So I called HTC. Told them the IMEI they asked if i still live blah blah address(the original owner). I told them nope. Gave them new address and name. They got my CC number and off we go. Got a replacement phone in 2 days. Sent the other one back. Case closed. All is good, until yesterday when I saw just under my replacement one also. Its been 3-4 weeks. Now i'm waiting for another replacement.
I got mine on craigslist too, not that AWESOME of a deal since i pretty much just got the phone (the charger barely charges) and the usb i got from a small cell store at a mall doesnt work...pfftt
so I need: Data cable, charger & car charger.
bleh
futango said:
I got mine on Craigslist. I traded my Iphone 3gs for it. Wonderful trade. Android fanboy since G1, but wanted to see what all the hype was about for the iphone. I never saw it. haha.
So I called HTC. Told them the IMEI they asked if i still live blah blah address(the original owner). I told them nope. Gave them new address and name. They got my CC number and off we go. Got a replacement phone in 2 days. Sent the other one back. Case closed. All is good, until yesterday when I saw just under my replacement one also. Its been 3-4 weeks. Now i'm waiting for another replacement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you didn't have to show proof or purchase/receipts?
blt51 said:
I have a question regarding replacement swapping as well.
My phone has the power button defect and I'd like to swap it for a new one.
However, I dropped my phone on asphalt recently and there are minor scuffs on 2 edges and a ding on the top left edge. Will this be a problem in swapping?
Will I get charged or something after they receive my phone? The defects are not related to me dropping it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd like to know the answer to this too. My phone has a stuck pixel but I also dropped it and now there is a crack in the screen. I'm wondering if they'll charge me for the swap.
I've had my N1 replaced almost 5 times, so I have some experience with this. Everything was perfect with my first phone except for one dead pixel, which was only visible from certain angles. However, considering the price that I paid for the phone, it wasn't acceptable from my perspective.
I read a lot about people having successes with replacements so I decided to do a swap. My recommendation is to think about doing a swap very carefully. Each time a replacement was sent to me, I found new problems with the phone.
For example, one replacement had a weak vibrate while another had a camera that took oversaturated photos. One of the phones had minor scratches on the screen. Another replacement turned out to be the replacement that was sent to me which I sent back (but with a different sticker and IMEI).
So I think that if the phone is not damaged significantly, such as huge cracks, they will not charge you any fees. So minor scratches on the phone and "normal use" damage is fine.
Also, if you purchased your phone from someone else, you will still be under the warranty and do swaps. I've asked this through the phone twice and both times I was told that they decided to honor warranty transfers.
HTC gave me a new one was well with unlocked bootloader. The problem with my phone was a software issue too. No questions asked.
This is great to hear.
I traded my iPhone 3GS for a N1 on craigslist only to discover it has some sort of hardware problem - Strange rebooting - not sure if it's heat related (doesn't seem so) or bad RAM (I've seen many reports). Went the replacement route (that's another story all together - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=698156) and am awaiting the new unit. Just got my return shipping label, hopefully they wont charge me either!
x986123 said:
I heard some Reps are unaware that HTC honors Hardware warranty. Maybe they said that to you because they are just reading a script that says "unlocking = void" I've read stories here that they still repair though. Is it true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had my Nexus One rooted and it was sent it to HTC for "power button failure" and they fixed it for no extra charge. Came back with a more firm-feeling power button and relocked.
They tried to charge me but after some reasoning with the right person on the phone they dropped the charge. You can also file a ticket with the Google Sales team and they will make sure you are not charged if you have a manufacturing defect unrelated to your phone being unlocked.
I bought mine from someone locally in salt lake, and after I had bought it, i noticed some dust under the screen. When I called HTC, they wouldn't replace the whole unit because there was an engraving on it. But they said they would send me a packing slip and i could send them the phone and they would take it apart and fix it. So hopefully it works.
adamhlj said:
I bought mine from someone locally in salt lake, and after I had bought it, i noticed some dust under the screen. When I called HTC, they wouldn't replace the whole unit because there was an engraving on it. But they said they would send me a packing slip and i could send them the phone and they would take it apart and fix it. So hopefully it works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey, I would try calling HTC again and talk to another representative if you want to do a swap for a replacement; sometimes the customer representatives tell you what they know and so they give different responses.
The warranty specifically says:
If you have engraved your phone with a personal message, the device that you receive will not include the engraving, and the engraving on the defective device will not be sent back to you. If you want to keep your engraving, you can opt for the express repair option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is, unless you want to keep the engraving.
Good luck!

where is the water indicator? (and questions on warrany)

I need to get a nexus one handled thru warranty, but HTC says basically if anything is wrong they'll charge for a new phone. I've never dropped it in water but I just want to make sure just in case like if some steam got in or something, I really don't want to pay $500 for a refurbished phone or something like that.
Has anyone gotten a N1 replaced thru HTC?
also, where is the water indicator thing on the phone? Can it be seen if you take the cover off?
here:
http://www.dropbox.com/gallery/6436943/1/liquiddamage?h=5096a4
I am not sure if there are any others.
The picture is of the back of my phone, at the very bottom with the rear lower cover off. Picture courtesy of HTC
On mine, there is also a water indicator under the battery terminal leads. Remove the battery, and look just below the connectors. You'll see a white sticker. or red if it's gotten wet.
Also note, that these stickers do not change color in humidity, they must touch standing water, you would need nearly 100% humidity + 100% condensation for it to change. Which under normal weather conditions (even a shower's steam) it would be impossible for it to change... And if you did get it to change from humidity, it's beyond the tolerance of the device and has voided the warranty.
Just as you can't put it in a 600 degree oven for an hour and say "i don't know what happened, it just melted in my hand" and expect a warranty replacement, or repair.
they have set standards for what the device can handle, certain number of G forces, high and low temperature, and humidity. any one of these items can void your warranty. Only a few can they really tell if it happened (water is most common).
If you think you're prone to doing these kinds of things, damaging electronic devices. You can buy insurance from some 3rd party companies, who'll replace the device, in the event it's stops working, damaged, or even stolen. Granted you're going to end up paying into the insurance for more than the phone's worth. But you'll get a brand new phone, if your friend steals it. (But they have ways of finding out if it's turned on, and they can track these things, insurance fraud is a crime, and they aren't stupid about it.) ;-)
In addition to the two sports mentioned above, my battery (stock) also has a water indicator strip on the side of it.
thanks guys, huge help.
@ mellow cat, I don't want to open the device up for fear of really voiding my warranty, I guess there's no way to see that without taking it apart eh?
@ next two dudes, thx, my strip is still white, so that pretty much means the inside is going to be white as well and I should be safe for a warranty claim right?
The water strips show two points where the water could enter. Near the battery is for the headphone jack. And the bottom is the USB port. If you did drop it in a 1/4 cup of beer (like a friend of mine with his iphone) but only went half way it'll show on the bottom.
If you're worried about steam then the battery one should be enough to ease your concern.
But any other damage like bumps and bruises on the phone is enough for them to deny your warranty claim. (Also assuming you bought new not a refurbished. Refurbs will be denied because they don't have stock serial numbers. I've worked at netgear doing support claims like that... so I know how those kinds of things work.)
Sent from my Nexus One using Tapatalk
well ****.
Here's what I'm dealing with:
The phone is my girlfriend's. I bought it brand new from Google for her. About 2 months later she left on the top of her car and drove off, it fell near the freeway. Brick.
Sent it to Asurion and paid the deductible, obviously they sent a refurb.
Fast forward 2 weeks ago, the power button would work 1 out of 3 times pressing it, suddenly it stopped working altogether, so that would be a manufacture error. The phone has normal nicks on it, but no big dents or anything that it looks like it was dropped (to me). The battery indicator is white, although she says she had it in the bathroom while showering, not in the shower, but in the bathroom.
Called HTC, they said they'd replace it on warranty for free provided it didn't show user ****-ups. They are making me put $500 on a credit card in case they have to charge my ass.
So I am really worried they are going to "find" something wrong with it and charge me. She really loves this phone and can't have another one because she has to have that lighted track ball. I just want the ****ing power button fixed, that is it, nothing else. Never rooted, never anything.
This thing is pissing me off, why so much drama just to fix something it would take their tech guy like 10 minutes? It's still within a year of original purchase.
Any thoughts or advice?
orangekid said:
Sent it to Asurion and paid the deductible, obviously they sent a refurb.
Called HTC, they said they'd replace it on warranty for free provided it didn't show user ****-ups. They are making me put $500 on a credit card in case they have to charge my ass.
So I am really worried they are going to "find" something wrong with it and charge me.
This thing is pissing me off, why so much drama just to fix something it would take their tech guy like 10 minutes? It's still within a year of original purchase.
Any thoughts or advice?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My first question is, what about the insurance co? Have you asked them about a replacement since they sent you the first replacement?
I've dealt with a similar situation with a laptop. I ended up suing gateway for my laptop back.
So HTC will find that it's a refurb. They will charge you for the repair. This should be a reasonable cost for repair ($60-160 no more than that).
HTC should only be asking for $500 hold if they are sending you a replacement, and that they don't want to be shortchanged in the event you don't send yours back.
They may still charge you for repairs, they may not.
But the $500 should be released either way.
If they do not do it this way, go file a civil lawsuit for the $500 damages. They won't fight it, and it'll cost you about $35.
If they do fight, then you've got your ducks in a row (you'll win), you should have your replacement anyway. Just go with it.
This is from personal experience, and I hope it goes smoothly.
They said they would replace it for free even though I told them it was a refurb via Asurion because the original purchase date is less than a year, but if they find that I ****ed it up in any way (e.g. water damage) they'd charge the $500, So I can pay $80 to fix it like you say or attempt to get the free replacement (they already know it's a refurb) chancing they charge me $500.
$160 still seems like too much money to fix something that is a common failure on their end while it's still under warranty.
I can get a replacement refurb thru Asurion for $130 so paying $160 seems ludicrous (I know you said they may charge only $60 but what are the odds)
orangekid said:
I can get a replacement refurb thru Asurion for $130 so paying $160 seems ludicrous (I know you said they may charge only $60 but what are the odds)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, Are you a gambling man?
Your options:
1) pay 130$, get another refurb.
2) take a chance, that that phone has never seen water. And are you willing to put $500 on the poker table for that?
Also, if you enjoy legal battles and can spare the $500 for a few months, if they do charge you the $500, then you can sue the insurance co for sending you a bad refurb, in damages of $500... since you know it's never seen water since you've had it. (it's not your fault its water stickers were set off, you shouldn't have to pay the $500. I'm not one for sue-ing everyone, but in this case, it's going to hurt you in $500 if you didn't) But thats a last ditch effort.
flibbertigibbet007 said:
So, Are you a gambling man?
Your options:
1) pay 130$, get another refurb.
2) take a chance, that that phone has never seen water. And are you willing to put $500 on the poker table for that?
Also, if you enjoy legal battles and can spare the $500 for a few months, if they do charge you the $500, then you can sue the insurance co for sending you a bad refurb, in damages of $500... since you know it's never seen water since you've had it. (it's not your fault its water stickers were set off, you shouldn't have to pay the $500. I'm not one for sue-ing everyone, but in this case, it's going to hurt you in $500 if you didn't) But thats a last ditch effort.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well I do play hold 'em a lot with friends over bbq and beers but that's a different story.
so maybe I'll just chance the $500 and send it in for warranty then if HTC pulls a fast one I'd do a civil suit on Asurion for $500 for sending me a jacked up phone?
maybe, I mean this whole thing sucks and $130 is insane for the damn power button.
ugh
Hey you've got more guts than I do. But you're probably on a good bet. Although I don't gamble much.
Please let me know how it ends up. I'd love to hear a good ending.
Sent from my Nexus One using Tapatalk
This thread made me really laugh. I was afraid of the $529 on credit collateral for the repair, but after going through it EIGHT TIMES (yes EIGHT) I can assure you they don't check the phone that thoroughly. As long as you didn't swim with the phone, everything's covered. Make sure your screen is not HEAVILY SCRATCHED or CRACKED, this can cause them to get ancy. The biggest problem is them sending you a lemon, and I've gotten 7 of them so far, ranging from dust under screen to power button to LCD Flicker and coloration/dead pixels. I swear its like a grab bag...
Dnlsmy I'm talking of past experience with other warranty claims and from my experience working at netgear. I don't know how lenient HTC is about their warranty. But from what you say you sound pleased other than the refurbished units you got back...
All I can say is good luck.
Sent from my Nexus One using Tapatalk
UPDATE:
ok so I ended up just sending the device to HTC, go the new unit last tuesday. Girlfriend couldn't be more pleased, noticed the difference in the button right away.
HTC didn't charge me for a new phone, so guess they didn't find anything wrong with it, glad she never let me root it, lol.
Looks like this will turn out a happy ending, thx to everyone for chiming in, I'm sure I'll be back to these forums for a Nexus related question at some point
now if you'll excuse me there's a new CM7 ROM on my HD2 that needs flashing

AT&T Insurance Question

I have an AT&T Note 3 that has suffered from water damage. What can I do to get this replaced? Will they mail a new one to me if I file a claim saying that it has been waterlogged?
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UPDATE
So a little while ago I checked all the water indicators and they were red still, so I took it to AT&T and they gave me a handout to file a claim with Asurion either by phone or online. They sent me back home and told me that Asurion will mail me a box, where I put my damaged phone in, along with the battery, and the SIM card. I tryed to submit a claim online, but it would not let me. It said that for my protection I would have to go on with the instructions on another phone. I will attempt to call them later once I have another phone in hand.
ALSO looks like I am going to have to pay the $199.99 deducatable. Asurion says that it will be replaced with new, like-new, or "other models of like kind and quality"
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Notes:
Also in case you were wondering, if you are paying the standard $6.99 a month insurance, they will still replace your phone from water damage.
Don't take it into the store (they will send you right back out with a handout with Asurion), just file a claim with Asurion on the phone and have them send you a box, put your phone in it, mail it back, and they will send you one "overnight".
By insurance, do you mean regular warranty or are you paying the extra 9 bucks a month for their anything coverage? If you have the later just take it to a store and tell you have the extended insurance, the phone was dropped in water and you want a replacement. They should replace their on the spot. If you do it through mail, then they will wait till they receive your damaged one before sending you a new one. They will use your old one to refurb and sell as a refurb. They will not send a new one in the mail till they get the old one. Best option is do it in person.
Now if you just have the standard warranty then you are out a phone as it does not cover water damage rather accidental or not.
ZOOPidy said:
I have an AT&T Note 3 that has suffered from water damage. What can I do to get this replaced? Will they mail a new one to me if I file a claim saying that it has been waterlogged?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Assuming your talking about Asurion, yes. The deductible is pretty high though if I remember correctly.
RIght now I am paying the $9 insurance from AT&T. Would I have to take it into the store or file a claim online?
I went through this last month myself and it is the main reason I switched to Square Trade for my insurance needs.
1. If you have the Mobile Protection Plan IE. you pay the extra $9.99 per month, and you go to into an AT&T store, they are not going to give you a new phone on the spot. AT&T will put you on the phone with an insurance representative from Assurion who is the company that handles AT&T insurance claims. The Assurion rep will get some info from you and then Assurion will overnight (FedEx) you a refurnished phone and a labeled box with which to return your damaged phone.
2. You will receive a 'like new' phone.
3. You will be billed a $200.00 deductible for the phone you receive.
4. You will have 10 days to mail back the damaged phone or you will be billed $750.00.
The reps at Assurion have an average IQ of 85 and are not very nice, so listen up. You may also notice that all the female reps have names like Cherry, Porche, Candy and such. Draw whatever conclusions you want from this.
1. Take photos of everything before you send the phone back - the box, its contents, the phone, the labels et al.
2. Make sure you save the receipt you get from the post office when they scan the label as it will have the tracking numbers and such. It is also proof positive you at least mailed the label back.
3. Once you mail the box back, wait 3 days and then start humping Assurions leg asking them if they are tracking your shipped phone. I recommend recording the calls if it's legal where you live. If you can't record the calls, then take detailed notes.
4. Anticipate harassing texts, emails and automated phone calls reminding you to send the damaged phone back. You will get these at all hours; day and night.
If you do the above you will have the evidence needed to defend yourself when Assurion claims they never got your phone and that you never shipped it as they tried to do with me and a buddy of mine just last month.
And before I forget, make sure you make the person from Assurion you are speaking with initially tell you twice what model phone they are sending you. They sent me the wrong phone two times.
The only good thing that came out of my AT&T insurance experience was that AT&T was so horrified by Assurions conduct that I was given family text messaging free for 6 months ($180 value) and an additional $20 off per month from my bill for as long as I am an AT&T customer.
Nothing like an Assurion rep cussing at an AT&T store manager and then hanging up on her to bolster your case.
I thought if you lose your phone they'll still send you another one. Declare it stolen or lost, isn't it easier?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A
slimslim said:
I thought if you lose your phone they'll still send you another one. Declare it stolen or lost, isn't it easier?
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What you're suggesting is insurance fraud, which is a crime.
Gary02468 said:
What you're suggesting is insurance fraud, which is a crime.
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Agree, but in tis particular case the op stated that the phone suffered water damage, don't think there's much to repair or save from it. With water resistant devices is a different story as the internal components and the mainboard are still coated and somehow protected. Now if you run over your device with your truck what sense it makes to send it back to Asurion and risking of being billed the full amount if someone misplace or loses it.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A
Thanks that really helped @JACK4HIRE
slimslim said:
I thought if you lose your phone they'll still send you another one. Declare it stolen or lost, isn't it easier?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A
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Click to collapse
I can't speak to how AT&T and or Assurion would handle the 'loss' of a phone versus a damaged phone. I do know that part of the Mobile Protection Pack is a locator service to help a client with a lost or stolen phone locate it. I believe that AT&T would attempt to locate the phone prior to issuing a replacement.
'Lost' is a very subjective term and I would think that as long as the phone was actually 'lost' there wouldn't be a problem. 'Lost' can mean you snapped the phone in two and then threw it in the trash bin at the grocery store never to see it again. As long as you don't still possess the phone and then claim that it is lost, there is no 'fraud'.
Having said that; I don't really see the purpose of claiming the phone is lost versus damaged as you're still going to get the same marginal customer service, the same iffy replacement and a $200.00 ding on you next bill from AT&T whether you claim water damage or loss.
It's always best to keep things above board even if you screwed up and have to eat it. Companies do refer charges to the police and people do get arrested and prosecuted for fraud, insurance and otherwise, all the time.
Just my $0.02.
Let us know how it goes.
I will not report it lost. It has water damage so water damage it is. Thanks though guys.
JACK4HIRE said:
I can't speak to how AT&T and or Assurion would handle the 'loss' of a phone versus a damaged phone. I do know that part of the Mobile Protection Pack is a locator service to help a client with a lost or stolen phone locate it. I believe that AT&T would attempt to locate the phone prior to issuing a replacement.
'Lost' is a very subjective term and I would think that as long as the phone was actually 'lost' there wouldn't be a problem. 'Lost' can mean you snapped the phone in two and then threw it in the trash bin at the grocery store never to see it again. As long as you don't still possess the phone and then claim that it is lost, there is no 'fraud'.
Having said that; I don't really see the purpose of claiming the phone is lost versus damaged as you're still going to get the same marginal customer service, the same iffy replacement and a $200.00 ding on you next bill from AT&T whether you claim water damage or loss.
It's always best to keep things above board even if you screwed up and have to eat it. Companies do refer charges to the police and people do get arrested and prosecuted for fraud, insurance and otherwise, all the time.
Just my $0.02.
Let us know how it goes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
slimslim said:
I thought if you lose your phone they'll still send you another one. Declare it stolen or lost, isn't it easier?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
JACK4HIRE said:
I can't speak to how AT&T and or Assurion would handle the 'loss' of a phone versus a damaged phone. I do know that part of the Mobile Protection Pack is a locator service to help a client with a lost or stolen phone locate it. I believe that AT&T would attempt to locate the phone prior to issuing a replacement.
'Lost' is a very subjective term and I would think that as long as the phone was actually 'lost' there wouldn't be a problem. 'Lost' can mean you snapped the phone in two and then threw it in the trash bin at the grocery store never to see it again. As long as you don't still possess the phone and then claim that it is lost, there is no 'fraud'.
Having said that; I don't really see the purpose of claiming the phone is lost versus damaged as you're still going to get the same marginal customer service, the same iffy replacement and a $200.00 ding on you next bill from AT&T whether you claim water damage or loss.
It's always best to keep things above board even if you screwed up and have to eat it. Companies do refer charges to the police and people do get arrested and prosecuted for fraud, insurance and otherwise, all the time.
Just my $0.02.
Let us know how it goes.
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Guys, this is just plain illegal and is not allowed on XDA at all. It's not that hard to just send your damaged phone in. Parts can be salvaged off the phone water damaged or not. It doesn't take that much effort to just send the phone to them.
UPDATE
So a little while ago I checked all the water indicators and they were red still, so I took it to AT&T and they gave me a handout to file a claim with Asurion either by phone or online. They sent me back home and told me that Asurion will mail me a box, where I put my damaged phone in, along with the battery, and the SIM card. I tryed to submit a claim online, but it would not let me. It said that for my protection I would have to go on with the instructions on another phone. I will attempt to call them later once I have another phone in hand.
ZOOPidy said:
I will not report it lost. It has water damage so water damage it is. Thanks though guys.
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Thank you for doing the right thing! This is what insurance is for.
Friendly Neighborhood Senior Moderator
kennyglass123 said:
Thank you for doing the right thing! This is what insurance is for.
Friendly Neighborhood Senior Moderator
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+1 on that thank you!

Water Damaged S5 Active Replaced by Samsung

Hello all! Just had something wonderful happen.
I recently got the S5 Active from AT&T. The phone I was using beforehand was the HTC G1 (what a throwback!), so naturally when I get a phone that is supposed to block water from damaging it, I tried it. The surprising thing was, the first few times it worked underwater, no issues at all. Then, one day, to demonstrate to my friends how much better my phone was over iPhones everywhere, I dropped it in a pitcher of water in front of them, just like they did in the commercial. It worked immediately after, but a few minutes later it just shut off. I ripped off the cover and saw there was water everywhere by the battery. It looks like there was a little cut by the seal of the back, which is what I presume to be the culprit to be. The screen would not turn on, even after several attempts to resurrect it.
I ended up setting up a claim with Samsung, even though the man on the phone said they would not cover water damage at all. For kicks, I wrote a little note saying what happened, and how I would appreciate it if they could fix my phone, and slipped that in the package.
Low and behold, I received a new phone from Samsung! Even though they said I wouldn't get anything, a working S5 was just shipped to me. It isn't the one I sent in, so I assume it's a refurbished one. It also came with a new back and battery.
Anywho, I just wanted to explain what happened to give some peace of mind to anyone out there was frantically Googling what is going to happen to their water resistant S5 Active after water slips through the cracks. Cheers!
Hello.
Hey there,I am EXACTLY in the same situation as you are,please tell me what should I do now.I have left 22 months of warranty,I have the IMEI and serial number.But I can't find my bill (for purchase date they ask).I would appreciate if you help me mate.Im really scarred and I dont want to pay for the phone again.I guess the phone is totally damaged,as it doesn't even vibrate,turn on.It is completly dead.My cover was safely as my charger slot.And if they examinate the phone and the warranty cant cover the damage,what are the chances to ask for more than 200$?Please I need any information!
khryzye said:
Hey there,I am EXACTLY in the same situation as you are,please tell me what should I do now.I have left 22 months of warranty,I have the IMEI and serial number.But I can't find my bill (for purchase date they ask).I would appreciate if you help me mate.Im really scarred and I dont want to pay for the phone again.I guess the phone is totally damaged,as it doesn't even vibrate,turn on.It is completly dead.My cover was safely as my charger slot.And if they examinate the phone and the warranty cant cover the damage,what are the chances to ask for more than 200$?Please I need any information!
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Click to collapse
First of all the warranty is 12 months unless you bought square trade or something. And if the S5 active is anything like the S4 active, they don't advertise it but they will replace it because there's no way to tell whether it failed at being "water resistant" or was fully submerged. As for the receipt, sometimes they ask for it and sometimes they don't. If you can't get it replaced through your carrier, the best option is to use the Samsung support chat & they'll tell you what you need to submit. Otherwise the carrier should have a receipt on record
Water damaged Samsung Galaxy S5 HELP!
Hey, I read your thread and I thought it was exactly similar to my situation, except after calling customer service many times, they told me they would not replace my phone. I was wondering you talked to or requested on the phone when you called? Any tips? Did you write to anyone? Is there anything you'd recommend that I do?
My email is [email protected]
I'd really appreciate you getting back to me, thanks!
Hi I'm in the same situation. I was wondering how you went about doing this...
I used the live chat and she gave me a ticket number and told me to call the voice customer service people. I was wondering if that was all they did.
If you could please get back to me with info that'd be great my email is
[email protected]
Don't be fooled by Samsung and AT&T Commercials for the s5 Active!!!
Up until just a few days ago, I have been a very loyal Samsung and AT&T Customer. Both my husband and I have Samsung phones, Samsung Tablets, and have been customers of AT&T forever. I was EVEN thinking about purchasing the Samsung Smart phone. Not anymore.
It is beyond comprehension to me at this time that NEITHER AT&T NOR SAMSUNG will apparently stand behind their products! Although BOTH AT&T AND SAMSUNG advertise that the Galaxy S5 Active devise is rated IP67 using the Ingress Protection rating system! As the Samsung user manual AND the AT&T commercials state: "The dust rating is 6 (highest level of protection), and the water resistance rating is 7 (WATER RESISTANT UP TO 1 METER for UP TO 30 MIN). Watch their commercials ...but don't be fooled.
My phone was in contact with water for less than 3 seconds! ( It accidentally dropped in water and was retrieved almost instantly) LESS TIME THAN advertised:
The phone turned on for a few seconds...then went off....Then an hour later turned on with a green screen...then back off and was totally dead. I sealed the phone in a desiccator for three days and it still would not come on. Samsung service said yes, it was under warranty and to send it in. IF they couldn't repair it , they would send an new one. Guess what!? They lied. I just received my original phone in what looks like worse damage than I sent it and I have been told that the mother board is fried..( NO DUH!) And that voids the warranty?
My mind is spinning. I really loved my Samsung Active, but I am sooo disappointed in the Service and the fact that Samsung would not replace it since it was less than a year old!
I posted a complaint to Samsung's Mobile Facebook page and immediately got a response to private message them. I got the same "canned" response there as well. I may as well go bang my head on a wall. Thank you for taking the time to at least listen to my "rant".
This is how this is done!
If you are reading this post, you probably dropped your s4/s5 Active phone in a glass of water or decided to take it with you swimming. If you did, I am sure you have now realized the error of your ways! ANYWAYS.... if you want any chance of getting your phone fixed WITHOUT paying for the repair, just follow these simple instructions!
Make sure the phone is in warranty! If it's over a year old, the manufacturers warranty is expired and this is not info you need. They will not fix a phone for free if its out of warranty... (well, most of the time! lol)
IF ITS WARRANTY IS GOOD.... Read on! Or, I guess if it's bad just read on anyways... although most of this won't help you in that case...
The first thing you have to know before you even pick up your phone to call Samsung and the most important thing in this process, is to understand that Samsung is not responsible for ANY ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE, PERIOD! So with that out of the way....
Call up Samsung's Technical Support and Give the representative any information they need. Next when they ask why you are calling, simply tell them what symptom you are having and immediately state that you have verified that it is still under warranty and that you'd like to send it in for repair.
Now, you must watch what you say from here. your best bet is pleading the fifth, but they will ask you questions you are going to have to answer... Like, Has your phone suffered any physical or liquid damage?...
Well the obvious answer if you're reading this forum, is YES!!! But let's think about this real quick... If you're calling in about a G870a, it's specs show that it is ip-67 certified, which means it should be "dust and water resistant up to 1 meter and 30 minutes." So should that 5 seconds in a cup really have done it in??? Common sense argues, NO! And this should be your thought process when being asked the question I wrote in the last paragraph.
This is where most of you loose the chance of ever getting the phone repaired under warranty again! And remember you don't want to lie! If you do you'll just get an e-mail after sending it in telling you that the damage is NOT covered. They will then give you a quote for the cost of repair, and tell you that if you do not respond, the phone will be sent back to you AS IS.
So how do you get it fixed for free already?!?!?!?!
The goal now is to make sure you don't incriminate yourself! SOO.... If I dropped mine in a glass of water to show it off to friends and they asked me weather or not it was physically or liquid damaged, I WOULD say something like this...
"No, this phone has been taken care of VERY well it's whole time in my possession, and nothing has occurred that the phone was NOT built to handle based on the specifications listed on Samsung's web page for my SM-G870a specifically. It is in great shape and **** simply stopped working properly after it was briefly submerged in shallow water. I purchased this phone because it's ip-67 certification and it should be fine after such a small indecent!". (**** could mean anything from the LCD to the charger port and anything in-between)!
Now, a good rep will notate that information on your case and provide you with an RMA number, that is, if your phone was in fact under warranty still. Then they send you a shipping label and instructions. Now you just send the phone in following all their instructions. and you should get a nicely refurbished phone in the mail 7-14 days after they receive it!
Easy, right!?!?!
NOT EVERY TIME!!!
If the rep decides to tell you that the phone cannot be serviced under warranty and there will be a charge for the repair......
DON"T GET MAD! It will ensure the status of your phone to be flagged as "beyond economical repair" and it will no longer be covered under warranty again!
Simply tell that rep, that you disagree with that policy and ask KINDLY to speak to their supervisor. (remember, they are going to brief the supervisor on the situation before you talk to them and you don't want them degrading your character!!!)
When you are finally connected to the supervisor, you must be FIRM but KIND, and assert yourself as knowledgeable but not with too much confidence. In laymen terms, treat them like your Grandmother!
Tell them ONLY that you are attempting to send your phone, which in is warranty, in for service and that the previous representative told you it MAY not be covered under the warranty. Then, without hesitation, reiterate to the supervisor now, that this phone is listed on their documentation as ip-67 certified and that the conditions that caused the failure SHOULD NOT HAVE CAUSED THE DAMAGE IT DID!
After that, you must also make sure they understand that you understand that certain measures on the users behalf are expected to meet the ip-67 certification. They must be convinced that your were using proper operating procedures and were using common sense when the phone was damaged.
Any supervisor is going to have a very hard time arguing that type of common sense and will probably place you on a short hold before returning to the line and informing you that they will make an exception, but if the phone is found to be badly damaged, there may still be a charge for repair. AGREE WITH THIS!!!! They will create the RMA and send you the shipping label and instructions
WAS ALL THAT A WASTE OF TIME??? Are they going to try to charge me for the repair anyways??
Most likely not... it should be notated to the tech, and they usually overlook the liquid damaged, because of your conversation with the reps on the phone.
BUT in SOME CASES there is one last step to ALMOST 100% ensure the repair/replacement of your phone FREE of charge!!! and this will probably be the most important step for a lot of people! Especially if a lot of water made it into the device!
All I am asking is for you to "like my Business Page for Capital City Computer geeks on Facebook and comment on my Liquid damage post!
After you do, I will message you the last step!!!! I know a lot of you won't need this last bit of info, but it's the most valuable piece to the puzzle and can make the biggest difference!
Head over to Facebook and search for Capital City Computer Geeks to get the last step!!!!
And if you liked this post or succeeded with my help, please take a second to go there and like my page anyways!!
Maybe, just maybe that'll help get some more priceless info outta me
Good Luck Everyone! Let's make sure we all get what we pay for!
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