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 PAGE FOUR - WisconsinReport.com - April 7, 2004
STORIES IN THE April 7, 2004 ISSUE

Read Fine Print on Wireless and Cell Phone Contracts
Don't pay penalty twice when
breaking a cell phone contract

MADISON (April 7, 2004) - If you break a contract with your cell phone company, you may have to pay a $175 penalty. But what most people don't know is that you may also have to pay another $200 penalty to the independent contractor who sold you the service.

"At those little booths in malls with signs saying Verizon or ATT Wireless, the sales people may actually work for an Arizona company called Wireless Retail," according to Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection advocate Glen Loyd.

"When you sign the contact for Verizon or ATT Wireless, you are also signing another contract with Wireless Retail, which also has a penalty clause," Loyd adds.

Consumer Protection is getting complaints from consumers who after paying a cancellation fee of $175 are surprised to get another bill for $200 from Wireless Retail.

Loyd says, "They didn't realize that Wireless Retail was involved and entitled to a penalty, too."

Loyd points out there are some things you can do to protect yourself when buying a cell phone:

Read cell-phone-purchasing advice in Consumer Reports magazine at your local library.

Try to verify what sales people claim by reading the contract. Have questionable promises put in writing.

Ask for a test period before signing a long-term contract.

Remember that a cell phone isn't like your landline at home and that many cell phone customers do cancel and pay penalties.  Loyd says common complaints include: The phone doesn't work where you need it to work, and, being charged expensive roaming charges.

DATCP spokesperson, Glen Loyd, invites anyone who is having problems with a company selling cell phones, to call the toll free helpline of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.  The number is 1-800-422-7128.
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