The BS that is Cingular!!
Decided to switch carriers and get Cingular, wanted to get the v551. They ran a credit check on me and I waited for over an hour with no answer. They made some calls and needed to get my social security card and make a copy, waited for another 20 min, then they tell me my credit wasn't good and that I needed to pay a 200 dollar deposit. That is complete B.S. first of all, I know my credit is not bad, its great infact, I've gotten loans and credit cards before, no problem, a few days ago I was able to get a 1000 dollar credit from best buy and now I can't even get a freaking cell phone?? what is that? I have friends with really bad credit, and they've gotten cell phones with other carriers easy. 😡
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Actually $1000 credit card is the lowest you can get whcih actually means that they realize you have bad credit but they know they will make money off you so they want to give you something...and cingular is actually one of the more lenient companies as far as deposits go so if your deposit is anything over $100 than you actually have pretty bad credit bc even at&t customers who had a $400 deposit comes back as only a $100 with cingular, so i highly suggest that you get a credit report bc you my friend do not have good credit.
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Well first off, something flagged your credit in order for the rep have to call it in. Also, 1 out of 1000 do we have to make a copy of a SS card. Theres something you're probably not telling us that happened in the past. If you think $200 is bad, you may have to settle for Sprint or T.Mobile without paying a deposit then.
Second, depending your age and income, you may have too much debt out there.
Third, $1000 is one of Best Buy's lowest credit limits, so Cingular isnt the only company to be smart about taking you as a customer.
Good Luck.
Second, depending your age and income, you may have too much debt out there.
Third, $1000 is one of Best Buy's lowest credit limits, so Cingular isnt the only company to be smart about taking you as a customer.
Good Luck.
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$200 is not a bad deposit amount. After managing a Cingular store for 3 years I can tell you, you do not have BAD credit. There is something on your credit report however that is definately worth checking into. As BluetoOrange stated it may have something to do with your age. Both Verizon and Cingular have their credit apps run through Experian, Equifax or Transunion. It could just be you don't have enough established credit yet. Don't give up.. put the 200 bucks down and collect the interest at the end of the year.
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Also, applying for credit and having too many "looks" at your credit in a short period of time will downgrade your credit score. If you got a credit card with Best Buy "a few days before" you had your credit run, that right there might have done it. The usual assumption is that every time credit is run credit is extended and therefore you might look overextended, even though you aren't. A credit check run 90 days from now with no further credit apps or looks could yield a very different score.
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also why did you let them make a copy of your ss card,maybe if you check your credit reports you will find stuff on there that is not yours.like some one getting a phone in your name at store that you was at.you never let some one make a copy of your ss card.can you say identity theft.
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I never even carry mine in my wallet, for that reason, ID theft. Just memorize the number. 😉
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It is actually illegal for a company to even ask for a copy of your social security or even your driver's lisence in some states, i think most. it is such an unknown fact that allot of companies do it because they know you probably don't know the law. I found out by accident one day and when i went to get a new car, the first thing they wanted was a copy of my ss card and driver's license. i refused and they initially stated i couldn't get the car, untill they found out that what i said about the law was true.
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It's not illegal for a company to ASK for your SS that is perfectly legal if you give it to them. It is illegal for a company to deny you credit if you refuse to give them your SSN. Although you must provide enough information to have a credit check done on you. Such as a Major credit card and a Drivers licence. Usually it requires two forms of ID.
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You say you just got a Best Buy credit card last week... well perhaps you have too many inquiries.
I used to work for a credit card company and if someone had too many inquiries (more than 4 or 5) in the past 2 years, we would turn them down. You should stop applying for so much credit.
I used to work for a credit card company and if someone had too many inquiries (more than 4 or 5) in the past 2 years, we would turn them down. You should stop applying for so much credit.
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Speaking of too many new credit apps...I just checked my FICO score and found that Cingular had checked my credit (without my knowledge) over the phone just when I called to INQUIRE about plans and services (3 times).
Since I ended up going through SBC, I was pre-approved because of my excellent standing with them, and SBC does not show up as checking my credit.
I wonder who I have to talk to in order to have those 3 inquires removed from my record?
Since I ended up going through SBC, I was pre-approved because of my excellent standing with them, and SBC does not show up as checking my credit.
I wonder who I have to talk to in order to have those 3 inquires removed from my record?
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Probably the particular credit reporting agency. They would know exactly what you need to do.
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This was Equifax and they said I needed to contact the company that reported it. But on the other hand, they said it was actually another company that I have to contact for more info (Equifax has some company in El Paso that handles it). Very strange...
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helloooooo its totally illegal for a company to run a credit check on you with out your permission...
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But I was NOT applying for credit, just INQUIRING about phone service. And if you don't sign up for "opt-out", companies are constantly "looking" at your record to send unsolicited offers...that makes your credit look bad, which was MY point.
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Madzo said:
... a few days ago I was able to get a 1000 dollar credit from best buy...
Well duh. That's why. Both submitting credit applications and actually RECEIVING credit jacks around with your credit score. Your credit score is probably lower than normal because of high amounts of recently opened revolving credit accounts in your name.
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Your an Idiot! Your credit sucks. Go try and get a phone somewhere else. Same Thing will happen. I don't see how all of you can stand to work in retail during the Holidays with idiots like this.
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zjc2a said:
Your an Idiot! Your credit sucks. Go try and get a phone somewhere else. Same Thing will happen. I don't see how all of you can stand to work in retail during the Holidays with idiots like this.
Don't go off calling people idiots soo fast ther big boy! I recently got a cell phone with somewhat shoddy credit and didn't have to give a penny in deposit. That's right, nothing!! Nada!! Zilch!! Niet!!
And now that i have a mortgage loan on my new built home, I am willing to bet you that although back in September after having been granted a home mortgage loan via. B of A, I will apply for a Cell Phone (for giggles, at Cingular) and get through with the same result. And this is coming from ...
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Have fun with that. You don't have a case.
What company did you get a penny deposit for?
What company did you get a penny deposit for?
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JessiCSR said:
Have fun with that. You don't have a case.
What company did you get a penny deposit for?
You misheard me...I said I didn't have to give even a penny as deposit., which means it was no deposit. 😁
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sunilsonia said:JessiCSR said:
Have fun with that. You don't have a case.
What company did you get a penny deposit for?
You misheard me...I said I didn't have to give even a penny as deposit., which means it was no deposit. 😁
Also, I was saying that with all the criteria I got through mentionning above, I am willing to bet I can still get through now even with the same 0 deposit.
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JessiCSR said:
Ok, what company was that? 🙄
T-Mobile oddly enough! Their credit check standards are just as high as CW's
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Actually they're not as high. I have a lot of friends who don't pass Cingular's credit which I send to T-mobile since I like their service too.
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Ok maybe not as high but the service is plentifully more reliable than Cingular's. Their Cust Svc and billing really bite!
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JessiCSR said:
in your area, maybe. ;)
Not just in my area, it's everywhere that i have been to. that also includes outside the DFW metroplex. like some of the other US Contingent 50.
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You've obviously never come down to NC. T-Mobile isn't even here, if you're a T-mo customer and you come here...you're on Cingular's network.
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disturbed1 said:
You've obviously never come down to NC. T-Mobile isn't even here, if you're a T-mo customer and you come here...you're on Cingular's network.
My point was...the phone still works though but no I have not been to NC, don't have a reason to just yet but you never know with the nature of my job as it does require flexibility for travel.
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ok,...since t-mobile rents most of it's towers from cingular, I can just shrug and say "ok then. Have fun with that."
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That's what i was about to say... T-mob coverage is cingular's coverage... over half of their network is compiled w/ roaming agreements they have w/ cingular... so either way... we still get $$...
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Well yeah, T-mobile is rated #1 in customer service right now and they are really nice on the phone. Every company will have a few bad seeds though... the only downside to T-mobile is coverage area, but if you're in a metropolitan area you should more than fine.
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What is the bad business practice you are talking about? So for i haven't heard of any. Yes there are some hicups with the new merger but so far i haven't heard any complaints about bad buisness practices. Denying credit is not an illegal buisness pracice. Every person is Given the same treatment as per the credit score the credit burero return. Cingular never even see's your credit report they just get a number back.
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there aren't ANY bad practices going on... people like this guy will get laughed out of the offices of the BBB. Just an example of people with CRAP credit. This guy just happens to be a CRAP person as well.
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Man, I'm sorry you didn't get approved. Unfortunately, the only thing you can do is check your credit. According to new federal law, you can get 1 free credit report per year from every Credit Bureau. You have to submit it in writing. You can also go online to get your "free" credit report, but it requires a credit card to get it, and it only gives you from one Bureau.
Copying the SS card IS standard proceedure in a few cases. 1.Your SSN provided no match. 2.Your SSN provided too many matches(that's even worse). Have you moved recently? Too many addresses will get you a deposit real quick. 3. Doing multiple "luxury" credit checks will get you red flagged at the credit bureau. (ie your 1000.00 Best Buy card and a New Cell phone which both q...
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Copying the SS card IS standard proceedure in a few cases. 1.Your SSN provided no match. 2.Your SSN provided too many matches(that's even worse). Have you moved recently? Too many addresses will get you a deposit real quick. 3. Doing multiple "luxury" credit checks will get you red flagged at the credit bureau. (ie your 1000.00 Best Buy card and a New Cell phone which both q...
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I think Cingular's credit standards are pretty high as well. I know I have never had so many potential customers show up with a $750 deposit required. At AWS if I have 2 people show up with a $150 deposit in a month that was a rare occurence.
Very interesting and valuable information CAINMARKO. THANKS>
Very interesting and valuable information CAINMARKO. THANKS>
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Yeah, I can't wait to start getting mine annually for free! 😁 Of course, I'll have to wait until later next year when it's valid for my state.
As of Dec. 1st, free credit reports are only available for: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. The other states will rollout in March (Midwest), June (South), and Sept. (Eastern). Supposed to keep the system from getting jammed with too many requests. 😉
https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index. jsp
As of Dec. 1st, free credit reports are only available for: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. The other states will rollout in March (Midwest), June (South), and Sept. (Eastern). Supposed to keep the system from getting jammed with too many requests. 😉
https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index. jsp
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I heard that it won't have your score though. Here in Texas it is already in effect. But when I got it I called because I didnt see my score and I did last year. He said it would cost 4.95.
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http://www.freecreditreport.com »
That site gave me a full detailed credit report (including beacon score) plus full explanation of pros/cons, pos/neg, etc. etc.
It was so detailed, it was great. It starts you off with some monthly charged feature that you have to remember to cancel after 30 days, but thats it, no other charges.
That site gave me a full detailed credit report (including beacon score) plus full explanation of pros/cons, pos/neg, etc. etc.
It was so detailed, it was great. It starts you off with some monthly charged feature that you have to remember to cancel after 30 days, but thats it, no other charges.
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You mean FICO score? I had to order a separate report for that. And I'm in TX and I didn't see that we will be able to get free ones until June 1st?
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FICO score, beacon score, yes. It was gonna cost. Nope free one every year. At least I have been. Free every year. And they say you can get one if you are denied credit but I don't have that problem, I just know that Sh&t happens. Found that Discover was doing inquires about two times a month and they were constantly send me a credit app. that I shredded. At any rate, I've gotten one each year free.
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Hmmm...and this is TX? Where did you get them? All 3 agencies?
BTW, how did you stop Discover from doing inquires and unsolicited credit apps? Did you call the opt-out toll-free number?
Cingular did me 3 times (just when I was inquiring about service), and an investment firm (I was putting money in, so that's odd). I'd like to get all these inquiries stopped and all these pre-approved credit deals!
BTW, how did you stop Discover from doing inquires and unsolicited credit apps? Did you call the opt-out toll-free number?
Cingular did me 3 times (just when I was inquiring about service), and an investment firm (I was putting money in, so that's odd). I'd like to get all these inquiries stopped and all these pre-approved credit deals!
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Yes, I'm in Dallas. I don't know but it could have something to do with the fraud alert I have on my account. But this was TransUnion. Yes. I have done every opt out deal that I could do. And I know I tried calling, and the apps have stopped from them and I have to check my report again to see if they have stopped the inquires.
Since you were only asking questions about service why would they have your SS#?
Since you were only asking questions about service why would they have your SS#?
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I'm not sure, unless it was because SBC has it? I just thought it odd that they did a check while I was talking, so it must have been connected through my home telephone. If I recall, the last time I called Cingular, they told me I was no longer "pre-approved", so I was told to call SBC (which is how I got involved in that mess of ordering through them).
SBC was surprised at my "pre-approved" status being no longer available since nothing had changed on my credit record (it was actually better, all debts paid off after spouse died), so they did something in their system to reinstate the "pre-approved" status (which I think was tied to a no-deposit offer).
I'm sure it will be intersting trying to get them removed from my record. :twis...
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SBC was surprised at my "pre-approved" status being no longer available since nothing had changed on my credit record (it was actually better, all debts paid off after spouse died), so they did something in their system to reinstate the "pre-approved" status (which I think was tied to a no-deposit offer).
I'm sure it will be intersting trying to get them removed from my record. :twis...
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I really wish you luck. I am not in the industry so, I dont know what to tell you.
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Yeah, I'll try to remember so I can post back...if I can find this thread. 😁
I already know I'll have a fight on my hands. 😈
I already know I'll have a fight on my hands. 😈
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I beleive a consumer is entitled to a free credit report if he or she is turned down or a deposit of some sort is required for service.
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schnozejt said:
I beleive a consumer is entitled to a free credit report if he or she is turned down or a deposit of some sort is required for service.
yes. within 60 days of the credit check
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Actually the problem might be that you just opened a credit card. Whenever someone does a credit check it lowers your credit rating. Maybe wait a week or two and try again.
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Or a company may have checked your record without your knowledge, like in those pre-approved credit cards (happened to me!). 👿
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This happened to me as well.
Credit is fine but they denied me a phone w/o deposit.
I found out why:
Because in 1998 I had a bad payment history with PAC BELL (now SBC). This has been marked as PAID on my credit report but SBC & Cigular share records and still have it on the books!
But you can get in the back way...get an ATT phone and then "migrate". That's what I did.
Adrian aka aammpp
Credit is fine but they denied me a phone w/o deposit.
I found out why:
Because in 1998 I had a bad payment history with PAC BELL (now SBC). This has been marked as PAID on my credit report but SBC & Cigular share records and still have it on the books!
But you can get in the back way...get an ATT phone and then "migrate". That's what I did.
Adrian aka aammpp
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want a small deposit or no deposit? check out sprint. Sprint will give you a phone no matter how bad your credit is for either a 125 down or a 0 down. (it's rare, but you COULD have a maximum 250, but you'd basically have to be in bankruptcy to have that)
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