Problems with MCI - Amazon GC?

[bassmount]

Originally posted by Marianne
After barbaralarry got her GC, I was so hopeful that mine would come. I was excited to find two envelopes from MCI when I got home from work, but alas, one was another MCI bill and the other was a standard form saying "thanks for contacting us about your problem." What a disappointment.

I then contacted Jason again to make sure he had followed through on his promise to send the GC last week. He looked up the record and said that although he had done everything right to get the GC sent, by the time it was processed the promotion was over and they were not able to send it to me. I told him that wouldn't work, I wanted what had been promised me. He once again said he would try to send a GC, but that he would have no way to track it and see if it actually gets sent. Another 7-10 day delay. (I feel like the angry cartooon characters with smoke coming out of their ears and whistles blowing - this is the most frustrating thing I've ever pursued.)

Let's keep posting to see if anyone gets positive results. Good luck to all of us.

I have joined the ranks of the Non-GC getters. In my attempt to get this deal, after they asked me via personal Email to sign up our other number, I received a "Welcome Package" with no GC. I called immediately and spoke to a very nice CSR, who told me she would put in for a replacement GC. I just called to follow up to make sure this was done and spoke to "Richard" a very nice English chap who said sure enough it was on the way. I had taken the advice of all of you and I was slightly forceful from the get go, I told them how disappointed I was and that if we had not recived the GC within 10 days, not only would we cancel, but we would also contact our State Attorney General, the FTC, FCC and the BBB. I am not entirely sure what any of these organizations would do, but it seems that the GC was mailed out yesterday and should be here to me in 4 to 6 days. If it is not here, I will do exactly as promised and tell them when I do. I know I have already received one of these, but I am really upset at the service the rest of you all have been given. If something is promised, then you all should have received it. Richard (with his wonderful accent <VBG>) did say to their defense that in the month of December, they were slammed hard for this promo and that many CSR made multiple mistakes on these orders. He said that any mistake could be corrected (the offer hasn't been extended, but the life of the GC has and they can still be reissued if you had put in the order prior to 12/31 and have proof.) and that there was no excuse for the orders to have been mixed up in the first place. He said MCI would make it right, they wanted to keep our business (could they have red flagged me for being forceful in the beginning? LOL). So, keep pestering them and don't give up! I won't give up even after I do all I said I would do. If we don't get it, I may call every day just out of spite! <VBWEG>

[suzd88]

Well I have about had it with MCI. After being told on 1/3 that the GC was mailed on 12/22..........it still is not here. I called this am and was told that it was never sent out. The CSR LIED to me!!! This person was going to note the account and get the whole process started again. My account has ntoes from all of the phone calls I have made in regards to this whole situation starting on 12/11. I just got done mailing my formal complaints against MCI to the state BBB and Attorney General as well as MCI. There is absolutely no excuse for this terrible service. I am switching my service today!! At this point I don't care if I get the GC I want to get rid of MCI. I also stated in the letter to MCI I will not be paying any bills from them until I receive the GC due to the fact it was a stipulation in getting their service. I'll have to wait and see what happens next.

[barbaralarry]

Oh, boy, I'm so mad after reading your reply! That is TERRIBLE, UNFORGIVABLE service!

The only thing I can guess, is that from someone else's earlier post- the CSR said they can send the REQUEST out, but its up to the 'other' department to actually approve getting the GC in the mail. (I doubt it makes you feel any better, but worth mentioning.) However, I was told by Jason and other CSR that the GC had been sent. They could see it on the screen. I know you did the same, so am very disappointed in them in every aspect.

I am SO glad you sent out formal complaints. MCI needs to really consider their focus. They have screwed up BIGtime.

I havent used my GC yet, am hoping the Karaoke thing goes on sale, or free shipping will come available.

You know what would have been really neat? If many of us had banded together to get the GC's, and then gift them to some worthwhile charity for children. Even $150 x 10 would have been a terrific gift, imagine if many many had done it. I have already promised my kids the Karoake machine, so I would feel bad for my kids if I did it now. But something worth thinking about if there is something similar around Christmas time next year.

[dollyo]

I have just joined this list and read with interest all of the posts regarding MCI and Amazon Gift Certificates. I switched around the middle of December and have received nothing at all from them yet. I know they switched me because AT&T called me two times yesterday (ruined a great nap) to see if they could talk me into switching back. I told them I wouldn't be coming back until I got the "premium" I was promised from another company. If I don't hear anything this week from them, I guess I will have to join the ranks of those who are bugging the heck out of MCI. I jumped at the chance to get this gift certificate because I would like to get some special books which are sort of pricey and I figured that would be a good way to get them. I know that MCI bugs people something fierce over the phone to try to get them to switch to MCI so I guess turnabout is fair play.

[dianemarie]

I was also told on 1/3 that my GC's and welcome packs had been mailed on 12/20 and 12/22 (for both lines I'd signed up.) So far I've received nothing. I am so angry at myself for even dealing with MCI, as I've had so much trouble with them in the past. In September, after they called and bugged me so much, I switched to them for a great rate and when the bill arrived I was being charged 30 cents a minute! Monday I will call and cancel them.

[guysobe]

I have a response to those who might be looking for a solution to their problems with MCI. I was told by their Customer Service Dept that complaints concerning the promotion could be sent by mail or fax to

Steven C. Johnson
VP Operator Services
4200 C St. SW
Bldg #2
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404


Fax: 1-888-817-7044
General Fax
Address to Steven C. Johnson
Will be emailed to him

If the grievance concerns small business accounts.

Complaints about personal accounts can be sent here.

MCI
Customer Relations Dept
1925 Boyrum St
Iowa City, Iowa 52240

This is the only information about MCI's grievance procedures that I have been able to get from MCI, and this happened when I dialed 00 on my phone and selected the option of customer service. I have not received this information by calling any numbers listed in these boards. Only through calling other departments at MCI.

My personal experience with MCI.

If anyone has other information that might help me or others, please reply to this message.

I have not written my complaint letter to MCI yet, because I am not sure how long they have to fulfill their commitment. I feel that their attitude so far has been verbally abusive and condescending and horribly offensive depending on the Rep or supervisor that you speak with. I will admit that a few reps were pleasant, but not of any assistance whatsoever.

I am preparing to send in a well written complaint later this month hopefully citing the specific laws they have violated. And plan on sending that letter to the appropriate federal and state agencies if possible. I plan on using fax, email, postal mail what ever it takes to document my experience with this business.

Please remember that because of promotions, coupons and rebates, the Amazon Gift Certificate has far more value than a $150 dollars. That was the main reason I signed up for the promotion. You should not accept anything less than what you feel the Gift Certificate is worth.

I feel there is a policy,procedure of some kind that is allowing some consumers to receive the promotion and others to be refused.

I would suggest that there are terms to this offer that are not being made known to the consumer or the public, and these hidden terms dictate who receives the offer and who does not.

It was very clearly stated on more that one occasion that the only requirements that needed to be met were a $4.95 monthly fee and a switch to their long distance service and a home based business or a small business. I was even told prior to signing up and at the time of signing up that the promotion was good for a home/personal account. I chose a business account.

MCI has refused to provide anything in writing about my account. The rates, terms, etc.

When calling MCI they have refused to tell me what calling plan I was signed up for, even after confirming my identity and phone number.

MCI reps have told me that there were no records concerning the creation of my account and that information was not available. Then they were able to tell me the date the account was created, but any notes by their reps had been lost. Other reps at a later date said the records were intact and there had been no loss of information. These were not isolated incidents.

Half the time the reps would state that I had signed up for services that I did not sign up for, or quote rates and services or a promotion that I did not agree too when signing up.

Any information about my service was only forthcoming after I told them what the terms were when I had initially signed up. At that point they would confirm some or all of the information. Their accuracy in stating what services rates and promotions that applied to my account was usually not accurate.

MCI has refused to email me any information concerning the account except for an email sent automatically by their website. They do not seem to know that I received this email or are refusing to acknowledge it.

MCI has refused to offer any proof that postal mail was sent to me, and would not resend any mail that could be tracked, signed for or confirmed as delivered, in any way.

MCI Reps have told me that on at least 5 separate occasions they have sent two calling cards to my address and that the cards did not need to be activated and could be used by anyone.

To date at least 10 calling cards have been sent to me and lost, according to MCI. MCI never once offered to cancel the calling cards, and MCI reps were never concerned that the cards might have been stolen. This led me to believe that the cards had never been mailed and that the reps were lying. The information about the calling cards, date sent, quantity, was confirmed by the reps several times.

MCI reps have stated many times that because of the two holidays which fell on Mondays last month that all mail has been delayed. I have responded by saying that the only mail personal or business that I have had trouble receiving is from MCI. I have also asked them to investigate how the mail is being sent. They have refused to investigate the problem and continue to say that the mail is sent and lost by USPS or me.

I have been told several times that their only grievance procedure for small business accounts is for me to verbally state over the phone the grievance and that their is no other action that could be taken except to cancel the account.

If you know of any web addresses with information regarding this issue that contain specific information from the FTC or the FCC or others please post them here or email them to me.

I feel that it would be a mistake to cancel your account with MCI before this matter is resolved to your satisfaction and I suggest that you use a dial around service till they make their offers good. Also it might be better if you are still subscribed to them when you file any complaint on a state or federal level. That way they can not say that you are no longer qualified for the promotion or somehow violated the terms of it.

Do not authorize any changes to your account. Do not accept anything of less value than what was initially offered. This whole thing has been very time consuming and I only pursue it because maybe I can help others.

I am not sure but I think that saying the USPS is responsible for something that was never under the control is fraud. Meaning that if MCI states that mail was sent and blames the USPS for something they know is not true then it might be a federal crime of some kind. Just a thought.

[suzd88]

I spole to a CSR yet again yesterday. I will say she was quite helpful, and I use this term loosely! She went over all the notes in regards to my account and the dates I spoke to them. They were the same as mine. I told her how I was told the CG was mailed when it end up it was a total lie. She showed no record of it being sent. I proceeded to tell her I felt that MCI was fraudulent and deceptive in the delay for the GC and as far as I was concerned the whole promotion was a scam!! My sister switched the same day as I did and she received everything!! She put me on hold and them came back and told me that all requests for the promotion made after 12/20 are taking 10 business days. Well I originally switched on 12/11. The last request for the CG was made on 1/3. I am about to call them again in regards to this. I will call everyday until this is resolved.

[dollyo]

I received a billing from MCI yesterday with a credit for the $4.95 switching fee and then a bill for outgoing calls. I have received no literature from them regarding my switch or anything, just a bill. Before this bill is paid, I will certainly make use of the phone numbers and other information on this forum. Thanks everyone for your good documentation about MCI. This will come in handy when contacting them.

[rebhun]

IMPORTANT UPDATE AS OF TODAY, Jan. 10

I called AGAIN to more forcefully ask why the GC that's been "in the mail" for quite some time hasn't arrived. It was supposedly mailed out on dec. 22 after several calls from me.

Well, I was informed that MCI was having trouble with Amazon over these GC's so they had instead credited my MCI account for $150.

I politely told the girl, "NOT GOOD ENOUGH. What if I don't like your service and want to switch?? Sounds like a great bait and switch with motivation to make me stay for months on end until I use your $150. I want to speak to a supervisor"

She said, "I understand your frustration...blah, blah, but NOBODY can change this for you." I said, "I understand your position, but I would like to speak with a supervisor." With a HEAVY SIGH of disgust, she put me on hold.

Five minutes later, I get Mindy, who tells me she's gonna do something to cause an override that will indeed give me the Amazon GC. I said, "That's funny - I was just adamantly told that nobody could accomplish that for me. Thank you very much."

Mindy explained that they've been put in a horrible position because the deal between MCI and Amazon has been totally screwed up and they're having a hard time getting Amazon to issue the gc's.

I appreciate knowing more about why this is happening but I also expressed concern that, not only was my offer switched to a MCI gc, but that I wasn't even given the courtesy of being informed of that. She then said "They mailed you a letter on Dec. 22- you should be receiving it soon." Dec.22 and I haven't gotten it yet- give me a break.

Anyway, the end result is that Mindy says the gc should arrive in 2 weeks. We'll see... This has been an exhausting experience!!

Everyone keep being politely forceful and keep posting so we know what's being done!!

[guysobe]

I am not sure if it was this thread or not that I posted message. I spoke with Amazon and they only sell the GC's to other parties and honor them when used to make purchase.

Amazon does not get involved in any other way. I invite anyone to call their toll free number and ask this. Perhaps Amazon needs to be noified that they are being used as part of some deception.

I am not sure if they sell GCs at a discount, but I am sure that MCI's refusal to honor this promotion for some customers is just a way for the company to ensure profits from this promotion.

I am making some calls today to the FCC's toll free number. I am not sure if it will help me with any information but if you would like to speak to someone at the FCC their # is

1-888-CALL-FCC

I beleive the address is [Only registered and activated users can see links. Either login above or Register Now] and this is the number they list for info on telephone service plans.

[bassmount]

Guy,
You are 100% right. I just got off the phone with Amazon and spoke with a very nice supervisor by the name of Karen and they DID NOT KNOW they were being used as the fall guy. She told me she had check to see if, in fact, there was something going on at their end, after a call from a very nice man (could it have been you? ). They are not holding up anything. They have no control over any of this. They actually sold millions (not sure if she ment it literally) of the pre computer generated numbers to MCI for this promotion. It is 100% MCI's fault that these GC's are not going out. I gave MCI 10 mailing days on the 4th, so they have until the 17th with the MLK day holiday. After that, I will use the number you provided to the FCC to file a formal complaint against MCI. Thank you so much for the info you have been providing.

[guysobe]

Hi

I just want to let you know that I finally did receive the GC today. I called MCI to tell them I had received it and to make sure that any credits that were issued because of the inconveniance I had been through were still on the account. Apparently two reps had lied, and there were no credits of any kind on the account.

So for all the trouble MCI put me through I received nothing from them. The GC has a lot less value than it did when the promotion started and that is very dissappointing. I hope that I can find a good price on scanners and CDRW at Amazon plus some nice rebates. Let me know if you find one.

I think in all my dealings with companies this has been the most unpleasant to date. I have heard nothing but bad things about them. I hope that the other people who tried to get this offer do receive their GC's and are able to work things out.

GoodLuck

Later

[eightball]

Got 2 gc's in the mail today after waiting and being given the run around since 12/5/00.

[lewinrx]

Received 2 GC's in todays mail. Still disappointed about missing all the christmas promos. Anybody out there know how I can use both of them?

[DashingDude]

So netizens did you finally get the GC ? Pls post your
response soon. I am also pissed at the way MCI has treated
me. I spoke to them around 4th Jan and they promised
me 10,000 miles paid as 5,000 bonus miles within 30 days
and 1,000 every month for 5 months. Its been so 3 weeks and
I dont see any miles posted on my account. I was upset and
when I called them they tell me that they can only give me
1,000 every month but cant give me 5,000 bonus mile as that
offered expired. Now that made me irate when they promise
something and simply say that the offer is expired. What
all can I do here ?

Thanks,
Dashing Dude