Warning using online iPhone unlocking website / advice

[broadbandfodder]

Hi,

My son recently bought a virtually brand new iPhone from a reputable seller on ebay unlocked. However, upon receipt the actual handset was locked to T-Mobile. As my son was happy with the phone and it was just a matter of unlocking it, the seller suggested to him that an online company http://www.officialiphoneunlock.co.uk have a good reputation (as we were aware of the whole iPhone unlocking [problem]s etc) and to approach them.

My son visited the site and completed his details and was charged £19.99 (plus £2-3 extra admin fee or something or the other) They stated upon order that it would take between 48 hrs to 14 days dependant on network. To my sons total surprise when he checked the unlock status within the website they were asking for an extra £80 to unlock the iPhone.

At this point I became involved and checked the website, hidden discretely within the FAQ's was a note that the initial payment is a "pre-order" payment to authorise and negotiate with the network to unlock your handset?? Its very misleading and in my opinion a very unprofessional approach. I tried ring their "Helpline" but was automatically told via recorded message that they do not deal with pending orders on the phone, I still waited, and waited ... and waited... 45mins and still no answer. I hung up..

I then emailed to sales@ and instantly got a auto-reply .. AGAIN, stating they do not deal with pending orders.. ... so I sent a support message via there rather lame support page, heard nothing back at all..

By the way this is an online unlocking company with so so many five star ratings and cast iron money back guarantee etc.. Shockingly bad company from what I have had to put up with. My angle is just how many other "suckers" have they pulled in with this £19.99 preorder nonesense, it should be CLEARLY stated upon paying. Apparently on the website they wont refund "pre order" payments (no surprise there!?) I have also said in another forum I have since found about this company that if you get your bank to chargeback the charges they "supposedly" will blacklist your IMEI??

We have now returned the handset to the ebay seller for refund, however we are out of pocket for the £23 we paid total and as we did it, the ebay seller obviously wont refund that. Be warned, under no circumstances use this unlocking company, infact from this experience we wont be using ANY online unlocking company ..period..

On a final note, what chance do I have of getting money back?.. upon checking whois for there website there address is registered at Sychelles !! duh..

Anyway sorry for long post, hopefully it acts as a warning to others, terrible terrible company.

[colin11]

i would do a charge back once the Ebay seller has refunded your money

[leonmassey]

Deffo chargeback and report them to trading standards. Only the network operator can blacklist the imei.

[broadbandfodder]

Yeah, once handset has been returned I will be approaching bank for a chargeback, I think the way they "sell the unlocking of an iPhone" borders on fraudulent, thanks guys anyway.

[broadbandfodder]

Just a quick update regarding this unlocking company. I believe in fairness, when a company does wrong or have terrible service, I highlight it to others. The same applies if they do something right, and although the service overall has been awful and they really need to change the pricing/ buying info before purchase, I can confirm officialiphoneunlock.co.uk refunded me the £24.99. Whether that was due to me approaching Trading Standards or threatening chargeback, I don't really know. Perhaps they are trying to clean up there act? Who knows, but at the very least I got my money back