“At&t now has a specialized “ifraud” dept in which we track iphone accounts.” –Megs

Megs is clearly an At&t spy! Watch what you say, big brother is watching…

Lots of word. Wow!

From your explanation is clear that it is totally legit and safe to:

1. Get an iPhone for $199+tax (around $215).
2. Pay $36 for activation.
3. Pay $70 for 1 month data+voice.
4. Cancel in 1 month and 1 day.
5. Pay ETF of 175.
6. Keep your iPhone for a total of less than $500 while having enjoyed a month of data and voice service from AT&T.

Does this seem right?

I can decide on my own whether the $100 price difference and the 1 month data+voice service is worth the trouble of getting into contract and then terminating it. Comments on that won’t be necessary.

First of all, if you purchase an iphone (16g 3GS) you pay the 199+tax. They will run your credit, depending on the score a deposit may be required. The MINIMUM plan is the 450mins and the REQUIRED 30.00 data package. Trust me, PLENTY of people call in to try to take it off, and it works… for a very short time. If you put your SIM card into the iphone you may not see charges on your first or second bill. But they DO find the iphone. Not only will the data plan be added back on (nothing you dispute:its in your contract) you will also be charged and held liable for ALL pay-per-use data charges on that phone. The data package is not required bc att wants to make money. It is required b/c the phone was built to have all updates and applications run using the internet. Even sending SMS or placing a call requires data. If the internet was blocked on the phone, it would work for a short time, but then stop. Those people who claim to be purchasing iphones and selling them to make a profit are also being caught. At&t now has a specialized “ifraud” dept in which we track iphone accounts. Again, you may not be found at first… however they do find you…. and if the account is cancelled w/a waived ETF they will do one of two things: charge the ETF… or (if the account was cancelled w/less than 30 days service) reactivate the account. They will send you a courtesy message explaining that you may call in after the 30 days to cancel the account but still be charged the early termination fee as per your contractual agreement and the fact that you did not return the phone. You will not get that message if you sold the phone. That leaves your account active and accumulating more charges and resulting in being cancelled for nonpayment, charged the etf and ending up in collections and being sent to an outside collection agency. If you think you can find a way around that system, good luck. The only person who was able to commit said fraud successfully is now working with the iphone fraud department… after he finished his sentence… Do you really want to bother with this when the phone is only 600.00 without a contract? If you want to unlock it just ask a friend w/att service to purchase one for you and give them the money. Less hassle, no negative credit or additional consequences and you have your iphone.

cheapest voice plan $39.99

data plan (mandatory) $30

activation fee $36

early termination fee $170

total around $570

580 to break 16 gig contract.

end.

credit ruined?

your call.