Last week, my husband got mugged within 50 feet of our building. It was about 6:20 pm, still light out, and while we do live in Chicago, we live in a typical "safe" neighborhood. He was walking home from one of his part-time jobs and checking emails on his iPhone. He had a secure grip on the phone, and had no idea what happened when a stranger grabbed the phone from his hands. My husband was at first confused, was this someone he knew trying to grab his attention? As soon as he realized what was happening, he firmly told his mugger to give the phone back. The mugger gestured to his waist, as if he had a gun, and my husband yelled "Fire! Police!" Unfortunately, no one was around to help. I was home, but since the AC was on, I didn't have the windows open - so I had no idea what had happened.
Luckily, my husband was not hurt in any physical way - as there have been some brutal attacks in Chicago this year. The police arrived within minutes of his call, and we have a great detective assigned to the case. I have also learned that smart phone muggings are happening in broad daylight, on Michigan Ave (ever hear of the Magnificient Mile) - this is a crowded area, many people around, walking, shopping, waiting at the bus stop, and muggers are just swiping phones out of people's hands.
We've implemented a few key takeaways from his experience:
1. Be aware of your surroundings. No matter how safe you may feel, we do live in a city. There are many people struggling to make ends meet - and some of those people have no problem breaking the law to help them improve their financial situation.
2. Keep your public use of your smart phone limited. Treat it as jewelry - you don't want to flash it around.
3. Be sure to use a lock code on your phone. I was concerned the theif would have access to his information, but the police told us most likely, they just want the phone and the SIM card will be thrown out.
4. As soon as your phone is stolen, call the police, your cell phone provider (shut off service), the phone manufacturer (to report the serial number as stolen), and change any account passwords that were accessed on your phone (email). Also call your insurance to see if your deductible is met.
So it was a busy week for us trying to get past the anger and fear stages - and I will admit, when my husband has to work odd hours, I am more nervous than I used to be. I continue to count my blessings that the phone is the only thing he took - possessions can be replaced, a life cannot.
Now, I have to share my extreme dissatisfaction with AT&T, our cell phone provider. After my husband called the police, I called AT&T - all within 10 minutes of the mugging. They informed me they could shut off the service (phone calls and data) or we could keep it on and see if the mugger made any calls. We opted to shut off the service. The customer representative informed me that we would still be charged for the service, even though she was shutting it off. I knew that I didn't have the time to fight that statement right then, so I agreed. That was July 29.
Our 2-year contract happen to expire on July 31, which was Saturday. The following Monday, I started shopping around for phone plans. I talked to a woman at Costco about Verizon, and discussed options with my husband that night.
Tuesday, I was on the phone with AT&T for 1.5 hours discussing cancellation of his line, and why they are charging us for service we are not receiving. The cancellation representative made some interesting offers, $100 discount on new phones (but not applicable to iPhone), no charge on his line during the no service time, free relocation numbers (we still have Miami area codes), and a few other things. My husband looked into some of the phones and chose one that he thought would work.
Wednesday, I researched the phone choices and decided that these phones would not be a good match for him. Many reviews were saying it's hard to get used to, but once you get how the phone works, it's great! We decide I will tell AT&T no way, we want the $100 discount applied to our bill, we'll get him the iPhone 4, and then we'll both stay with AT&T.
Thursday, I call AT&T explain our decision, and the cancellation rep says that she can't give us $100 discount on our bill, but she can provide $20 credit to cover part of the month of service for his line ($39.99). At this point, I use a simple metaphor. It's like going to a restaurant, asking me to pay for a hamburger, taking my money, but not giving me the hamburger. Is it me, or is it illegal to charge me for service that I'm not receiving?! A supervisor is supposed to call me back. I spoke with them at 8:45 this morning, and still have not received a call back as of 2:30 pm.
My father had a great suggestion - since we pay for the bill with our credit card, we will dispute part of the charges and that will be the end of it. As soon as the rumor of Verizon carrying the iPhone is true - I'll be joining my husband there.
Are you frustrated with your cell phone provider or smart phones?
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