Average Rating: [starrater tpl=10 style=’starscape’]
Please rate above, and add your review in the comments below.
Welcome to our Rating and Reviews page for ReachOut Wireless. The star rating above is an overall customer satisfaction average of all those surveyed. Further below you’ll find reviews of the company from real customers. If you have a free government phone from ReachOut Wireless we encourage you to rate the company and leave a review.
Please consider your overall satisfaction with ReachOut Wireless — customer service, delivery, product quality, cell connection quality — and give them a one through five star rating above.
If you have any questions, comments or complaints, email: feedback@reachoutwireless.com
Torie says
I have reachout wireless and have for a while but the phones they send out are a joke mine broke and i tried to cancell it so i could get a different service but they didnt cancell it so now im going to have to be on hole again forever and try to cancell it so i can go with a different service
paul G says
All I wanna know is this. Has anyone else been told they get 250 minutes per month? Then when you check your balance on the first there is only 150 minutes added? Or Rip off scenereo 2. Anyone ever pay for more minutes and 2 or 3 days later like half of those minutes are gone though you only used like 10 or 15 minutes? I specifically wanna know if anyone has had a problem with them stealing your minutes/money. Depending on how many yes answers I get I will let you know how to get your money back.
rachelwonderly says
my name is rachel wonderly i would like to get a free cell phone with more minutes you are a good wireless company i am in fremont ,ohio 43420
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to contact the company.
Mary Beth Wilkey says
I LOVE this company. I got my Lifelink phone a month ago from a community instant walk-up & get your phone immediately booth. It took only 15 minutes,…they digitally photographed my documents, programmed the phone and sent me off with a wonderful Samsung model that was programmed on the Verizon network. I have EXCELLENT reception and unlimited internet access. Customer service and tech support is IMMEDIATE and effortless,…if you just go to their website. I’ve had a ton of cell phones that I paid big money for,…and spent almost $600 a month to be a Verizon customer in the past. I’ve NEVER gotten better or faster response to any inquiry or problem I’ve had with a cell phone. I hope everyone is able to get a phone like mine from this company. I find their service to be absolutely fabulous. I couldn’t ask for anything more.
Carol Coleman says
About all these complaints about ReachOut Wireless are absolutely, positively the way I feel….and a kite (quote from a Ray Romano book). I’ve been getting the same run-around since early May. Not only that, but they talk to me as if I’m a 5 year old. I may be poor, but I’m not stupid. This company is a million times worse than AT&T. I don’t understand how the FCA lets this company exist.
Jacqueline says
Trying to get my phone back to working with reach out wireless.
ANNA says
The worst service i have ever dealt with!!!!!! I cant believe this company still exists. I was on hold for 2 1/2 hrs just so they can tell me to call back in 3-5 business days. Could you believe it!!!!????? I have never experienced something like this in my life. I have no words!
Reachout Wireless says
Anna,
Please send an email to feedback@reachoutwireless.com with a contact number and I will take a look at your account and help solve your issue.
Zhora says
Run! Don’t Walk! to any other lifeline provider that might meet your needs!
The name ReachOut is a joke in itself; at no time did I feel that anyone who worked there would make an effort to reach out and help their customers. In April or May 2013 I applied for service. I already had a lifeline land line which, due to ReachOut’s poor online instructions which made it sound like you could not have another Lifeline phone to apply for ReachOut lifeline cell service, I cancelled the land loine the day I signed up for their service. So many things went wrong from that point I can hardly remember all of them.
The first fiasco was, after applying online and emailing copies of forms needed to qualify (program based) I called them to check on what was happening and they said they had no record of my application. So I sent them the application and copies again which they did receive. I knew there was a “short delay” to get a free phone and starting in June I began the routine of calling them and waiting for them to find my application and tell me that there were no phone and they’d have one for me in a couple weeks. So went July and most of August calling every couple weeks to see when I’d get a phone. One time they had the gall to tell me that I was first on the list to get a phone but several “couple of weeks” passed with no phone. Finally in late August, after waiting 3 or 4 weeks to check back with them I was told that my phone had been sent to me 2 weeks ago. It took a couple more calls before they were able to give me the shipping info with the correct tracking number (I received the wrong number at first) so that I could track down the package. They never offered to do any checking themselves. The phone was sent by UPS but then passed to the USPS to handle the final delivery. UPS said it was not their problem after they delivered to the post office which led to needing a USPS tracking number for the remaining distance (door to PO Box package hold). The package was shown as “undeliverable” and returned to sender after spending 5 minutes in the P.O. (due to a change in USPS personnel the PO would no longer deliver to box holders if the PO Box was not shown in the address even if the employee knew that person and the box it should be delivered to(!), and since I’d asked ReachOut initially how the phone would be shipped (UPS) I had given our physical address (and then for the last 20 years we’d lived there we did receive mail with only a physical address at our box so I had no reason to think that UPS would deliver to the PO and it would be sent back.
OK, back to ReachOut. I called them again and this time I was told that they had received the empty box that the phone had been sent in but the phone was not returned. I’d never seen the package during it’s trip here and back and the few minutes between receiving and refusing it by the PO was documented. But ReachOut said I had to file a claim or inquiry to see what had happened to the phone. Again, no help. If I wanted another phone sent I’d have to pay a 15% restocking fee because: “If a phone is returned to ReachOut and not delivered to the customer a 15% fee is required to have it sent again.” Then, “No sir, you must pay the fee if you want a phone. That is our requirement.” No possibility that anything could go wrong that wasn’t the fault of the customer. I proceeded with the USPS claim but everything looked OK in their records. Another ReachOut call and a different person (much nicer) told me that I’d need the claim documentation for them before they could send another phone. So after contacting several USPS departments I was finally able to have an official printout from the local P.O. showing that the package never actually reached us. It was not October I believe. When I called ReachOut and told them (different person each time needing to review the who record) I now had the failed delivery documentation they wanted, I was put on hold and upon return the employee told me that the box was not empty as I had been told but had been returned with the phone still inside. And also that I’d need to pay the 15% restocking fee to get the phone sent to me. And so I put all the papers from the last 6 months in a pile and told myself I’d make a report to the FCC but it was a bad year for any company to do anything right and I never got to it.
Now, July 2014, about 1 year and 3 months since I had cancelled my land line lifeline phone service (we fortunately had a different Vonage phone at least since 5 and 6 day storm outages of phone or electricity or cable made having alternate methods necessary). When I chose ReachOut it was because they were the only cell provider that had the possibility of being used from our home of those in CA and I was finally getting ready to deal with ReachOut again (hoping they’d lost the priior records and I could start fresh or possibly using my partner’s name instead of mine to avoid that (everlasting?) 15% fee. With extreme joy I discovered today that Budget Mobile Lifeline is now available with a better, cheaper plan as likely to be serviced here as ReachOut so I will now be very happy to think that I never have to deal with them again!!!
I’m a person who tries not to yell at the front line customer service people since they are often just following a script set by some hidden company executive. But usually there is a way to go up a level or so and find someone who can actually make a decision based on the current situation if you can’t get the problem solved at a lower level. ReachOut appears to be operated by a large group of employees who are unable to think, who don’t care about their customers, who have developed a set of procedural rules that they believe handle every possible event, who don’t communicate well inside or outside the company walls, who bend the truth or lie, or are just incompetent in their ability to handle a problem themselves, or are just plain dumb (with probably a small set of reasonable people scattered throughout who are pleasant to deal with but whose attempts to fix your problem won’t hold up when you call back and return to the same, uncaring banter as you’ve received earlier! [Note: A few relevant anagrams for ReachOut: Ache Tour, Our Cheat, Tear Ouch]
OK, back
Carol Coleman says
OMG! Your nightmare is MY nightmare! This is the worse, absolutely the WORSE company I’ve ever dealt with in my entire 65 years. Believe it or not, ReachOut Wireless is worse than AT&T. Yep, it’s true, AT&T is in second place as the worst of the worse, ReachOut Wireless being Number One. My 3 month experience dealing with ReachOut Wireless makes “Nightmare on Elm Street” seem like a Disney movie from the 1950s. Stephen King couldn’t write a more nightmarish tale than the “ReachOut Wireless Nightmare”. My advice to anyone considering dealing with ReachOut Wireless is to save yourself a big headache and don’t. If you want a huge headache, go stand in the noon day sun in Death Valley. Much less painful and aggravating than dealing with ReachOut. Much!!!
Tammy Foster says
I got first phone free and charger part broke . Then I bought another phone charger broker first time changing it . Not happy one bit
Reachout Wireless says
Tammy Foster,
please send an email to feedback@reachoutwireless.com with your concern and the address that you will like a replacement handset to be sent out to you at no cost.
Jim Medearis says
After 4 years with this co. and numerous complaints – I tried to make a call and was told I was out of minutes. For 4 years I have had there 250 min. plan and each month the remainder rolled over. Now I am told that there is no rollover on the 250 min plan. I explained that for 4 years I was getting rollover, but kept getting same responce from a David Lee saying that they do not have rollover on that plan. They are in breach of contract and I will be filing in court. Just want future customers to know that I am a 4 year customer of theirs and will be changing service ASAP – I would never use Reachout again for any reason – I am sending complaint to US free cell phone program and the FCC. Hope others do the same, so they lose their contract with the government!
blazeaglory says
There has never been any rollovers on lifeline program.. You are wrong
JIm says
safelink has rollover and 1250 texts every month, I have it it is great, I have accrued over 1000 minutes
Free Government Cell Phones says
Safelink offers only 250 minutes per month, although they are running a special that will give 500 minutes.
Yvonna K says
Do NOT use this company under any circumstances whatsoever!!! I placed an order on June 25, 2014. On July 10, I still had not received my phone so I called in, and then I was told I had to send in a copy of my ID. Completed that, received an email the next day that my order was being processed. On July 23rd, still no phone, so sent another email, received a response the next day that my order was still being processed. On a gut hunch, I decided to initiate the online chat, where I spoke to another rep who informed me I had to fill out another form!!! WTH?? I cancelled my order, contacted American Assistance Wireless, filled out an application online, and called to follow up, where I was informed I should get my phone in 7-10 days, with no other forms to fill out. I was on hold with them for less than 5 minutes, and the rep I spoke to was very friendly. Avoid Reachout Wireless at all costs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
shaymane says
I send my public assist information out on JUNE 28 2014 I have not receive my phone yet please send me a letter to my house and let me know what going on. I will wait couples more days I will write n call
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to contact Reachout Wireless directly.
Reachout Wireless says
shaymane,
If you could please send an email to feedback@reachoutwireless.com someone will contact you within 24 hours or less and will contact you regarding your concerns.
Julie W says
I have been attempting to complete my enrollment for over 3 weeks now. I sent in my proof of government assistance and the application and they were accepted right away. They said to wait 24-48 hours to complete enrollment. I call 2 days later and am told again to wait 24-48 hours. Every time I call I have been told to wait anywhere from 24 hours to 5 days. This is getting ridiculous! I have now been on hold for over 90 minutes (starting at #25 in line on hold and currently at #9) to speak with someone. Yesterday I was finally told that today was the today, that my enrollment process had finally been complete and I could order my new phone today. The online chat rep said it would be another 3-5 days and I told her that was not acceptable. I am without a cell phone and do not feel safe being without one as a disabled woman.
Julie W says
I wanted to reply and give an update on my enrollment process. This past Monday, the 21st, I contacted ReachOut Mobile using the chat service (mostly because the wait times when I call have been so long. the last time I started out as caller 40-something, finally got to #1 and spoke to someone where they had to transfer me and again had to be on hold from a 40-something starting position. Of course the end results were always that I had to wait another 24-48 hours). Anyway, I got on the chat and asked the rep for an update on my account and she gave me my new cell number and the tracking number for the phone! It arrived yesterday. It’s an LG VX8360. It’s a flip phone, obviously used, but it works and now I don’t have to worry about being out and about with no way to call for help in an emergency so I’m not complaining.
cashmoney says
I would avoid this company at all cost. They make it so challenging to contact them. There website is useless unless you are giving them money. Do yourself a favor& find a more respectful company. If I have to say something positive is there cellphones are through Verizon.
john says
I know how you feel. the run around is immaculate unless you say $$$$$$$. then you go straight to where you need to be!!!!
Valerie Bachelier says
The storefront where I got my phone is no longer in business, the website contains a message that there is a problem with the security certificate. How the heck are we supposed to purchase additional minutes if we run out? This is an Obama phone, and just like him, it sucks.
Linda Angelo says
I have a samsung government phone, free minutes. how on earth do you get to someone of the safelike whatever that can help me get a bigger phone, I cant see the numbers. tx for any ideas. If i sound grouchy, its because i have been dealing with ATT for months and now even though I pay my bill on time, I have no darn phone.
john says
just go to a moneygram phone. you will have to pay $2.95 but you can put minutes on your phone like that
tomecia says
I have been a reach out wireless customer for 4yrs now an I have no complaints other that the data speed could be a lot faster. Other than that I love reach out wireless!!!!
Reachout Wireless says
Tomecia,
Thank you for being a loyal Reachout Wireless customer. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to send an email to feedback@reachoutwireless.com.
terry Collins says
I have been trying to get a free government cell phone from Reach out wireless since April 1,2014. I sent in my information on four different occasions and have waited on the phone for more times than i can count sometimes for an hour. i get someone and i am transferred which takes more time. I have personally spoken to 12 different people and told several times that my information was not received or they can’t see my face or read my card or whatever. I have applied for so many jobs on line and now i have no contact number because of this miss managed program for a free phone government, I think that this is so ridiculous to put anyone through this train wreck. I now have no phone to make return calls to all the jobs that i have applied for. I have no way of finding out how is interested in my services at this time. What a joke! I still don’t have a phone!
i am having trouble adding my monthyl rate via computer sts says
NOTHING WORKS. PHONE DOWN
Dan says
I applied over two months ago, and I still have not received a phone. I uploaded my proof to the ReachOut website, and everything was good to go. I checked the status the next day, and my order was cancelled. Long story short, I spent two months contacting customer service over the phone and through instant message chats. My application was submitted four times to four different people at ReachOut. I emailed my proof and ID to them five times in total, and every time I was told the application and proof was submitted, everything looks good, and please check the status in five to seven days. Every time I check the status, it is cancelled again. I’m told I need to re-send my proof and ID. These people are either the most ignorant, jacked-up people on the planet, or this is a scam. I’m thinking both. I spoke with someone at Safelink today, and they said I’ll get a phone from them in 4 to 7 days. I hope Safelink respects their customers more than ReachOut. My advice is AVOID REACHOUT AT ALL COSTS!
muta says
They suck to. I have been waiting around 3 months
pauline cantrell says
Rudest people I have ever had to deal with in my whole life. Same as your story, done me the same way and still have not gotten anywhere with these jerks. I think their nothing but scammers. Ashame an elderly person can’t get a phone where every drug head in this county has or state has one. Please help if anyone knows what or how to go over these people’s head and get something done. Sick of the b.s. Please don’t ever try and get a phone updated or even get a phone from these people!
paul says
Verizon people told me straight up it is a scam!
Tana Wrigley says
Reachoutwireless you suck big time and I will never use your service again.
paul says
it helps if you say why they suck? other wise no point in coming to this website to decide if you want reachout service?
todd westfahl says
i’m on my 4th time being re certified my phone has been shut off several times for over 29 days now 2 recertifications in 2 months i have now lost my foodshare due to no phone interview what can i do how do i cancel them so i can go somewhere else i’m really fed up BAD SERVICE AND NO ONE THAT CAN SPEAK ENGLISH HELP
MaryBeth Parfitt says
I am so discussed with your service I have tried since last year to order a lifeline phone.
20 calls 3 applications told I was approved then told to order again which I did. Faxed everything
and no phone.enrollment#0507394 please I need help. Mary Beth P******
Dontay Starr says
REACHOUT WIRELESS is the worse company I have ever seen. There customer service is never available. I have made 2 orders one was cancelled for no reason by there system and next one is sitting in limbo for whatever reason. When you speak to the online reps they are no help they have no information they keep referring you to there customer service number that never answers . its now been one month and still nothing smdh BEWARE DON’T DO BUSINESS WITH THEM THEY ARE A NEGATIVE 5 STARS
sofie says
If you are looking for a free government phone, I have had Budget mobile and I have been VERY happy with them. I get 250 minutes and my text each month and you can buy xtra text and minutes when you want them. The phone I had broke and in no time I had another phone. Try them and you will be happier then the other phone carriers you tried.
Macheen Shaughnessy says
This company is a complete total joke period they don’t know squat. I think they are all ex fast food workers that got fired cause there too stupid to do anything but clean up cow crap. I am now on day 16 with no phone. I have spent 29 hours on the phone dealing with these morons, had to pay 46.50 to my old provider just to get my number released so ReachOut could port it in because they took so long the line was de-activated, then they gave me the re-cert game. today at 9:30 am my number got ported, phone worked made a couple of quick calls and just got two emails from clients of mine saying that they tried to call me for work but my phone was off and they went some where else. That cost me over 300.00 in lost income. This company needs to get hung out to dry like they do to all of there customers. Obviously there is government oversight. WHAT A JOKE.
Dontay Starr says
Did you ever get your phone I am still waiting and its been 1 month.. This place is a joke and probably ran out of someone Garage or basement
M George Allen says
I got a very cheap Nokia 2112 candy bar phone from them in Nov 2010. Since then I have purchased 2 other phones, one for $39 and one for $49. Both phones had the micro USB port break on them within a month or two of purchase. They would not do anything to replace or repair these. I was using the Nokia 2112, got an ear infection and now have a partial hearing loss. This phone has NO volume control and I cannot hear it. Reach out failed to respond to 2 prior emails, and finally told me that warranties on the two I purchased were up. They will not send me another phone and stated I had to buy one even though this one is almost 4 years old. I told them to turn it off.
Cannot get anyone that speaks decent English on their phone service, and this is A waste of time. I would like to see them lose their Government contract as they are sponging off the taxpayers in the US!
Matt Martin says
It took months to get my first phone when I was told it would be days. At about three months I called the fcc, more than once. Shortly thereafter, I got the phone and a call apologizing..after I spent 70. On a metro phone which I sold to a friend at a loss.. The phone I got was functional but I wanted a better phone so six months or a year later I bought the best LG phone they carried..the something1100 it has a slide out keyboard and I have stubby fingers so It makes it easier to text. The phone lasted me less than six months and cost 100. Of course they did nothing for me.. If I had my way I would cut them loose and take someone else, anyone else. I am furious that the govt. allows this opperation with thier shotty service to opperate a lifeline service for people disabled and in need when they are so blatently substandard. hidious.
Bibi says
I can’t believe i stuck with this company as long as i did however desparate times calls fpr desparate measures.
Every month I have be on the phone with them because they have not received my fax for proof. How many times do I need to send you my fax with personal information. i am still waiting for my email that the rep Ann said she emailed me on saturday morning. As soon as i hang up with them my phone gets disconnected. And get this the reps are not helpful at all, sarcastic and rude. And there is no managers thats what they said when you request to speak to one!!!
I am again on the phone 30 min and still no one responded.
Lost so many calls and in process of a job interview that I have to have this phone connected 🙁 just so heartbreaking and no help from anyone else.
How is the gocernment giving these guys $$$ to do this!!!
We need the govt to look into this contract and get this straightened- something is just not right here.
Tana Wrigley says
I agree with everyone that’s on here with the same complaints. What is wrong with this picture. They are out for the money and don’t care about low income families or the disabled.
Customer_of_ReachOut says
Outrageous. They sent me a phone here in Chicago with Las Vegas number of some poor person. So for a month I was on the phone with them they did not want to resolve it. They asked for to pay $$$ for to send it to them for repair. I paid for the shipping and send it on 26 of February 2014. Today it is March 26, and still can not get the phone from them. I called and ask for the status. They say: “It is in the progress”. The question is two: Who let those crooks or incompetent the Government Contract? How to bring the complain to the government (FCC) about complete and blatant mistreatment and also obvious misuse of the government money.?
I also asked for supervisor they resisted and asked why? I insisted they put me on hold forever? Is there someone who is aware of the government contractors kitchen – so how to bring the compline to FCC so it is heard?
Eric says
This is the worst company i have ever dealt with. It took them 4 months to get me lifeline. They gave me a 2004 vintige phone and no minutes. I am a homeless math tutor and they just reset my voicemail the week before finals causing me the loss of a ton of work. Then the message telling me how many minutes i have disappeared. Ok so i’ll just login to my account: nope their website is totally broken and you cant get any info from it. Ok so i’ll add $10 of minutes which should be several hours. Did that two days ago. So today, during finals week, my cell gets disconnected because “i am out of minutes”. So i call them (again and again) and i am caller 118 waiting to speak to an agent. They close at 3pm pst. Closed on the weekend. Never got a response from my email, even though they say you get one within 24 hours. Their live chat doesnt work either. This is the worst experience i have ever had with any company in my life. They have caused me the loss of most of my work for finals week. I have clients trying to call me but my phone is disconnected. I paid for minutes and they never showed up. Do not even consider using this company. I am going to contact the fcc and also try to sue them in small claims court. Would anybody like to try for a class action lawsuit ? This company needs to be shut down immediately.
Jaime Clark says
I also have had the exact same experiences, voice mail gone, pre-call announcement of minutes remaining gone. I finally got thru to a live chat, that pretty much told me sorry but there system is going a revamping! I asked to view my usage information because my minutes have disappeared 2 weeks ago I had over 6 hours of minutes, now I have under 3 I dont use my cell that often there has to be something wrong here. And they want me to pay $10 to view my usage history!!!! I am very upset and have asked the online tech support several times to speak to a supervisor, they just keep telling me the same thing, “thats the policy sorry”. I asked to see this in writing, there is a vague sentence on their terms and conditions that states “Additional charges may apply for detailed information about your usage of services” it doesnt say how much and i still think this is rediculous! Additionally their website is full of misinformation, one page says one thing then another says something completely different. Like what options you have for your lifeline plan. Definately see a class action lawsuit in their future. i want to change companies but in the interim would not have a phone.
mike says
Agreed worst they need to lose their contract
Bri says
I just argued with a customer service rep for over 45 minutes. My phone won’t hold charge and keeps sending random text messages to people. They told me I need to buy an upgraded phone. Well that’d be ok if I knew it would work properly. I’ve had this phone for a little over a year and had to buy 3 replacement batteries and chargers. I’ve had problems with them in the past also when I purchased their so called unlimited talk and text program which they would shut off on me within 2 weeks and when I would contact them about it they would tell me I needed to purchase another unlimited plan. I’m not dealing with this company anymore and am switching to Straight Talk. Just so other ppl know Straight Talk has $45 a month unlimited talk/text/data. They also have some free phones, I’m getting a samsung galaxy proclaim for free all I had to do was purchase the $45 plan with it and I’ll get my phone within 3 days. But reachout wireless is a joke and in my eyes a scam and rip off. I WILL NEVER DEAL WITH THIS COMPANY AGAIN>
christine says
This is not a American government phone service it is India everytime I call I can never understand what the hell they say also very rude
christine says
I think they are from a foreign country I never got a american person
James says
I am in a wheel chair with finger amputations and have lost out on two employment opportunities due to this company. My situation was explained upfront and I personally watched a social worker send the original fax with the my explanation of finger amputations. After several phone calls and more than THREE months later I received my first phone. It was less than 3 inches long with buttons so tiny, about 3/16 inch square. I could not use the phone without hitting 2-3 buttons at a time. Was this done on purpose?
The replacement phone took 7 weeks to arrive. So, now it is FIVE MONTHS LATER and I receive a defective phone. The phone sent to me had the previous owners history, data, list of save phone numbers, ring tone, etc., etc. The phone also self dials repeatedly (all different times of the day or night) and prevents me from resetting it to the default setting or inputing a security code for restoring.
When I emailed Reachout Wireless they said they were sorry, to return it, and they’ll send another one out. I am now in the EIGHTH MONTH of going without a phone – and pretty much figure this program is nothing but excrement. They don’t respond to emails. The online Live Chat doesn’t work. If I borrow a friends phone to call them, its at least a 45 minute wait. This leadership, down to the last worker, simply don’t give a damn.
Unfortunately an employer will not care to interview you or do any follow up if they cannot get a hold of you. I wish a state representative or someone with clout would hold this company accountable for the extremely unforgiving actions they demonstrate.
danny pate says
i need a new phone the numbers dont work most of the time and the battery wont hold a charge
Becky says
This is no joke, this company is crooked or something. I have been trying to get someone on the phone for over 4 months.. and when I went to live chat they told me I had to buy one of their upgraded phones because even if they send you a busted phone ( battery will not hold a charge, changed batteries, changed charger, it actually makes a sizzling sound when I charge it and smells like burnt plastic) your screwed if you don’t have the money to spend to upgrade. It’s all a big scam to get you to spend money.
Ed says
This company is sham. I order my phone back on Nov 7 and still trying to get my phone, I went somewhere else.
Becky says
Have the cell with free minutes only. Never been to happy, glad to know it is not just me. (Sorry) The battery does and never did hold a charge, when I actually got to a person, I was told I had to purchase a phone from them and them only. And could not get a battery only. Could not use a outside (previous) phone. To this date, I have to plug in every day, if I use it or not. 1call=1bar (if I keep it short) 1 text=1bar. Only 4 bars on a phone, so guess what, 4 calls and I am done. If I do not use it, I can go about a day and 1/2 before I start beeping. It will beep for 3-4 days, low battery. Reception in not so good, have dead spots in my own home. But only I do, others use their phone and are fine. I hate to call again, the waiting, for ever is nuts. Wondering how they got a free Government Phone contract, when they are not based here in the U.S. When I did my annual renewal, what a nightmare, took 1 week to do it. I did it over the phone,2 days later my minutes were taken, after I was told by the phone, that I was renewed, then I spent 4 days after my minutes were taken, trying to get it done, Hours on the phone, days on the phone. Good luck to us all.
cher says
Everyone! that put these complaints about reachout wireless, you’all are telling the truth.,I have been up and down a rollercoaster with them.something is not right with that company they tell you the system is a little messed up and they are in the process of fixing things.WHAT A BIG LIE!!!!!!!!
Janet says
I have a reachout phone and I bought a LG ENV from amazon.com. As long as it does not have a sim card slot you can use it. You can even call to ask them if the phone you are buying is compatible with their service. The battery thing I never had a problem with. My renewal was fast and I had no problems at all. I wish you the best and sorry you had such problems.
Everyone complained about Revol Wireless when they were out and I never had an issue even being able to go out of town and get great feedback.
sherryl wilcox says
I’ve just read all my complaints over and over I’ve trying to get help I finally got a person and he said he didn’t speak English and hung up then a recording kept asking for my info over and over. this has been going on everyday for a long time if I remember I think the bones to call are the fcc I did that before when they were doing this when I first started trying to get a phone
edward lugo says
the V.A just sent them another fax they cant find gave them fax number from were it looks like they lost another fax.
edward lugo says
Just called them again the cant find my fax need to call V,A and have them send another fax I don’t know who the hell is running this program.
edward lugo says
It is a dame shame that my tax dollars pay for there kind of service.I am a disable vet and ha ve been trying to get phone from this company for two mouths I have called them about 20 times and every time I called them it was like thirty min to one hour be for I got to talk to somebody.I had very hard time trying to under stand what they were say because of there to speech it sounded like they have sent there telephone service to another country like most companys do to save money.I had to send them a fax with proof of my income I sent them a copy from 2013 along with my yearly cost of leaving raze for 2014 .I called them latter and gave them the fax # of were it was sent from there response o every thing good will send for approval had to keep calling every week I would ask them if it was approved o I don’t know let transfer you to some outer department.on and on as of this date the cant find fax from the va yet.
Gary says
I have had Reach Out Wireless for 3 years with no problems until the first of this year. I’ve been without A phone all month. After being on hold for 3 hours, the reprehensive told me all accounts and the information associated with each account is being transferred to their new system and my phone would be back on in 3 days. 4 days later, phone is still off. I attempted to call customer service again only to hear the automated system tell me due to high call volumes they aren’t accepting any calls at this time, leave name wireless number and reason for calling. I left message and no one contacted me back. During that week, I attempted calling several times only to get hung up on after 4 hours of waiting to speak with someone. I sent them an email with number name, etc. once again no response. Finally, after several attempts, I got someone on their live chat site. My phone is supposed to be on tomorrow. If it isn’t, I have no other choice but to cancel my account and go with another phone company.
Gary says
I am still having problems with this company. Today I cancelled my account so I can go with another more reliable phone company.
WILL says
Hope you don’t mind if i use your comment,
Oh i forgot to put my “star rating” for this most unreliable, non- customer service communications wireless, ripoff, take advantage of public , elderly,low income government eligible recipients. I give reachout wireless (-10000.0000**’s) for the worst service humanly possible. You are being way to nice, reachout wireless is the worst of the worst. I am not putting my life in the hands of this company i also have a verizon basic plan, 500 minutes, $35.00 a month. I can not really afford it, i have minutes.
Edward says
My daughter started having problems with this SORRY SERVICE in the summer of 2013 when her ReachOut Wireless phones’ screen completely went black. Yes, she thought maybe moisture caused the problem so she placed in sealed bag of Rice to absorb moisture for 24 hrs. Next day the screen didn’t appear however; this whole time the phone still worked could answer incoming calls but you didn’t no who was calling and you could not pull up any of your screens ALSO HER MONTHLY MINUTES had just been loaded 4 days prior.. She contacted ReachOut about her phone and asked for a REPLACEMENT, She was informed by Customer Service that Reachout Wireless is no longer participating with GOVERNMENT ASSISTED PHONE PLANS and they no longer have REPLACEMENT PHONES and that you would have to purchase an UPGRADED PHONE. She informed them she still had 200 minutes remaining, so now what? Purchase an Upgrade and we’ll credit your minutes over to new phone.. She was extremely mad with customer service.
The very last time I received a text message from ReachOut Wireless for notification of my LOADED MINUTES was Nov. 5, 2013, then a few days after started receiving text messages about TEXT & VIDEO SERVICE. In Nov.i never paid attention to the fact that each time I made a call that I was not being informed about the number of minutes remaining until 2 -3 weeks later, Tried the #022, told me they could not recognize # and instead of a HUMAN coming to aide,, was disconnected. Tried Chat numerous times and stated to remain on line for next representative. Well i waited and waited, then representative appeared, asked how can they help and i explained how i no longer receive notification of remaining minutes before each call and i can never get a hold of a person, each time that I do call their Customer Assistance I am # 129 etc.. and that this is NOT A FREE CALL; Well the representative ask me to wait while he checks into this matter, I waited a few minutes, still no Rep. On line the screen would direct me to call Customer Service # or #022, of which #022 did not even work on my phone. I began sending them Chat messages./questions. this went on 30 minutes or more. Made several more attempts in the days following and a REP. would announce them self, then disappear. Myself already madder than HELL would message “i saw you appear then you left CHAT, it’s been more than 5 minutes you’ve yet to return and I am still in Chat room WAITING AND WAITING NOW I’M WAITING 45 MINUTES WHERE IN THE HELL ARE YOU? DISCONNECTED. I tried Chat several hours later and TYPED in my message line.. “NOW LET’S SEE HOW LONG YOUR SORRY A$$ SERVICE MAKES ME WAIT” NOW waiting for OPERATOR, STILL IN CHAT. I left my computer for awhile possibly 45 minutes and still no response. Well i still as of Dec 28, 2013 was not able to reach a human, nor did my #022 work. Then all of a sudden Dec.31, 2013 my #022 began working which allowed me to find out my remaining minutes. Now mind you on the 6th of each month my minutes were loaded with text message. As of to Jan. 13, 2014 no new minutes have been uploaded and as of today Jan. 15, 2014 a message on phone informing me i could no longer use phone I must buy a plan for TEXT AND VIDEO MESSAGE. WTF??!! My service has been stopped. They SSUCK!!
Edward says
OH I FORGOT TO PUT MY “STAR RATING” FOR THIS MOST UNRELIABLE, NON- CUSTOMER SERVICE COMMUNICATIONS WIRELESS, RIPOFF, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PUBLIC , ELDERLY,LOW INCOME GOVERNMENT ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS. I GIVE REACHOUT WIRELESS (-10000.0000**’s) for the worst service humanly possible.
Madredarlene says
This is the worst. I ordered a phone back in Oct 2013. It took until 01/10/14 for me to get it. Then, it was a used phone with the incorrect date and time, which I was unable to change it because the function “initial setup” does not work. Not only that the “free” minutes will not load. The first order was returned to Reachout because of a postal error in finding the address. So, then I had to pay $15.00 to have it redelivered. Only to get a USED phone that does not work. Cannot change the date and time for one. The free minutes will not load. My “lifeline” was approved Dec 2 2013 and still no minutes. Now, they want me to FAX the approval letter, etc. THIS PHONE IS USED. There was a “replacement phone” notice in the box, and the phone was just “floating” around in the box. I never returned a phone for replacement or repair. But Reachout is telling me that the phone that was returned by the post office is the actual phone they returned to me. In that case, then it is a USED phone they were sending me in the first place. Is it possible to change to a new “free” phone agency? I am going to make a complaint to the headquarters, if there is such a thing.
Lisa says
Reachout Wireless USE TO BE the best government cell phone company. recently their NON EXISTENT CUSTOMER SERVICE is ridiculous. I have been trying to access my account on the website and over the phone for two months now. The site is ALWAYS down and you can only leave a message on the 1 877 870 9200 customer service line. I can’t order a new phone, purchase minutes, nor transfer my number to a new phone. I’ve also had to call several times before to get my minutes added after i paid over the phone. National attention really need to be displayed about REACHOUT WIRELESS WHO CAN’T BE REACHED!!!!
Debbie says
This is the worst company.I have been trying to get ahold of them
for over a week,by phone,email,and online.No minutes put on
my phone this month.I keep getting a recording,that i have depleted
my minutes?I can’t get ahold of anyone to find out the problem.I
wonder if you can change to another government phone co.?
Gary says
I’ve tried. They told me by law, only one lifeline program per person, per address is allowed. I have to cancel my reach out wireless account before I can apply for another lifeline program through another company.
Barbara says
I don’t what going on with this company, but I have added minutes to my phone and have to either call customer service or go online to find out where my minutes are. This has never happen but within the last few months they have changed everything about the system to where you don’t even know how many minutes you have left. I was told to use #022 to find out what’s minutes you have left and that don’t even work. I’m going to file a complaint to the regulators of wireless companies and will post when I get an answer.
Anglikat says
The worst service i have ever had! I am a disabled woman that needs a working phone & since i joined reachoutwireless i have had: poor service, dishonest reps, 7 very unprofessional service. There are very long waits when calling, long long mailiing for replacement phones, non working replacement phones, and i even filed a formal complaint & an agreement was made but still to date no response. Yes, i need a cheap plan but the stress this company causes has forced me to leave & go elsewhere!
Carmen says
This company is the worst company in the world to try to deal with. More things are screwed.up then thry are right. Customer.service stinks providing you can even get through to speak to anyone. They have foreign people talking to you which you don’t understand them nor do they understand you. I have been ripped off more times than not by purchasing minutes as well as not gettong the correct amount of minutes. At one time the minhtes were added on a certain day of the month. Now they cpme on the phone randomly. You get no text stating they are on there and now they don’t even tell you how many mins.you have left when you gp to make a call. Last month I received 25 text msgs from them nack to back saying I was out of mins when minutes was definitely still on the phone but them txting me that many times and trying to figure out why costs me a hell of alot of mins. Then I called them and they
claim they were having heavy call volumes, left a callbacl number and they have yet to call me back. This happened in the middle of December, it is now going into the second week pf Januaru with no callbavl. If I ln
Anita says
OMG!!!..Government funded or not..this is totally unacceptable..I have went through all of these problems here…The wait time is Crazy…I used up all of my minutes to speak with someone to purchase a new phone. @Debbie I too purchased the same phone that they were trying to sell me went through the same exact thing you went through and had to return the phone. I don’t know but this don’t sound a legit business to me. Their website don’t work either in my area.
debbie says
you need to send fox 4 news an e-mail and see what they can do about this. I think everyone who has done a money gram or used their cards to pay a bill and have had no results should contact fox 4 news about this yes this is fraud. They are also in breach of their contract with money gram because they are accepting are money and our phones are still off. I paid my unlimited talk and text through money gram and my phone still isn’t on. I have spent a total of over 10 hrs. total on and off trying to get this problem fixed. My next step is notifying fox four news. I am seriously thinking of getting another service. These guys may be cheap but is this hassle worth it.
Russell says
well I was on hold for three hours to see how to get a replacement phone because the 2nd rebuilt phone has to stay pluged in or it dies. also wanted to see if my new pay as you go verizon could be used and when the lady (In India) told me to take the back off the old phone and the phone I was on ( smart not) and remove the batteries to give her the codes. when I told her that would diconect me after waiting and using 180 of my min. I wiged out. she then told me to get a third phone and call them back. so I went online e-mailed all the info in and was to get a responce with in 24 hours ,well almost 48 hrs. and counting.
This com. is a poor excuse for a businee,and has no clue what the word customer service is. I have reported them to the FCC for causing pepole to use up min. trying for hours to get help they brag about giving.I think we should be able to start a class action against then .
nikki says
im having the same problem right now my phone is not working and my bill is not due till Jan 13, 2014.
cindy says
wow, this is definitely disheartening to learn that my friend has signed up for such a lousy company for his free phone. he is handicapped and really needs this communication to the outside world for his doctor appts’. hip surgery coming up and his drs’ need to touch base with him. my friend put 26.50 for unlimited and now his phone is off. that’s just dumb
Dan says
I’m having the same problem, I waited an hour to talk to a representitive and when it was time it put me on a voicemail. I’m just trying to get unlimited for the month but I guess they don’t want any money.
debor says
nonexistent customer service and extremely slow response! asked for help in two departments and had no response after 10 minutes! same problems when trying to reach company on a land line phone. My 80 Y.O. Mom’s Phone is not working and wont turn on. Phone will not work while charging and remains off.
mad says
I put 26.5 on there and it worked up to two days ago they need to get there stuff together this is fraud if this doesn’t get handled
John says
Believe me I understand their customer service if there was anything below a one star they would get it. Also I made a wrong purchase from them and sent them 3 emails immediately to cancel the order, the only response I got from them was like 3 days later telling me my item was sent. Once again I tried to email them and with no such luck. I also have had their government phone with the free minutes and now they tell me they can’t find me that I don’t have an account with them. My suggestion to anyone looking for a government phone to try anyone but Reachout Wireless.
kendra says
I have made a purchase on their online website for the unlimited minutes for 26.50 on 12/05/13 after trying for the past 2 days, and it still tells me that i do not have any minutes on my account but it charged me for it on my debit card. I cant even get a hold of anyone for customer service because every time i hit the number key on the automated menu it hangs up on me. im not happy at all and i just wasted the little money i had left till my next payday which is in 2 weeks so i could call me grandmother to see if she was ok after her brain surgery >.>
Amanda says
I am going through the exact same thing right now. First my monthly “free” minutes were not added, so I had to call and have them put back on. Then they disappeared the next day, once again had to call back. Unfortunately, in order to get someone who understood what I was saying I had to call back twice. Once again, the minutes are gone. I called to put unlimited minutes on the phone b/c I am tired of the run around, and the minutes are not on my phone. I checked my debit card and I was charged. So, here I sit one hour online waiting for customer service with no minutes on my phone. Today is Sunday, according to their website and facebook their hours are 9-6 EST. It is now 11:00a.m. EST and the recording is still stating that I must call back between 9-6. I have been going through this for the past month with them and will be looking for another company.
debbie says
I paid my reachout wireless bill on the 27th of dec. through money gram and my phone still isn’t on I have spent a total of over 10 hrs through on-line reachout and their telephone customer service and they keep telling me that my phone will be back on. I am on hold again with customer service. I am seriously thinking about calling action 4 news. Because they are not going to keep my money and not turn my phone on.
Kim Taylor says
I am a Reachout Wireless customer. I made three attempts to purchase unlimited minutes on the web site on November 29, 2013 using my MasterCard debit card and received an error message each time. I finally gave up trying to use the web site and purchased the minutes via phone using the same MasterCard debit card. When I checked my MasterCard debit transaction history, I was charged for each of the web site transactions that gave me an error message, in addition to the phone transaction. It is now December 5, 2013 and Reachout Wireless still refuses to refund my money for the three web site transactions that gave me error messages. I am out a total of $79.50 for the three transactions and Reachout Wireless could care less. I have had numerous communications via email with someone at Reachout Wireless named Hunny Miller to no avail. He has lied to me, telling me that the money will be refunded, but my MasterCard debit account is still missing the $79.50 as of 12/05/13. They simply refuse to right this wrong. I have filed a formal complaint with the FCC, and I will be filing a formal complaint with the Maryland Attorney General’s Office (my state) and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office (Reachout Wireless’ headquarters state). While I do not expect to ever see the $79.50 again that was removed from my MasterCard debit account, perhaps I can keep others from making the mistake of using Reachout Wireless. Their customer service is extremely difficult to contact and actually speak to someone, and when you finally get a real person on the line, they speak broken, almost unintelligible English. Stay away from this wireless company!
Donald says
Reachout wireless is a joke they tell me my order was approved after two months waiting then when I call to see what’s going on they tell met order was cancelled. Garbage company and rude reps.
Heather says
It sounds like we all have the same problem being sent broken phones so we can’t even use the service. My phone worked for a couple of weeks. It is a racket. My only option now is to buy one of their phones which I can’t afford and I am afraid will break too.
erica marsh says
i wanna know if i can get a free phone
a black says
I got the free phone and it did not work.Called and got a second phone that did not work.Called back and told them.The phone is sitting in a drawer useless.They told me to bad and that I was using it to make calls????????????????????? NOW WHAT
D Woodall says
Reachout Wireless has provided me far superior service over Assurance Wireless my previous carrier. I had Assurance Wireless as my Lifeline cell phone carrier from January 2012 till April 2013 when I terminated their service. I signed up with Reachout Wireless in April 2013 and I have been very very pleased. I am an older terminally ill disabled man that received a phone with tiny keys and a small screen from my previous carrier. It was difficult to use but my pleas for help to them fell on deaf ears. So in April 2013 I terminated my service and the next day signed up with Reachout Wireless. While signing up I was told that the telephones were assigned at random based on availability not preference. IMMEDIATELY after signing up with Reachout Wireless I sent an email to both feedback@reachoutwireless.com and CustomerFeedback@reachoutmobile.com describing in detail my need for a simple phone with big buttons.and my real need for such a phone.. Within 10 minutes a supervisor named Kerry had answered my email and was very supportive. She took forth special effort to help me for which I am still grateful. I was provided a refurbished Samsung SCH-U310 that was exactly what I needed. I have provided a 5 star rating for Reachout Wireless because they earned it largely because of the efforts of this supervisor. I originally had plans to write the owner of Nexus which owns Reachout Wireless to express my appreciation of this dedicated supervisor but my health prevented this. Since April, over 6 months ago, I have never looked back after changing to Reachout Wireless. I urge those that are being so critical to be more understanding and communicate properly and politely with Reachout Wireless staff and you might see improvement in the service that you receive. But remember they are a business and to remain a business they cannot say yes to every demand a customer may place upon them so be realistic in what you ask for. Be fair to Reachout Wireless and I think they will likely be fair to you.
Kim Taylor says
Total BS.
Mike Wilde says
This is absolutely the worst company I have ever dealt with. I think they must run from someones garage. The government should audit this company and yank its contract. They are a crap company. Verizon should be ashamed to be aligned with them.
vivian says
After months and months of trying to resolve the issue it’s still not resolved. My phone was suddenly deactivated in the beginning, and without notice. When I contacted CS they could not tell me why. After about a month, they tell me it’s been deactivated because I had another lifeline service. Which wasn’t true. Still trying to get that cleared up. This all started when my free phone broke and I had to order a replacement, which I had to pay for. Haven’t had the service all year and won’t get my money back for the phone I was only able to use for about a week.
katherine says
I have service with reachout wireless for a year already, then my old phone broke. and i ordered a replacement phone. thinking that i would be getting a new phone. but when i received it has been used already, and the back of the phone is all scratched up. it was really in bad condition. i didn’t even get my moneys worth. useless phone.
kaye jones says
As long as I had a free phone customer service was ok. I had not problems with them replacing a phone that the battery went out after a year. Then the replacement phone went out. I decided I would buy a phone from their company. I received the phone six weeks later and did not like it. I used the chat service. I had asked that it be sent activated. It was not activated. Called got service call telling me dial a number to activate it again. I had to wait all weekend before I could get a person to activate the phone. I said the phone was not working right. Francis the agent was very mean and told me my phone is activated and my phone was ok. This was the most disrespectful service I have ever had. Asked questions when I wanted to speak with supervisor. I am not sure if it was the supervisor or the same person who apologized. I would have to pay a restocking fee to get a refund. I kept the phone but have been scared to call them for any customer service since then. I do not think I will buy another product from http://www.reachoutwirelessmobile.com.
Angela # 0427045 says
What a damn joke! The worst……and i mean THE WORST customer service EVER!!! First they thost my proof of eligability and never notified me….. so my application just sat there until I called to see what the hold up was. Then I recieved my phone (to the wrong address), and they sent the wrong charger with it. I called and spent over 3 hours to request a new one, which they informed me would take 2 weeks to get to me. So I went down and purchased a charger. Charged the phone over night……did not work.
went down and purchased ANOTHER new charger…….THE PHONE STILL DID NOT WORK!!! Spent 2 more hours on the phone and they said ” We will not replace it, we will repair it and will take up to 4 weeks after we recieve it to return to you”. Then they said ” put it in the mail and we will pay for the shipping COD”. I went down to the post office and they said “No, it doesnt work that way”. So another hour on the phone with reachout wireless and they tell me ” Well just pay for it…..it is only $5.”…… REALLY?! So now I am out around 7 hours (2 trips to the phone store and 1 to the post office and phone calls) of my time, gas and $30 for 2 chargers for their mistake and they want me to pay $5 more dollars? I ended up just hanging up because I am arguing with a complete idiot that was also trying to talk me into a upgrade. I got nowhere with this. They just want the $$$ government funding and could careless about the customer. It is just like every other government program….. DISAPPOINTING and A JOKE!!!!!!! Free is not good if it does not work people!Your days and jobs are numbered at reachout wireless!
Richard Moreno says
What an unwelcome joke. I spent too much money on gas, paying for fax (4 times) and shipping charges when my new phone proved to be useless almost immediately. I spent a week and a half trying to decipher a 150 page user manual that is not readable all for the privilege of shipping the P O S back to them. I am surprised that they bothered to print it in English. I have called professional associates too many times in the last two weeks updating my telephone # so I can perform my business and will have to go through the process at least one more time when my new useless phone comes back in the mail. I am offended at the time I have lost due to the Bullshit factor. I feel like I have been robbed and sent on a wild goose chase! F O!
Jaye says
I bought my first phone with QWERTY keyboard ($20) because they proposed that it would offer more bells and whistles than the standard free phone. One of the things that I really wanted was a camera. Well, I got one and it was a horrible excuse for a camera. When that phone broke, I hoped I could get a free phone since I never actually received a “free” phone. Nope. I was no longer entitled to a “free” phone. I had to pay for a replacement phone($40) and to my surprise, it was delivered to me in about three days. I was able to keep my phone number and the minutes I had accumulated even though many of the advertised features did not work. OK. When that cheap phone broke (the flip flipped its way out of the socket), the cheapest I could get a replacement phone was ($49). So, I canceled my service!
Like all free phones, even the so-called upgrades, the phones are refurbished junk with most of the original functionality disabled. Yet, the price of replacement phones continues to increase as more junk phones are made available. I would rather use someone’s old phone that hasn’t been tampered with rather than their refurbished junk. But here’s the problem – the phones don’t have SIMM cards! They offered me a touch-screen phone for $200+. Really? I’m broke, not stupid!
jennifer says
My phone isn’t working the customer service number is disconnected and online chat says call customer service to recertify when I’ve had the phone 1 month. The online recertification says I don’t need to. My minutes are double billed too. Overall I feel scammed.
William Falcone says
Probably the best deal for having a “lifeline” phone. You get a second hand “smart phone” which you can use on the Verizon Network. If your phone goes out of service, you get a Verizon pre-recorded message to explain “this Verizon customer” (cell phone) is out of service at this time. However, Verizon wants nothing to do with ReachOut customers. You do not exist – period. As long as you don’t mind putting up with the worst customer service – they truly have no peers- in the world, it is a really good deal. The only way you can ever chat with a CSR is through “on-line” chat. They will not answer the phone if you call. When you do the on-line chat, be prepared for a three to four hour sit down. They take 30 mins to respond to each message. They will even make you write your name and address again, even though it is posted above your name when you make contact. And then it will be 30 mins when they ask you the next question. If you walk away and miss their question, they will time you off the system. It is a shame for these CSR’s are in constant panic mode. I hold Verizon responsible for this debacle. They gave birth to it and are letting it run into the ground. I guess they figure, those “po” folks can deal with it – after all; they are getting a good deal. We are witnessing the return of the “Let Them Eat Cake” attitude towards those on the other end of the income bracket. And they are very much in-your-face about it. I believe Ms.Antoinette displayed a similar disposition. It only cost her – her head.
Ray Shaw says
I had the very same experience and Anonymous (Aug 31, 2013) above, as well as the fact that my phone’s performance is under par. You should report them to the Better Business Bureau.
Anonymous says
They lost my application even though I have verification. Customer service sucks, ask to speak to supervisor they transfer you to a line that you’re on hold forever and they don’t talk to you. Do not use them. Rip off.
Johne Martine says
very bad service, bad customer services, bad equipment,
Vince Goger says
I had reachout wireless for about a year and no problems, my phone got stolen so I quickly called them to cancel the old phone and I ordered an upgraded phone, cost $99.00 I ask the man on the phone if it would be ready ts onso go when I got it he said that it would after about three weeks of waiting for the phone I go to use it and all it does is go beep beep beep beep and ends the call after five hours so on and off the phone and internet chat they still can not get the phone to work, so now they tell me to ship it back so that’s what I will do I probably will never see this phone again and could care less any more I am done with these incompetent people and there ss ripoff company, oh and by the way I had a lot of those free government hours built up on that phone which they said they could not put back on and so poof there go my minutes screw these people I guess I will have to do with out a phone sorry for the lengthy post I just had to vent.
Krystle Soller says
I got a phone threw them that same day I found out the phone doesnt even work and they want me to ship it back because of there error!
tomecia gaston says
Reachout is a total rip off, an they don’t care that they take your money. They turned my phone off after I purchased unlimited minutes, an even still, they didn’t give me my free minutes… They argue with you an have no respect:(:(
cardinal says
There is no customer service;
Join other companies, and get out of this
cardinal says
There is no customer service,
Cancel and join the other companies
Peggy says
All I got to say is that this reachout a gov. phones are a blessing for me . I never run out of minutes cause I only use my phone for emergencies and to call my transportation for pick up. The always reload my phone I don’t buy anything and Verizon handles my account for Reachout. They even text me that my 4 hrs. are on again. I am gratefull for this blessing. Thank you Obama and the wireless Co. that help us to have this great thing.
Robert Maier says
Will go to back and challenge the debit.
Robert Maier says
Cheating disabled customers by debiting their account and not giving them their minutes.
Ada Joyce says
I’m in a nursing home…was approved May 30th. Promised a phone in ten to 14 days. i am a heart patient in a nursing home unable to walk to the house phone. I was depending upon it. Finding out who they are stressed me out. Even more reading these comments.
nicholas porter says
How do i sign up for a phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Reachout contact information is on our page here:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/free-cell-phone-providers/reachout-wireless
evelynhill says
YOU DONT.
Matt Martin says
I had to call the FCC on them before I got my phone (took 3 months) now I have been trying to upgrade for 3 months. They never do what they say and they always “understand perfectly” but they suck. I consider it the governments fault for letting disreputable companies make money on the backs of people who deserve better.
Ada Joyce says
I agree with you 100%. I’ve been fooling with them over 4 months and I’ve still not gotten my phone. They are affecting the disabled without a conscience.
cynthia edell says
WOW!!!! after reading all these negative comments I think I’ll stick with my Virgin Mobile phone, that cost $30 5 years ago and that I only have to pay $20 every 3 months, yes I have to pay per minute and per text but since I don’t use my phone much, it doesn’t cost much. I thought these phones anbd service were suppose to be free? Why are people paying money?
Sharon Green says
My daughter & I signed up with Reach Out back in February. I even upgraded & bought a phone through them. Within 1 month, both phones would still take pics but you couldn’t send or receive pics anymore! My daughters phone keeps shutting off. When we took them in they said it was past the 14 day warranty.
On May 14 I paid for a month of unlimited talk & text for $26.50. Sounds good huh? NOT
On May 30th They shut my service off!!! After being on the phone for over an hour with a person that did not speak English well. I was told it was time for my annual recertification. I didn’t understand three months is considered and will. I’m going to make a complaint with the attorney general’s office. Maybe one of the other Obama plans may be best but this one is Not worth the aggravation.
Angela says
This phone service sucks one day before my warranty expired my phone started having problems I took it in the store for the owner to tell me my phone is fine he wouldn’t exchange it this place is worthless to spend $30.00 a month I will suffer without a phone! Blah
Raelyn says
Applied in January never received phone. Called every two weeks, I was given the run around. End result reach out wireless wants me to pay $15.00 for my free grovernment phone because they didn’t mail it to my mailing address and they sent it to the home address where there is no mail box. And was returned undeliverable. Even though all the paperwork they sent me went to the mailing address. Scam artist….and our government pay them for this.
Bill Lee says
The Worst Company ever. Turn my 87 year old mothers cell off for no reason. Didnt even tell her it was going to be turned off. And no it was not for non payment. They said it was for testing???
A few months ago I tried to add mins to my cell and it didnt work leaving me with no service for 2 weeks I tried to call them and it was impossible to get through I researched it on internet and it happened to100’s of other4 people as well. Now the latest is I purchased 2 cells from them hoping that would help and both did not work, Mailed them to be repair after 2 months of waiting, they came back STILL NOT working.
I advise anyone to stay away from this company.
Jessica says
Worst company by far they robbed me of $50 when they were only supposed to take $5 I’m ready to file a law suit. Very unprofessional, very hard to understand, always different information, and systems always have scrambled information about past matters. They think because we need assistance with the phone bills we deserve low quality to NO QUALITY service. Yes they are over seas because the United States is an equal opportunity employer type country and to only hire within one race is unethical and illegal. They lie and say they’re here but we all know better. Since the phone bills are cheap they cannot fund a u.s. team so like all other labor they push over seas and these agents could care less because they are far away. I will be leaving very soon to tmoblie because reacout tiredness is a RIP OFF!!
Alicia says
I have reach out wireless, i purchased an upgraded phone for $79.00 I received my upgraded phone 3 weeks later and it is not the one I ordered and paid for! They sent me the $29.00 phone. They sure took my $79.00 from my account. When I called into customer service all I got was the run around! AWFUL!!! Don’t know what to do all I wanted was an upgraded phone and I already paid for it. They robbed me of $50!
Brandi says
This company has no customer service what so ever… I ordered an upgraded phone on 3/16/13 it’s now 5/7/13 and I still haven’t received it. Meanwhile my current phone has been shut off and the services activated on the new phone which hasn’t even been shipped yet. I’ve been calling one a week, and each time I get different excuses. First was I should receive my phone 14 to 21 days from march 20th… second was my phone hasn’t been shipped yet. This is not right!!!!!!! So now I have no phone… no way to call if there’s an emergency!
Susan says
Dont feel alone, I am going through the same thing. First the website had no phones to order and cs suggested i buy a compatible phone which i coudnt at the time afford. They got phones on 6/21/13 and i immediately ordered and paid for one. Here it is 7/26, and after a sea of different stories and time frames, i got my problem “escalated” to shipping. My problem escalated alright as they transferred my service to new phone and cannot switch it back to the pone someone loaned me because there is no shipping number and my phone may be lost if i switch with no shipping number. HA its lost already! Now they say i should get it in ANOTHER 14 days and will be without service until i get new ship number, switch back to my broken phone (that only works on speaker!) then switch AGAIN to new phone upon arrival (im not holding my breath). And i was politely refused when i asked for a supervisor, being told they would only tell me the same information. I came to this website after making a report to BBB. Hopefully i will get my phone without some emergency happening with my 4 yr old. And i agree THIS IS NOT RIGHT!!!!
evelynhill says
call reachout wireless tell them u will call F.B.I scam on seniors u get results then, that is what I did rec phone and min. I no longer have them I swiched coumser cellular,very good service and affordable.
jimmy m says
reordered a phone because they said the one I had ordered out of stock never notified found out for myself so March 10,2013 reordered again took my money live chatted many times assurced phone was delayed but going out March 20,2013 but in14-21 bussiness days well this is May 2, 2013 now I can,t even get hold of CS Billing etc etc if this tayer are helping support this we are being ripped off,from what I have been reading a lawsuit will begin am I wrong or isn’t paying for something and not receiving it is theft of services?
Joanne says
My son and several of my friends and now ME, have bought unlimited minutes and afew hours later we are unable to use the phone due to “insufficient funds”. Yesterday, I bought unlimited on the website and was told that the transaction could not be completed and to add the minutes via telephone. I bought two months unlimited via telephone and afew hours later I am unable to use my phone. I get online and check my bank account and they took the initial monies from the online order and the telephone order. Now I have 3 months unlimited yet I am unable to use my phone. I can’t get any help after 6pm and they do not open till 9am so I am screwed all night and I have to work and can’t spend an hour on the phone trying to resolve this. They were a good company a couple years ago, now they are terrible.
Also, several people, myself included, bought phones from the website and they sent them with old batteries so the phones don’t hold a charge.
mo says
Very very very bad costomer service…… run if u can
Dionne Bostic says
I ordered a phone upgrade a month ago. After a 1 1/2 weeks and no phone had arrived, I contacted reachout only to be told that there was an upgrade in the shipping department so it’ll be up to 21 business days. I asked for my $49 back and was denied. Reachout said send the phone back for a refund. Can’t send back what hasn’t been sent to me! Talked to someone else a week later and was told that it was shipped FEDEX but there’s no tracking number. That’s a flat out lie. The company continued to lie to me over weeks of calling. Finally three days ago a phone arrives. It’s not the one I ordered! I don’t know how to send it back And get my money back because I can’t trust the liars or the incompetent here. I need customer service not the runaround and blatant disrespect.
tea says
Truly a RIPOFF. I got my son (a disabled adult) a phone through Reachout Wireless a couple years ago and PAID for one of the nicer phones. Got the phone and it broke within weeks. Called Reachout and was told to send it back for a replacement. The replacement they sent was one of the “free phones,” a flipphone that didn’t work either. Called Reachout too many times to explain that I had PAID for an upgrade and the idiots on the other end insisted, each time, that I paid for minutes and not a phone. Finally just gave up and got a lifeline cell for my son through Budget Mobile – a much better provider and way better customer service. Reachout SUCKS!
Tomecia Gaston says
I dont know which reachout wireless you all are with, because i dont have any problems with them, i have had their service for 4 yrs without any problems, (heres a tip) if you need another phone do like i did, i went to a local cellphone place an purchased my phone an i have a up to date android, it was used but in excellent condition. When you pick out the phone you want, call them an make sure you can use it before you purchase it, any verizon phone will work…i enjoy their service, the regular free flip phones dont last a long time, but hey its free, invest just a few dollars an purchase your phone somewhere else, an i promise you wont have anymore problema with shipping…..
Teresa says
I am sorry for all of you who are having troubles with reachout wireless but I did the same as thing. I just used a friends old phone and its a slide out and works great. You can use another phone you have as long as it is compatible with reachouts service. I think just about any verizon phone will work. You just get on the reachout website and look for the and add the new phone you already have into their database without any trouble. I have been using my friends old phone for almost two years without a glitch at all. Good luck to you all and have a nice day.
T says
Geez, I don’t even know where to begin… I moved to a new address and shortly after, I purchased three months of unlimited service, for which my credit card was charged for. Within two weeks after purchasing unlimited service, it was suddenly shut off for no reason. So without service, I had to get online to “live chat” with customer support to resolve the issue, and it was then that I informed whomever I was speaking with about my new address. The person thanked me for giving them my new information, so I assumed that my new address was entered into their database. They also turned my phone service back on. I had been having problems with the phone I had from them glitching out and having a hard time charging and holding a charge until it finally died. I went online and ordered a replacement phone and was surprised that it was a fast checkout that did not allow me to confirm any information, such as shipping info. So I was left feeling a little leery and not knowing if the order even went through. I could not even log into my reach-out wireless account because their “customer portal was undergoing maintenance”. I checked my credit card account, which showed that I had indeed been charged from reach-out wireless. A couple weeks later, I still had not received my phone, and still could not log in to my reach-out account because it the customer portal was still “undergoing maintenance”. I had to wait over an hour on “live chat” to speak with customer service. It was apparent that I was chatting with someone outsourced overseas since English did not seem to be their first language. I told him that I ordered a phone and he confirmed that the payment had already gone through two weeks prior, and could take 14-21 days to receive the phone I ordered. I asked for tracking which he could not give. I also told him I was worried that it might be shipped to my old address since I could not log in to check my account info, and he said, “Oh it’s a good thing you brought that up, because we were sending it to your old address”. ( I had already given my new address to a customer service rep a couple months before, but apparently that person did not update it. ) So again I give my new address and he said he entered it and updated for me! I thought everything was all squared away, but started to get leery again when another 2.5 weeks passed without receiving my phone… I went online again, waited another hour to chat live with a representative and he told me that my shipping address on record was still my old address! They had my new address listed as my “service address” and my old address listed as my “shipping address” What the heck!? SO again, I had to have them correct my address on file, and told that I’d have to wait another 14-21 days. That was a few weeks ago. It has now been at least a month and a half that I’ve had no phone, no service. Their customer portal is finally up and running but I can’t track the phone to know if it is even on it’s way here. Fortunately my husband has a work cell, but he has to take that to work with him, so I’m left all day with the kids and no phone for emergencies. I think I will be better off paying for a land-line with AT&T.
Maybe, It’ll be delivered today??? I’m doubtful.
Reachout Wireless says
T,
First, please allow us to apologize for your negative experience. If you would like to contact our customer service complaint department directly so that we may work with you to resolve any issues with your account, you can contact them by emailing feedback@reachoutwireless.com. We would like to assist you to ensure that you receive your shipment as soon as possible.
Thank you,
ReachOut Wireless Customer Compliance
T says
I have already contacted customer service twice and there was no resolve. I have no idea where my phone is, or when I will receive it, since customer service claims there is no tracking of shipments.
As of today, I still have not received my replacement phone. I ordered a replacement phone TWO months ago, for which my credit card was charged, so they have my money, but I still do not have the phone that I paid for.
I have three children at home and need a phone in case of an emergency! My family has been complaining of not being able to easily reach me, and the school that my oldest son attends, was not able to get a hold of me, luckily it was not an emergency issue, but still…
I have been very patient, but now I have to say I am extremely dissatisfied with the lack of quality in Reach-out’s service. If I had known it would take this long, I would have cancelled service and taken my business elsewhere. Since I already paid them for the phone I have not yet received, I think it would be too much trouble to try to cancel and get such an incompetent company to refund me the money I paid.
Hugh says
Can’t understand them. Very poor English, and when you ask for someone that you can understand they get angry and rude. They put you on hold for too long too many times switching back and forth. Reachout wireless took 300 minutes off my phone; Jeffrey Paco said they were having technical problems and I would have my minutes back within 24 hours plus the minutes they owed me for the new month. That never happened! Ten days later they said I should call back on the 11th. When I called back, they said I had to write them a note saying “I want a free phone” and re-apply. We had a death in the family at the time all this was happening. When you need the phone the most you can’t depend on them. Now I am applying with another company.
Reachout Wireless says
Hugh,
First, please allow us to apologize for any negative experience you had with your service. If you still have an active account with us and would like to contact someone to help you, please email us at feedback@reachoutwireless.com. However, if you would like to disconnect your account in order to apply with another provider, please inform us by emailing the address above.
Thank you,
ReachOut Wireless Customer Compliance
VICKI says
Hello reachout reapoff
I am trying very hard to make sure your company gets into the local ABC afiliate about reaping people off that really and truly need this taxpayer funded service. SO, I want to thank you for not responding…
see you in the news??? are you in india????? pakistan????? dominican ????? china???? africa???
just curious who is obamas new best friend??????
jagdish t patel says
i ordered areplacement phone reachuot wireless on 3/9/2013 i paid 29.99 for phone i was told phone be shipped to within 3weeks ikeep calling them 3weeks all ready no right answer every time call differnt people diffent answer i still not receive my phone yet i donot have other cell phone for emergency so something should be need to done about thier government contact this company not mantaining such contract somebody need to pay attention and action thanks
Reachout Wireless says
Mr. Patel,
We apologize for any inconvenience you have experienced with your delivery. If you would like to contact our customer service directly by emailing feedback@reachoutwireless.com, we will work with you to make sure you receive your phone as quickly as possible.
Thank you,
ReachOut Wireless Customer Compliance
Susan says
Dont lie to these people shame on you! i have chatted, emailed, called and still havent received my phone. its been 2 months since i paid for it. no response to my email, and many different stories about the whereabouts of my phone or when i will receive it from online chat and calls. Then to further your incompetence, my service was transferred to my new phone that is lost in shipping limbo. Customer service told me 14 MORE days, and without service on my old broken phone that works only on speaker mode. I contacted the Better Business Bureau today, and upon reading reviews on this website i will be contacting FCC. you shouldnt treat your customers this way. it is REPREHENSIBLE. I have children and no way of calling anyone in case of emergency. and the live chat rep refused to let me speak with a supervisor i repeat SHAME ON YOU!!
bernida h says
i went thru the same thing===phone still dont work===drop calls and everything else——–we all need to let the government know—-iam
Tracey Koon says
I ordered a replacement phone from ReachOut Wireless on 03/06/2013. I was told the phone would be shipped to me within 3-5 business days. It been more than 3 weeks, and I still have not received the replacement phone, nor has it been shipped, for which I have already paid $79.00. I’m being told that I can not cancel the order because it has been processed. If I choose to cancel the order, I have to first wait for the phone to be shipped, accept the shipment, then return it at a cost of 15% restocking fee. In the meantime, ReachOut Wireless is holding on to my money, (an presumably many others) gaining 1000’s of $$ in interest, and not delivering. ISN’T THIS THEFT-BY-DECEPTION? WHO IN THERE RIGHT MIND SET WOULD JUST GIVE AWAY MONEY FOR WEEKS, TO MONTHS AT A TIME FOR FREE? Something should be done, IMMEDIATELY about their government contract. Obviously this company is not capable of maintaining such a contract. Additionally, by telling customers that the phone would be shipped within a certain time frame and then not following through, ReachOut Wireless is in breach of an oral agreement (contract). If I was told I would wait up to two months to receive my replacement phone, I would never have ordered it……… Maybe we consumers have grounds for a class action law suit against ReachOut Wireless.
bernida h says
yeah same happened to me—-yeah i think we do have grounds for a lawsuit
Stines says
Same issue as everyone else. First cellphone broke within 2 1/2 months, junk. Sent in money for replacement and have been calling, emailing, faxing, ALL the ways they listed to reach them.. was.told a different story each and every time. So they have my $ and tell me now I must wait 2 MONTHS for a replacement phone, but they have my money. My humble opinion: ReachOut Shame on You.
T says
Same story here. I have been waiting for two months to receive my phone! I paid $29 for a replacement phone two months ago… I’m sure glad I didn’t decide to purchase a pricier phone from them. I am currently waiting for customer service with online chat, since I have no phone to call from! Each time I have had to wait at least an hour and a half on hold in a chat room to chat with customer service.
Carissa says
I have been arguing with them for 9 weeks. I ordered a replacement phone on 3/6/2013. After eight weeks of telling me that there were delays they say my order was cancelled. I never got my $39 back so I continued to do the online chat thing. They asked for my statement I sent it in to formats. They then said that they needed a picture of the statement. So I sent that then she said she needed more information on the statement than is provided by the bank and then asked me to highlight the clearly visible lines that said Reachout wireless. I told her to print it and do it herself. I then informed her that the whole thing was insane and that I would be complaining on any webaite I could find and that I would report it to the BBB which I did this evening. They are horrible. I can not believe how rude and insensitive they are.
Shawn says
ReachOut Wireless is totally useless. They sent me a used phone that had both the battery and phone water marks tripped. The battery will not charge. When I contacted them I was told that they would replace the battery. Three weeks later, they cannot find my account or there is something wrong iwth it. And the battery was never received or even a log that i requested one. I was adivsed once they “fix” the account I would purchase a newer used phone for 15.00. What a crock of crap. Oh and still waiting on the account to be fixed.
Reachout Wireless says
Shawn,
We are sorry to hear that you’ve been having problems with your account. If you would like to contact customer service directly, please email us at feedback@reachoutwireless.com. We would like to assist you so we can do whatever it takes to make sure you can use your service.
Thank you,
ReachOut Wireless Customer Compliance
Debra Mc Elroy says
After I went through the whole process on line. The fowarding address to send the app is no good. The message gets sent back as no such person!
Reachout Wireless says
Debra,
ReachOut has recently made a lot of changes to its website- including the ability to upload your application and proof of assistance online! If you have not been able to complete an application, please visit http://www.reachoutwireless.com, or call 877-870-9444. If you are still having difficulty, you can email our customer service directly by email feedback@reachoutwireless.com
Thank you,
ReachOut Wireless Customer Compliance
caro says
This is a ripoff people. tried several time to speak with some one i could understand
they claim 2 be in the US but cannot give an address where.
only a PO box. If a company dosen’t have an address, what does that tell u?
save yourr money and time. Did the pink eve. thing, sure i gave 2 much info. i shouldn’t have.
Reachout Wireless says
Hello,
I’m sorry to hear that you’ve had difficulty enrolling with us. If you have any questions or concerns that need addressed, please contact our customer service department directly by email feedback@reachoutwireless.com.
Please also know that the easiest ways to enroll are through our website- http://www.reachoutwireless.com, or by calling 877-870-9444.
Thank you,
ReachOut Wireless Customer Compliance
roger tran says
To whom it may concern,
Please , how to get an application form for the free phone goverment program ?.
Thank you – roger –
Reachout Wireless says
Roger,
The easiest ways to apply are through our website, http://www.reachoutwireless.com or by calling 1-877-870-9444.
Thank you,
ReachOut Wireless Customer Compliance
Dawn Polk says
I have been a customer of reachout wireless for over two years. I have unlimited talk and text for $26.50 each month. “The key word is unlimited.” But that is not what I receive. What happens is after I pay my bill I am issued 99 hours. That is not what I payed for and I am pretty fed up. When I call to get the situation resolved I am connected to a customer service rep. who can barely speak english. They say they will fix the problem and it shouldn’t continue to be a problem. But it always ends up back to the same old problem. Although this is a good program for low income people, its not worth all the aggravation.
Reachout Wireless says
Dawn,
I am sorry to hear you have been having difficulties with your ReachOut Wireless service. If you are still having problems, or would like to contact our customer service department directly, please email us at feedback@reachoutwireless.com.
Reachout strives to provide high-quality, reliable wireless service and excellent customer service. We sincerely regret your inconvenience and wish to work with you to resolve it.
Thank you,
ReachOut Wireless Customer Compliance
Mike N. says
I’d applied and didn’t receive a phone with my old number ported over for 2-months, so I’d gone to the FCC’s website and filed an online complaint. That’s the ONLY way you’ll hear back from someone in the US that will resolve your problem. There’s no doubt that their refurbed phones are total crap, which is why I’d purchased a new one off of eBay. Prior to buying a replacement phone I’d called Reachout Wireless to ask what phones were compatible with their system. They’d told me that any Non-SIM card, CDMA Verizon non-prepaid phone should work. I’d purchased abrand new Motorola RAZR V3m. I’d called to activate it; it activated OK with Verizon, but every test call I’d placed failed. They’d said that either the phone was incompatible or defective. I’d then purchased another phone from a different vendor, this time went through two technicians before being escalated to a senior level technician. The phone finally connected with their network, but only 30 to 40% of the time, and eventually not at all, so I’ll be filing another complaint in order to speak with someone to resolve my issue. I’ve been told that it’s just a matter of doing a deep NAM setting to resolve the issue. Telling the technician this only got me a : “I don’t know anything about that.” -GOOD LUCK
Reachout Wireless says
Mike,
I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been having problems activating your phone. If you are still having this problem, you can contact our customer service team directly at feedback@reachoutwireless.com, they will contact you as soon as possible to assist you.
Thank you,
ReachOut Wireless Customer Compliance
ron says
i am glad i read the feed back i have been trying to get my app to go through on there web site for mounths with no revail and they sent me a finished app in my e-mail and said to forward it back to the e-mail address and there is no such e-mail it returns it unknown so ill just go thru another co. after reading this i have also sent them a e-mail for help and that did not work eather
Terry says
I work with a Community Action Agency in Tennessee and have been trying for weeks to reach these people so we can distribute flyers for their phones. You call the numbers you can find and no one can help. They are all off shore call centers that lie and say they are in Columbus, Ohio. They say there is no business office and no one to talk to about giving out the info for phones. Very rude and refused to allow me to speak to a Supervisor.
Reachout Wireless says
Terry,
Unfortunately, ReachOut Wireless does not currently provide service in Tennessee. If you keep an eye on our website http://www.reachoutwireless.com we post big updates to the company- such as providing service in a new state.
Thank you,
ReachOut Wireless Customer Compliance
d. benjamin says
REACHOUT WIRELESS … A BIG WASTE OF TIME! Very unorganized! i filled out the online app and sent prof of SSI medicade & drivers license via online. Upgraded to a better phone for $29.95. All done on 12-24-2012. Called to check status on 01-03-2013, was told to fax what I sent via online. 01-04-2013 was told i don’t qualify. They couldn’t confirm when or how i would receive my $29.95. On to another service i guess … hope its not A BIG WASTE OF TIME!
T says
Their customer service is virtually nonexistent and if you do get through they are almost impossible to understand. . It took me several weeks of calling and leaving messages, which did no good. I was only able to get through after I got a computer phone. It took over 90 minutes on hold and then they attempted to tell me I needed to call another number to cancel. I erupted and they said please hold a minute. I figured it was going to be a hang up but they were back within a short time and said it would be disconnected within 24 hours. I figured that I would need to call back but I attempted to make a call and I was already disconnected and that was within 5 minutes. Once they get you as a customer look out. I went with your-tell and I have not had any problems. My only two contacts within a year have been to upgrade the phone and to re-certify. There are no monthly call requirements. After I called to disconnect, I went to the FCC site and filled out their complaint form. My keyboard made it through but it was hot by the time I finished. Several weeks after the call I received several calls from someone I did not recognize. They left a number for me to call without any further message. I do not ever return those types of calls. On about the fourth or fifth time, they left the same message but at the end, they said they were from reach out wireless and it was in reference to a FCC complaint. I did not return that call either.
Silvia Hernandez says
Well, it seems that I am the lucky one! I got my free cell phone and until today I have no concerns. The phone is not the latest one but work very well and I get my minutes once a month. I just need to be careful in the way I use them. I am very thanksful for the program that is helping me to have a cell phone for my emergencies. Thanks a lot and hope other people can be lucky as me.
katrina mcdaniel says
hi silvia” that is my mom name! i agree with you.i recieved my phone i also get my mins every month.it’s been 3yrs now.no complaints.i mean it is good for me’i don’t have to deal with high phone bills.like it was said use your mins wisely and you should be good.however there are some that has real issues and maybe cell phone is not for you. try lifeline -land line phone you will have reliability and assurance that you need for your safety.why mess it up for those of us that has no problem with reachout wireless.
kitkat says
This program has been around for a while cause I have had my phone about 2 and a half years and I got mine after a few of my friends had it a while. Yes they have horrible customer service but not everything is bad. My phone broke and after figuring out their customer service rep are people overseas, I went elsewhere but i still use a phone with the company for my daughter and it works fine. I pay for the monthly unlimited text and talk plan. That’s the best plan on reachout.
diana says
HELLO FEBUARY 2012. I MAILED IN MY APPLICATION. I NEVER RECIEVED THAT PINK ENV. I WAITED UNTIL JUNE . ONLINE I FOUND REACHOUT WIRELESS WEB SITE. I APPLED ONLINE. THEY STATED TO WAIT TO RECIEVE A PINK ENV. I FINALLY CALLED RECHOUT WIRELESS . I REQUESTED TO TALK TO A SUPERVISOR . THE SUPER. ADVISED ME, I WOULD THERE PINK ENV. I NEED TO FILLOUT THIS APPLICATION WITH VERIFICATION OF INCOME . THEY WILL SET YOU A PROGRAM OR CELL PREPAID MIN. PLAN, MAYBE A FREE PHONE. WILL HERE IT IS SEPT.2012 I RETURN MY CALL. THAT PINK ENV. WILL BE IN THE MAIL.1 WEEK. TODAY IS NOVEMBER 29TH 2012 I STILL HAVEN’T RECIEVED ANYTHING I CALLED REACHOUT AGAIN THIS TIME THEY SAY I WASN’T IN THE SYSTEM . SORRY PLEASE WAIT THAT PINK ENV. WILL BE IN THE MAIL. DO YOU HAVE A FAX NUMBER I’LL FAX ALL THE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO PROCESSS MY APPLICATION. HOW THAT FOR SERVICE !! CAN A GIRL GET A PINK ENV? APP
Reachout Wireless says
Hello Diana,
We’re sorry to hear that you’ve had difficulty enrolling with us. If you would like to contact our customer service directly, you can email us at feedback@reachoutwireless.com. We will respond to you as quickly as possible so we can mail you a pink envelope.
Thank you,
ReachOut Wireless Customer Compliance
Susan says
ITS FUNNY YOU REPLY TO NEW CUSTOMERS THAT WILL POTENTIALLY SPEND MONEY WITH YOU FOR PHONE UPGRADES, ADD MINUTES, ETC, BUT EXISTING CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE ALREADY SPENT MONEY WITH YOU ON ORDERING PHONES, MINUTES, ETC. GET IGNORED. AND I SENT YOU AN EMAIL 2 WEEKS AGO WITH THE PROMISE THAT I WOUKD RECEIVE A RESPONSE WIHTIN 24 HOURS AND GUESS WHAT? NOTHING.
Heather Saylor says
Ok so here is a website for the fcc and click on the form and fill it out….
http://www.fcc.gov/complaints
Make some complaints and try to get this company to make it right with their customers.
me says
the new agency would probably be best to file the complaint.. it seems like they will be more aggressive if a company is fraudulent. if a company is inept then that’s just another story. no sure what the feds can do about that….
Heather Saylor says
I started service with RW a few months ago and the first phone they sent me was broke after a couple weeks due to a defective phone so I called them only for them to send another defective phone. I also had no service for many days until the supposed new phone came. I also sent that one back. I decided to try and buy a phone which was the blackberry and long behold another defective phone so I sent it back and asked for a refund because I am not going to sit around without a phone while they send another defective phone. This company need to be out of business. I am filing a lawsuit tommorrow with small claims in order to get my money back for the blackberry. I am not happy with this company as I feel they prey on the low income and disabled. I urge everyone here that is not happy to post on every website they can find. Use your energy to fight back without fighting each other with unkind words. I will post some sites that you can post review about this terrible company.
Siara says
ive been waiting for the free phone a while so that i can upgrade it to the blackberry curve, and i haven’t gotten it yet! They HAVE TO step pick up the pace!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Hey, you’re getting a smartphone for free. Quit complaining.
Heather Saylor says
Hey did the company send that message? The one that says quit complaining?
TJ says
I hope so. Someone has to.
matt says
Ya all the story s above r about right including the one about the free smartphone I didnt get a smart phone I want one but mostly it wont matter to upgrade your phone because u r not allowed so said to use the internet at least thats what they told me .If I could use it I would get the smartphone but it seems pointless to get a really nice phone when the point of the good phones r mainly 4 internet so wats the point .Y a I can relate to just about all the messages above and they have taken my money too they say u get 300 minutes but and they keep trying to upsell me when I just need to know a few questions thats what gets me they seem oblivious to even what the hell is going on Ime stil confused on what I actually get outside a cheap phone and supposedly 300 minutes of free time wich is cool just dont understand there deal maybe someone can fill me in buying a new phone would b a complete joke 4 a sucker at this point no advantage. Best of luck
John M. says
I have been using Reachout for less than a year, the first phone they sent didn’t work so I had to send it back and wait for weeks for a replacement, the replacement didn’t work so I did the same again, the third phone worked for about 7 months and then stopped charging so I decided to purchase one of their phones hoping I would get a decent unit. This phone, a Motorola RZR came and the first thing I noticed was that the LCD was barely visible and looked like it had been pressed on real hard with someones thumb. Then I later found out that the phone won’t charge right either and only charges for a few minutes before it says charge complete.
I called Reachout and they want me to send it back at my costs and wait again for weeks without service while they send me another phone again.
I am disabled and not mobile and need service for emergency’s. Its dangerous for me to not be able to call for help if needed.
I told Reachout this and they still would not send me a new unit and allow me to send this piece of junk back when I get the new one.
I’m sick and tired of dealing with a company that obviously has no respect for peoples safety and well being.
I didn’t know exactly what to do about it, so I wrote my State Attorney Generals Office and they are supposed to be doing something for me.
Also my family is going to take me down to file a small claims case against them for the recovery of the funds spent for the faulty equipment they have sen to me.
I have left them several messages giving them the chance to make things good and they just continue to ignore these requests.
Russ Green says
I seldom get to use our phone because I am told that there are no minutes.
I add $5 to the phone, all is well until I try to make a call the next day and again am told there are no minutes on the phone.
I add another $5, and the same thing happens.
I try to contact Reachout on the web and get “website unavailable”, try again, same thing hour after hour.
Of course I don’t bother trying to reach them on the phone because I HAVE NO MINUTES!
I am about to give up and re-apply somewhere else……
Reachout Wireless says
We’re sorry to hear that you are having difficulty adding minutes to your account, if you would like to contact us directly, you can email us at feedback@reachoutwireless.com and a representative will respond to you as quickly as possible.
Thank you,
Reachout Customer Compliance
Kent Kampo says
Was double billed by Reach out wireless. My credit card company was contacted and straightened it out. Then I did not receive my time for October. I contacted the customer service and spoke to a foreigner with a hard to understand accent for several hours until I asked to speak to a supervisor. The supervisor first tried to blame me, then agreed to fix the problem (created by their double billing which they wanted me to pay for minutes not authorized or received) and call me in 2 hours. He never called and I am a high risk medical patient who cannot get my medicine or contact medical personell. I have now applied with a new company and hopefully I will not die before then as I just returned from a medical stay. I would urge anyone wanting a government phone to choose a new company as you also may be doubled billed and then extorted while they keep the government payment and cut your phone off.
Reachout Wireless says
We apologize for any inconvenience caused to Mr. Kampo, our customer service team has worked with him to resolve his issue. If anyone has problems similar to Mr. Kampo’s or needs to contact our customer service directly, please email us at feedback@reachoutwireless.com
Thank you,
Reachout Customer Compliance
zeze says
I was just wondering if a lg smartphone works on reachout. Ive been buying verizion phones everytime I try to switch it they tell me I cant switch it even though I got the phone that is a verizion phone and it doesn’t have a sim card
Cynthia Adcock says
I have had reachout wireless for a year. But I dnt usually add minutes on this fone. I just use the 250 free minutes I get every month. But my friend just added 3 dollars on my phone and it only gave me a hour. I dnt rely on the reacout wireless fone. I keep another phone activated always.
gg says
HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE. ONE OF THE SUPERVISORS HUNG UP ON ME BECAUSE OUR PROBLEM WAS NOT RESOLVED BEFORE 6 PM EST. Thus, I could not reach anyone due to company being closed for the day. My problem: paid for unlimited service @ $26.50. The failed to turn on a replacement cell phone for weeks. I spoke to tech support, supervisors, and even Verizon Wireless (ROW stated I needed to contact them about my phone). Phone NEVER turned on!!! I want my unlimited minutes credited to my account. I guess I will have to sue. This company is ridiculous and takes advantage of the low-income.
mike says
i got my phone in the mail.. small cheapp phone already activated.. didnt need to do anything but start calling.. phone still works fine just purchased more minutes.. too scared to try the internet because texting kills the minutes so fast i dont wanna see what the net does lol
Gregory Sampson says
I have had reachout wireless for about a year and a half. I have no real complaints and yes the phones are crappy but what do you expect . But if you have your own phone from a previous carrier like Verizon in my case. I had an LG Vx10000, and the original Droid incredible. I called and spoke with an agent who did the process of transferring my Droid Incredible to the reachout wireless service and my droid is still going strong. with free texting through the Xfinity app , I am good to go and what minutes I don’t use roll over to the next month.
jerryinmich says
(resume) …Now, what I did,was I went on E Bay and bought a cell phone,must be a CDMA type, the phone was brand new in the box, it works great, and even with some complaing from Reachout, i was connected and I have great service now. I also purchased the unlimited talk and text plan for $26.50. I consider my phone service with Reachout now to be excellent, and no i am not a schill for this company. My phone was abot 100$ on e bay. Finally, the FCC tactic works on reachout, they take it very seriously. In fact a day or so after i received my refund, i received a call from one of Reachout’s attorney’s anting to know if I dropped my complaint with the FCC, i told her yes ,that i felyt the whole thing was settled when i received my refund. Don’t be afraid to utilize your rights!!!!!
jerryinmich says
The scam with reachout mobile is the lousy,refurbished phone that do not work. It gets better, on becomes so frustrated with the free phone(useless), that they go and purchase one of the so-called better phones on their website. I did!!! Not only was this phone a piece of crap, but it was not even the phone they had advertised on their website. i gave them 2 opportunities to rectify this problem, and they couldn’t. Needless to say i was now scammed out of $80 dollars. I insisted on my money back,first they were nice,but no. Next they finally put me in touch with an American, some badass they thought would intimidate me. So I kicked it up a notch. I informed them that what they pulled on me constituted internet fraud, and I informed them I would go to the FCC, which I did and filed a complaint with them against Reachout Mobile. Next I filed a complaint against reachout Mobile with the FTC citing false advertising and internet fraud. Finally, I filed a complaint against Reachout Mobile with the state of Michigan’s attorney general’s office citing the above noted reasons. Reachout got the message and i received my full refund in 7 days. (cont)
t says
This service is terrible. If you can afford any other service, then go with that one. My mother paid them for the “unlimited” plan. They took her $26.00 and gave her 50 “hours”. That is obviously not “unlimited”. Aside from that, the calls are always dropping, and sometimes people call you and the phone doesn’t even ring. You’d be better off going with another company. They’re unprofessional and take forever to get back to you when you need technical support. If you call their customer service line, it will tell you they close at 6 p.m. It could be 3:30p.m. and no one will answer your call, and the recorded message will tell you they close at 6p.m. I urge you to go elsewhere for wireless service if you can afford it.
Dee S. says
I applied for this service since June , this is September still no pink envelope and no phone!!! This number was recycled,but each time I called it was still under another customer and they had me call a landline 3x, back and forth. The customer rep said each time they would rush it still NOTHING!! Wait , I have called reachoutwireless 12x’s!!! Today, I called again it was have to be re-enrolled and on rush and I would have to wait another 3 weeks, are you serious? I told them FORGET IT!!!!!!
lsismor says
It’s time to write to my senators. Reachout Wireless has absolutely no customer service.
Jerry Brown needs to balance the budget in California. Well, I’m going to suggest finding another company that actually wants the business. By their lack of customer service, one knows they don’t care and are simply collecting money from the state.
I’m sure there are other companies out there that would love to have this government contract.
carlos mendoza says
the bill is very bad I have loaded 10.00 for the air time. and only 2.50 showed up I called
i was told every body just about gets the same type of billing this is how thay make money.
the state should drop the co.
howard says
reachout for nothing! they took all my rollover minutes back! about 1000. sent first phone back. didn’t work. sent second one for repairs. no phone ever came back. they never answer any more of my calls. i don’t talk much on phone. i just wanted a phone to use when i am outside my home. when using reachout wireless company. just reach out your hand. it’s all you get!
BM says
Ordered a Nokia. Received some random LG.
Instead of doing send me a new phone, they want me to pay $5 shipping to send it back to them and wait for 2 more weeks for the new phone to come.
Mickelle says
I was so excited that Lifeline had branched out to include cell phones–and what a deal!! At 1st, it “only” took an average of over 1 hour! to reach Cust Svc…only to have to make more calls to get a CORRECT answer to the same question. Now, I can’t get them AT ALL. You must call to get a $5 monthly plan–there’s no option online. Several days in a row, & after only 2 months w/Reachout, I called Cust Svc on redial, back to back, for several hours at a time, several days in a row, & never got them…!!! Out of sheer frustration,I nearly cancelled, but honestly, I don’t know of a cheaper plan.
LLoyd Knight says
I felt so guilty getting mad at them today. It must be a hard job. But last month. Thier system went down for days and they didnt apply my monthly plan. They told me I had to pay for the month by the fifth then they said the fourth. They did me a favor and did a one time adjustment and then said they have no power to do that this month. But last month when they adjusted it the spuervisor didnt seem to have aproblem. I dont know why this month I was so late paying them but they have confused me a great deal. Two months ago all my payments went through but last month an entirely new payment happened. I was getting different minutes every month. I think THEY JUST SIMPLY DONT EXPLAIN HOW IT WORKS. for instance. If you buy 5.00 in minutes you get 156 free minutes then they break up 250.00 over two months. But i bought two ten dollar plans thinking I would get 2000 minutes and I didnt i got 250 minutes over eight months. They cannot give you more than 250 minutes extra. And they will give you all of the extra purchased minutes a year from now. So only buy the five dollar monthly plan plus an additional 250 mins a month and youll be fine. So if you buy a ten dollar plan every four months on top of the 5.00 monthly plan you will get 750 mins a month and the total price will be 7.50 cents just dong go on line at all or over your 250 text messages or they will take away heavy minutes for every text. It really takes alot of figuring out and it will work if you can figure out my email. Im still not fully grasping them because I always get someone from India although this time the girl was much better. I think they are reorganizing their system because people have been quitting them in droves. The great thing about Americans posting here is that American dot take crap and these people in India have learned they have to provide service or well quit. So the guy who is trying to make you feel bad for complaining on here needs to realize your complaints have forced these people to become better at their service and cough op the money needed to do that.
kim tesori says
The worse company i have ever dealt wirh. I bought a phone from them because it couldnt hold a charge sent it back to them 4 months ago took them 3 months to find it ten when i called customer service to find out about when they were sending my replacement i got hung up on. Since then i have sentseveral emails no o reply, called but cant get thru, live chat for approx 3hours just to find out its automated. And still no phone
Erica says
You know they say the best things in life are free. Now I just did the mythbuster on that. Reachout wireless has the worst customer service of all time. I upgraded my phone on 7/19/2012. I have not received the phone as of yet. They say it could take up to ten days this I don’t mind. My current phone has been shut off because they transferred my number and my minutes to this phone that is floating around in the mail. I had to go by a tracfone to have a phone because I don’t have a landline. I have a mom who has Lupus and just recently diagnosed with breast cancer and got her first chemo treatment today God forbid if she needs anything because I only have 20 minutes left on my tracfone. How insanely stupid is this. When I call customer support they acted as if nobig deal this makes perfect sense. STUPID AS__ES.
jerryinmich says
hello erica, i wouldn’t upgrade my phone with this company as they are just as bad as the free phone…i bought a braand new phone on ebay and y problem was solved…actuall paid less than the outdated pieces of crap they sell you… i have a reoly further dow if u want to red….good luck!!!
christina says
when i first got it i loved it but now my minutes seem to disappear. one minute i have 2 hours then 2 text later i have 20 minutes. the online doesn’t show any records but one phone call to a number i have never dialed. anyone else having this problem?
LLoyd Knight says
Yes! but I think Im figuring them out. If you do a monthly 5.00 plan and also buy the ten dollar deal you will get 750 minute a month for four months. BUT you have to make sure you buy your monthly plan by the third of the month not the fourth or fifth cause that seems to give them some confusion if the payment is paid on the fourth it might not get to them on the fifth and they will not renew your monthy plan that month
rhonda says
I have been through pure hell what everyone here is saying is the truth i had inssurance and they are no problem always ready to make it right and they do has anyone given it a thought that its a scam!! I put 26.50 on credit card soon as i recieved the phone after a month and a half of pure hell the phone if called would not ring it would ring my landline phone very strange i only had phone for 3days called support very fishy like they were covering something up and said they could not credit my card i only had phone for 2days HAS ANYONE THOUGHT THIS COULD BE A SCAM!!!!!!!! I WOULD LIKE SOME FEED BACK THANK YOU
Sad says
I’ve been calling reachout everyday and no luck. I’m curious why FCC haven’t done anything about this issue? This company shouldn’t be doing business here in CA. We need another company that can handle Ca customers.
dissatisfied customer says
Thanks Shiela for the FCC Link, I just sent them an email. No one, not even those having financial hardships, should be subjected to this type of treatment. This company has stressed me out so much and they obviously don’t care because they are not available via phone or online…it’s like the company is just a shell company. All numbers for the company lead to the same voicemail even tech support. This is a SCAM!!!!!!!!!!!!
dissatisfied customer says
Don’t even bother with this company. It has been the worst experience ever and for another $20 a month I could be stress free and actually have a phone that works on the weekend. I think this company will soon be out of business..or at least in California. I give them a 0 out of 5…PLEASE DON’T BOTHER…YOU WILL REGRET IT!
Em says
They deactivated my account because of a system restore that they did witht heir computers, so they say, so i had to be on the phone for FOUR HOURS (mostly on hold), had to have a conniption and threaten to call the FCC JUST to get them to reactivate my account. Is my account reactivated? Yup. Except that the unlimited minutes I just paid for, last week, are gone. I work during their business hours and they’re closed on sundays. This is the FOURTH problem I’ve had with this company not including their awful customer service and the shitty phones. RUN WHILE YOU CAN
Sheila says
Anyone who is as angry and fed up with this company as I am, I urge you to contact the FCC – Federal Communications Commission, the federal agency that funds this program. I agree that Reachout does not deserve this govt. contract. All I wanted was a reliable phone. All I got was lousy service (or none at all), unusable phones and lots of grief and frustration.
Be as specific as you can in your email to the FCC, not just ranting.
Their email address is: fccinfo@fcc.gov
SRRRs says
Oh, I forgot to mention that it took me over an hour and a half in an online chat – in which the cust serv rep kept asking me the same questions over & over & over – that I finally got them to understand that I needed a new phone battery. They sent me a package with a new charger. No battery.
The incompetence of this company is beyond belief.
SRRRs says
I realize the first phone is free and so is the service, but what terrible service! The first phone I got had such poor reception, I could not make calls within a 10-mile radius of my home in St. Louis. It took 2 v ery long online customer service chats – the last one almost 2 hours long – to get them to send me a postage paid envelope to return the defective phone before they would send me a new phone. I waited almost a month – without any phone for emergencies – before getting an “improved” phone. this was one of the “upgraded” phones they sell for $49. Mine was free because of my complaint and that’s what it was worth – 0.
I also got virtually no reception on this phone. Although the company gives you a basic phone free, the customers pay if they want an upgraded phone. Fair enough, except these phones are at least 3 years old, supposedly refurbished, but the one I got had a scratched screen and looked banged up. On the page which describes the upgraded phones in general, nowhere does it say that these are not new phones. the phones are not cheap, considering they are old technology and not new.
Bottom line: all I really needed was a reliable phone to make calls with. I never got that. the govt is being ripped off.
todd wiseman OSU says
to anyone trying like the devil to avoid the support people from india , the trick is to call late in the evening , thats when those people seem to ” chill out ” and ” talk slower ”
if you get a male ask to get a female they are much nicer ! i like the slick phone they gave me , its very well made and this company is the best of the three by far .
hugh hairston says
I can not believe this company. i have been trying to reach Nexus Communications to find out about this cellphone. They will put you on hold for 30, 40, or over 3hrs and then hang up on you. This is absolutely the worst I have ever experienced.
XxJPrincexX says
THIS SERVICE SUCKS!!! They Never Refill The Account On Time. They Sent Me A Broken Phone I PAID For. And Customer Service Sucks Worse Then The Phones And The Minutes Sitch. I WAS ON HOLD FOR DAMN NEAR TWO HOURS!!!!!!!!!! DO YOU KNOW HOW ANNOYNG THEIR CALL WAITING MUSIC IS?! LIKE UGH! i’m still on freaking hold. All i want to do is change my phone. This Is Bull. Hate Them. Hate Them. Go With Safelink. At Least They Have Customer Service.
Angela irritated says
I too have been on hold over 2 hours for the 12th time just trying to get a battery replaced! They sure are there to take your $, but not when you need help!
Mary says
I have not been able to buy more minutes for a week now!!! I call during the day and they say that all operaters are busy to call back later!!!! So I keep calling back all day and nothing. And if I call after 5pm they tell me to call back during buisness hours! LOL this is a joke. I have had this ohpne for about a year and just started having these issues. Usually when I have called for more minutes its just a computer I am in contact with and that was all I needed to get more minutes. Now I cant even get ahold of that!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so frusterated! I havnt had a phone for a week and I have a busy life with my kids and baby! What the heck is going on with this messed up company!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh I also cant call a 1800 # cause I am out of minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!! Messed up!!!!!!!!!!!
aleshia says
I have tried to get in contact with someone several times about my phone not working. Its impossible to get a representive, whats the use of having a phone that does not work!
V says
I applied to reachout wireless on May 13, 2012. I have an enrollment number. If I try the live help on their website I get a message saying no live representative is available at this time even though it is during their business hours. If I call as soon as I say I have an enrollment number I am cut off over and over again. I have gotten no phone and no answers. They are the worst customer service I have ever seen.
Cueb says
I am having the same experience. I got as far as to get an enrollment number, trying to sign up in California. Any attempt to contact them via any of the differernt phone numbers on their site always yields this result, “If you would like to make a call…” The live chat is almost always “offline.” Once it appeared to be online, but after filling out the chat fields, the reponse was, “live support not available.” I contacted them via their email application, and received no reply. And reading this forum, my expectation is confirmed that if I got through to set up service, my experience would only get worse from there. Sad.
David Holmes says
I hate reachout wireless. 1st they have csr’s that cant speak well english, then they have you on hold for 1 to 2 hours, then when you speak to them, they hang up. Also the phones suck, why have a smart phone with reachout when you cant use the internet, send or receive pictures, it sucks, I do not like it at all!
Sheila in St. Louis says
THE WORST SERVICE EVER. The phone I was sent (the cheap freebie) got very poor reception, no reception within a mile of my house. When I did online chats with the company to resolve problems, the service was incredibly slow. It took almost 2 hours of nonsense to get the company to agree to send me a replacement phone after I returned the defective phone a month ago. I got the impression that the guy who helped me was doing his best but was slowed down by the technology. Either the computers are very slow and/or the software is terrible. It took him forever to retrieve info about my account,although I gave him all the identifying information.
Terry Lucas says
I just this morning paid the 26.50 for the unlimited talk and text at 7am and her it is going on 12 noon and I still have no service and minutes and they took the money outta my debit account. I have tried calling them when you push the prompts it automatically hangs up on you. When I went to the website for live chat it says noone is avaiable. Well someone was available to take my money now I want my service. This is the biggest rip off ever and no one will answer any of my calls or email. Not cool. Im about to call the local news agency and see if they will cover this story.
EUGENE SCOTT says
you got to be kidding nop service representatives to answer phones , discounts that turn in to something else once they get your money , phones answered with
automated voices and choices then they hang up on you . don’t unless you really mneed a phone real bad!!!!!!!!!!!
Terry Lucas says
they are doin the same thing to me and i already paid the money for the month of service and here it is hours later and still have no minutes or service they sure took the money though
Gloria Schultz says
It took 3 weeks to port my number instead of the stated 3 days. My 250 free minutes were taken away in the process. When I was finally able to log in to my account with the ported number, I added minutes which were not deducted in real time and left me not having enough money in my account to make a call – even to ReachOut. I previously paid $5 to upgrade to 500 minutes, just for safety because of the inefficiency of the system – and that isn’t available even though I am now in my second billing cycle. I now have no minutes and cannot log into my account because the website does not recognize my ported number or the previous two numbers that were assigned to me. Because of the ported number, my old provider is gone.
cca says
Hi..im from philippines working as a call center agent. I work from wireless services before 1 of our most popular website is wirefly. Being on hold for a couple of mins i know its ridiculous.pls try to be more considerate as well that we’re serving a lot of people from different state. Routine work is 10hrs a day non stop talking due to lot of calls waiting.take note this is 24/7 non stop talking.we all work,pls try to understand also that everything has a reason.ill be starting my training as a tech support for reachout and guys ill be doing my best to help you.. god bless us all.
Sasha says
I have a reachout wireless phone and I didn’t have a problem with the company until recently. Two weeks ago I paid for the monthly plan that they have and a few months in advanced. It shows on the website that I paid, but my phone said I had a limited amount of minutes. Then, my phone gets cut off. I tried getting in contact with them, the 1st few days, the automated response system said to call back later. Then today when I got through with them it took 3 HOURS, then the customer service rep just hangs up. I don’t recommend getting a phone through them. Walmart or any other prepaid company would be best.
Lynne says
I have a phone that does not work most of the time . it has a short and it has had it from the first day. I asked for help and the person I talked to cant under stand eng.
Ronald Young says
I have had this service for almost a yr and it is terrible I have tried to cancel this service since getting this peace of junk..my brother pay for unlimted service three weeks ago came out of his checking and they said they havent recieved payment been on the phone for hrs and still nothing asked for a refund and they said they couldnt refund ,,cant get main office number and you really dont understand who you r talking too..people please dont use this company ..use assurance wireless much better company
robert frank says
this company is absolute garbage!!!!!! i waited to activate my phone over 3 hours like i don’t have nothing better to do, then it cut me off out of the blue, pissed me off. my phone mysteriously activated the next day on its own. and a government funded company? kiss my ass reachout……….
Sylvia says
I have been on hold for more than 9 hours over a 3 day period waiting to talk to someone at Reach Out Wireless. On 5/18/12, after being on hold for 4 hrs 20 min, someone finally answewed but I was disconnected almost immediately. I have been on hold this morning for 2 hrs 50 min. wait….I was just disconnected once again. How can any company be allowed to operate like Reach Out Wireless. Shame on them. I don’t know if this will do any good, I plan to report my experience to the Better Business Bureau.
DillyDally says
First off, if you want a phone a free government cell phone. go directly to the site reachoutmobile.com, assurance.com, safelink.com or ASK someone at your local health department or department of family services office, about information about free government cell phones. DO NOT apply for a phone thru someone on facebook,or from someone that has a booth at the corner of some street in your town that has a handmade sign that says FREE CELL PHONES, keep your private information SAFE. BE SMART. AND God forbid, dont sign up to be a independent sales rep for anyone that says you can make money off getting people to sign up for these phones… Hello, how can you make money off something that is free.
K says
This company is horrible!! You’re on hold for hours, you cannot understand them, they are so scripted it isn’t even funny. You ask them a question and they always give you a scripted answer. If you purchase an unlimited plan they interrupt it for whatever reason they can think of. They always offer you 1000 minutes for your inconvenience, but those minutes go down very quickly. They send you junk chargers.
Shannon says
Reachout wireless is the worst company I have ever had to deal with. They sent me my phone but the charger they sent with it did not fit my phone. They did send me a replacement charger. But within 2 months I had to contact them to get a new battery and charger because my phone wouldn’t hold charge for more than an hour and the charger was shot. I had to wiggle the charger cord or wrap it around my phone to get it to charge my phone. Then I have purchased their so called unlimited talk and text program 3 times. The first time I had no problem. The last 2 times my service has been interrupted within 2 weeks after purchasing it. Their first excuse was I was using my phone to make 900 calls and send picture messages ( my phone won’t let me do anything but talk and send regular text messages). I was on hold with them for well over 3 hours total, I couldn’t understand what they were saying, they gave me a hassle about speaking with a supervisor, then said they could no reactivate my unlimited plan, i had 3 options; a. to purchase another unlimited plan, b. to receive 1000 minutes for my “inconvenience”, or c. have my account refunded the $26.50. I chose the 1000 minutes because I need my phone. The 1000 minutes ran out within 3 days. Seemed like they took an hour off for a 20 minute call. This last time my unlimited plan was interrupted again within 2 weeks of purchasing it. The first gentleman I spoke with gave me no hassle whatsoever and he reactivated my unlimited plan. But a day later it was interrupted AGAIN. Then they proceeded to tell me it was interrupted because they thought I was using my phone for “commercial ” purposes ( to run a business ). The first person I spoke with was extremely rude, argued with me that he could reactivate my unlimited plan and tried telling me that the person I spoke with the day before did not not reactivate my plan. He also would not let me speak to a supervisor, saying his supervisor would just tell me the same thing he did. I contacted them again and spoke with someone else. Now they put 1000 minutes on my phone. They also told me to avoid any more interruptions to not call the same number often and to not speak for a long period of time. So basically they interrupted your unlimited plan at their convenience, and try to get you to purchase the unlimited plan 2 times a month. Also the hold times are nuts, there is no reason you should have to spend 2-3 hours on the phone with them to get one answer. To top things off you cannot understand any of them. If I could afford it I would go to a different company and tell them to shove this program. Something needs to be done about them.
Lea says
Sounds like they don’t want you using a lot of minutes even though they are offering unlimited min. plan. They shouldn’t offer unlimited minutes if they don’t want you to use them. They may have to pay more the more you talk. Also, maybe the government is doing it thinking your talking to friends for fun and not using the phone to find work or emergencies as it was meant to be. 1000 minutes in 3 days is alot. The government wants you to work and not sit on the phone with friends all day sucking up the government funds. They are just playing it off like they think you’re running a business cause you wouldn’t talk to the same people in a business, you would talk to different #’s for different customers. They are discretely telling you to get off the phone and get a job!
Shannon says
For one I do have a full time job. My point is they offer the unlimited talk and text program, saying when you purchase it that it is completely unlimited. Then they seem to interrupt it within 2 weeks of purchasing it for whatever reason they find convenient . Then they Basically give you the option of 1000 minutes or repurchasing the unlimited plan. If you choose the 1000 minutes your minutes go down very quickly, as I said a 20 minute call they take off an hour. Also you do not need to be on government assistance to get service through them. Anyone can get service through them, it just costs them a little more. If you would read above a lot of people are having problems with this company; wrong chargers being sent with phones, extreme hold time, not being able to understand the customer service, etc etc. You’re obviously under the assumption that everyone that is on this program doesn’t work, and just talks on their phone all day.
J says
The customer service was unprofessional and laughable. The government evidently outsources to some part of India. I allowed my frustration to turn into laughter. Such shoddy service sends out the message that your government doesn’t care.
Jade says
ALSO… the number I ported in (which means a number you are currently using through another provider) was from Metro PCS. All you need is the account number from you CURRENT (yes, it has to be currently active) service, your account password with that company, and they swith (port) it FREE OF CHARGE!
Jade says
I just want everyone to know, you can use almost any Verizon phone through Reachout. I just activated my Droid X to them, even was able to port my old number to the service for FREE, and they added 50 minutes to my account for FREE. Also, they say that they’re going to be offering data service plans soon as well. For $26.50 a month for free talk and text, and be able to use it on my Droid X is incomparable to any other service out there. Reachout is also on the Verizon network, if you didn’t know. When they activated my Droid X I immediately was shown the 3G symbol on my reception. Just make sure if you are on a minute plan and not on unlimited and using a smartphone that you DISABLE COMPLETELY all data services on your handset. It is as simple as unchecking some boxes in options. Also, if you have a smartphone that has wi-fi capability, you can use that to connect to internet for free.
Aggie says
I contacted the BBB in Columbus, Ohio and told them my story. The next day my problem was fixed! Nexus is the parent company of ReachOut. I tried for over a month to get the phone number from my old phone changed over to the new phone from ReachOut. I have pages and pages of chat info I saved, I used chat because I could understand whoever I got, if I got someone, when I call the 800 number. They did something so that neither phone would work. By now I’m getting pretty mad to say the least.
tifany says
it sucks i cant get my refund from the unlimted plan and i dont have service
Tay says
For you all who call customer service and have to wait 45 mins to an hour, go to the website and try the online chat. i usually get someone immediatly but they are still very slow at lookin up your information and either way they are still not americans. For me its faster than calling but it’ll still be a gamble as to if they actually solve any problems. The phone I got works but they haven’t issued the minutes I paid for.
Tay says
I would not recommend reachout wireless to anybody. The customer service is horrible, hold times are very long even for online chat, and it’s very hard to understand what these people are saying through their accents. I purchased minutes on March 5th and because I didn’t buy them on the 1st, I was to told I have to wait for April to get my minutes. Now it is April and I have yet to receive any minutes. I asked for a refund 3 times the guy kept changing the subject. Cheap plans but not at all worth the hassle.
jackie s. says
Reachout wireless servoce is terrible!I hear in other States its free but here in California it isnt.they customer service is rude and the wait time is rediculous.I’m changing as soon as I can find a reasonable plan.
Lynn says
Just received phone today. Phone was used and had scratches on it with a couple ding marks( probably dropped). Phone would not make outgoing calls. I was on hold for over 20 minutes waiting on customer service. Then spent 45 minutes with customer service guy I could barely understand and phone will still not allow outgoing calls. I was told to return the phone to their repair dept to be repaired. I could hear other customer service employees in the background and they all had accents. It seems to me if our goverment is paying people to be customer service reps they could at least be Americans. So far, very frustrating.
Amber says
I have had reachout for almost 2 years now and (knocks on wood) have not had any problems. Although after reading all of these comments, now I’m worried! I signed up for the service, the phone they sent me was complete crap and wouldn’t hold a charge for more than an hour and seriously had to be one of the first phones ever made! But, a friend of mine gave me her old Verizon phone, I activated it and have been happy ever since…..the reason I am on this page is because today I received a text message saying that my unusual calling patterns indicate abuse of service that violate the policies of unlimited talk/text and to call some 1800 number. I don’t understand this at all! For starters, almost all of my phone use is through texts, but I just have no idea what this is about and am trying to find out if this is some sort of scam or someone trying to get me to call this number to get my personal info. The number of the person sending the text showed up at 7244. Does anyone know anything about this??
melissa says
The same thing happened to me 3 times. I purchased the unlimited plan and withing two weeks I got the same text message and they interrupted my service. I called and went on live chat with them and got nothing but a headache from arguing with them. Every time it’s gotten interrupted I have gotten a different answer as to why. Tried saying I used my phone to run a business, to make 900 calls, to send picture messages. My phone won’t let me do anything but send regular texts and make calls so theres no way I was doing anything like that. The only thing they offered me was 1000 minutes. Said they couldn’t reactivate my unlimited plan. The 1000 minutes go down VERY quickly. Within 2 days my 1000 minutes was out. I think we all need to get together and make complaints to the BBB.
Really? says
Makes me wonder if they have an unlimited plan, but don’t want you to take advantage of it. Sounds to me that they don’t want you using it unlimited so they shouldn’t offer it. Looks like people who use tons of min. get cancelled becuase they don’t expect you to use that many which is dishonest on their part. If it is unlimited, they shouldn’t freak out & cancel you if you use it too much. However, it is a cell phone, not really meant to be used all day long. This is a phone offered to the poor to help get work or use for emergency. You can’t get mad if you using that many minutes. Plus nobody else offers more then 1000 min anyway. You greedy people complaining that you don’t have enough min. are gonna make us all loose this privilage. The government could say everyone is complaining about not enough min and don’t appreciate it so just end the Lifeline. 1000 min. in 2 days shows you have too much free time on your hands to gossip and aren’t working. If all your gonna do is sit on the phone all day, you don’t deserve a free gov. phone. Get a house phone!
David says
I’ve had the same problem with the unlimited plan. 2 weeks after getting it, it gets interrupted. I for one don’t excessively use my phone. I use it for medical purposes, work, and personal reasons. Yes the phone is free, but the unlimited talk and text plan is NOT. You pay almost $27 a month for it, $54 if you decide to repurchase it after the first one getting interrupted after two weeks. I don’t see anyone on here complaining about the free minutes they get, they complain when they PAY for minutes and the company does not follow through with the plan and make poor excuses for interrupting service. I too have been given the 1000 minutes for my inconvenience and it does run out very quickly. I check my minutes balance often, it also seems to jump around. Goes from 17 hours then a couple hours later its down to 12 hours then back up to 15 hours and so forth and so forth ( with out me even using the phone at all during that time). All kinds of different people use this service, people receiving medical assistance, food stamps, cash benefits, ssi, disability. So not everyone that has it is unemployed, you can receive foodstamps and medical and still work. Also if they’re going to put a limit or restrictions on the unlimited plan they need to state that when you purchase it. I have read over their terms and conditions very carefully and it doesn’t say anywhere you cannot make personal calls to friends, you can only call a certain number so many times for a certain length of time.
frances says
I hate these folks, paid for unlimited service 3hrs ago, they took my money and never gave me any service, been on hold for 30min, chatted with 3 different ignorant bastards, no help at all, they really need to do something about that.
Letticia says
The phone i got wrks great, but the customer service is horrible, i have been trying to contact the reachout wirelescustomer service here in cali for over a week to try and reset my vm password..and im calln again now cuz i have 18 vm and ive beeen on hold for almost 1 hr….ahhhhh!
Jay Onyx says
I know several people who have received a Reach Out Phone. They needed my help in order to get service for problems ranging from activation to reporting a stolen or bad phone.
[redacted]
Reach out is good only if you have a good, well functioning phone. Most people will have to pay for an “upgrade” to get a good phone. Warnng, there is no guarantee that buying an upgrade will get a good working phone, as they are used bought in bulk phones like the ones ReachOut gives out for free. RachOut is good if you have access to a phone with unlimited calling and can be free from being distrubed for a few hours. The shortest I have been on hold is 50 minutes and then I find out I have the wrong call center. Use the number Reachout gives you and it is likely you will be told its the wrong one. In Michigan, you are told the “national number” is for California. Call the new number and I waited on hold 35 minutes. I got a call center in India and these really are people who cannot speak English. Reachout isn’t going to pay $200 a month for a English fluent engineer. No, they hire uneducated Indians who do not speak English. He was polite and friendly but the call took 40 minutes because I had to have him repeat himself an he had me repeat myself several times. They use a TTY machine. When I repeated something to him there was a delay while the machine translated for him and when I asked for repeat I got a cumputer voice.
I help people with Safelink, Assurance, & Reachout. Safelink is the best. Their hold times are shorter and the staff can speak English. Safelink has a solid quality phone for Free phone and you get a new phone. You also get an option to double your minutes for just $5 a month! Reachout has predatory charges on its phone cards. Assurance is in the middle. Phones tend to come semi-refurbished with working batteries. Often Reachout phones come with a battery that doesn’t hold a charge well anymore and chargers that do not work.
yolanda says
Nice but that all sounds like 1. you have easy access to be able to change whatever options or problems. 2. That’s the problems with most people, they assume that everyone has it that easy. 3. We don’t!
Our access to communicate is being cut off, interupted repeatedly so this makes it so hard for disabled people to make needed appointments or stay in touch with family who can be of support. If any of our loved ones are in jail or prison, forget it! you’ll have a easier time getting in contact with alien by phone!
rett says
No different than Assurance and/or Safelink. I got 250 free minutes and cannot use them because of the piece of junk phone that has no reception. Cannot hear a word spoken on it or vice/versa. How is that helping?! Lifeline pays for this and _they__ are getting ripped off.
brianna says
I hate reach out wireless they cant even call me back i tried calling them to see if it cost to upgrade a phone and all I hear is a stpid machine
Ron B. says
Worthless Cell Company
I have ReachOut, lifleline plan in CA, for 10 days!
Using thier C/S is about a user freindly as a Root Canal, least with a root canal the end justifies the pain!
The first phone sent had a broken charging circuit, but was activated to make calls, not voice mail.
They are sending a second phone, can’t wait to see what junk they will send!
Do not buy any upgrade thru Reachout, the Warranty is for 14 days only! No extended plans available.
They claim 3G is coming, well so is 2012!!!
The Chat, when I am bored watching TV, is amazing! These clowns bullshit around direct questions as a politician, saying little!
Will go thru the drill, then cancel!
Supposedly people hack phones as Optimus S, to have functional rooted internet, and apps, and Google Voice and Maps. This will be thru using the 2G, as using 3G depletes minutes quickly!
tomecia says
reach out is the best, my service is good an i have unlimited talk an text for 26.50, my calls dont dropp an i take my phone out of town with me, it works everywhere, i just upgraded to a android phone an its awsome, if youre having problems just go to www. callrow.com an chat with them, i promise they will take care of the problem
Heather Saylor says
Did that, tried that and it didn’t work. I just want my money back for the defective phones I bought and was sent. Terrible company and I would rather go without then treated like shit by the customer service reps and supervisors. I mad a complint with the FCC and I will be filing a suit in small claims tommorow. I do hope they continue treating you well..
Richard says
I been having them for months now and they are GREAT!!! Works with any verizon phone new or used!!
Life is too short take it easy and breathe!!
Maliylah says
THEY SUCK, GOT THE PHONE IT WORKED FOR ABOUT 2 MONTHS NOW CANT GET ANYONE ON THE PHONE TO FIX THE PROBLEM! HAVE FAXED AND FAXED AND REFAXED PAPERWORK THEY WANTED AND STILL NOONE CAN FIX IT…. ITS ALWAYS SOMETHING THEY TAKE 45 MIN I GUESS SCRATCHING THEIR ASS, ONLY TO TELL YOU THAT THE DEPARTMENT IS CLOSED TO COME BACK TOMORROW YOU COME BACK TOMORROW AND ITS THE SAME SHIT!
Jason says
I also forgot to mention, the people you are talking to on the phone are not in another country. They are in Columbus, OH. I have met each of them personally.
No outsourcing, I promise you.
Jason says
(This comment has been edited to remove a blatant sales pitch.)
I am an distributor for ReachOut Wireless.
[sale pitch removed by moderator]
Someone had mentioned they wished ReachOut offered data. As you are aware, at this time it is not available, but if you are looking for a data plan, there are other providers that offer data, but you have to watch what type of ‘data’ it is. There is data for ‘basic’ phones, and then there is data for ‘smartphones’. The type of phone you have would dictate what type of service you could be offered.
A person can buy/use a different phone if they so desire, as long as it is type of band (2 types are GSM and CDMA). By looking up the type of phone you currently have, discovering which of the two bands you are currently using, you can get another unlocked phone, and put the SIM card in that phone, or for CDMA, have the phone programmed to receive that number. I will not go into the details on how to do this, because it varies per phone.
[sale pitch removed by moderator]
mark says
i hope the problem is that some people unable to understand how they work,,,,,but if U will try to understand the process then there will be less problem to get good help from this company or any other for customer service.,.,,.,
Rose says
I got the government phone and when it just quit working you get the run around..my minutes got taken and they lied and said I used them…all they want is for you to buy a phone from them
Teresa Skeens says
I have had both Safelink and Assurance Wireless services, they both have excellent customer service and the minutes are on the phones like clockwork. I live in Tampa, Florida, I don’t know if that makes a difference. Good luck to you.
Joe Sterkling says
Reach Out in Illinois.. Sucks! Bad signal garbely, also They removed my Roll Over after I had it.
Laura says
I have had Reachout for 2 years now and I have had no problems with them. The only thing I would like to see if a data plan. The bottom line is its a free phone and free minutes how much more can you expect?
mike says
I have been with Reach-out for a few months now, and I have had nothing but good luck until today. My phone is a good phone, it holds a charge for several days, and when I had to contact support they were quick to resolve my problem. I was only on there live chat, there rep was quick to correct my problem.
As of right now, I give them 4 out of 5 stars so far. I cant complain too much, heck the phone is free, and the amount they charge for unlimited, you cant find anywhere for nowhere close to that price.
Dale says
after all I read on the comments on the sevice on the phone and the representive help that I read that you all are having probs. with. I had some interest in this program. but seems to me our government is just helping another country with their monies prob. in small way. the program REACHOUT yea reachout and bitch slap somebody. 250min would be difficult to keep under control. Thank You people for your comments very helpfull
joy says
all i have to say is reachout service is horrible
Martin says
I agree with the last poster. This company is horrible! They’ve used up all of my monthly minutes by putting me on hold while trying to get some customer service! It’s absurd. Just yesterday they called me for a follow-up, but then said they had to transfer me to the Wisconsin call center…..then kept me on hold for 30 minutes before I hung up. These people literally make you want to scream.
And how is it that our American, government-run program is serviced by a call center in India????????
People, nothing in life is free. PLEASE do not use this company. You will regret it. Go to Ebay and purchase a free activation for PagePlus. It will come with some free minutes as well. All you need is a CDMA phone or one that was previously used on Verizon. It seems that PagePlus piggybacks on the Verizon network. Purchase top-up cards as needed and the minutes carry over.
Say no to the US government and the “free” crap. You get what you pay for…NOTHING.
Steve says
Absolutely terrible customer service!!!
I was disconnected 4 times today while trying to resolve some simple issues on the phone with them. I’ve tried to receive help from these people multiple times and it was always like pulling teeth. They claim that the call center is located in Ohio, while I find it strange that every phone and computer rep is Indian. I’d bet 100 bucks the call center is located in India. And nothing against those people, but I have great difficulty understanding their accent. I continuously requested to speak to a different rep and they refused, then eventually hung up on me. A very second rate outfit.
The only way to get some help is through their online chat feature, though you must have at least 2 hours on hand to wait for them. Absolutely horrible response times and they don’t listen to what you tell them. Stay clear of this outfit if you can.
malone says
My husband’s phone broke, the representatives here do not speak English, and are NO help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
tonya priest says
yall should not be that hard to get a phone from . if we cant afford to pay that much & our bills & food are getting to high to get time put on our phone . so when yall say free phone & mins that should be the way it should be . why do yall say free mins and then tell us that we have to buy our own mins when the free ones run out thats not far to us
Don't need to know says
It’s not a FREE phone and FREE unlimited minutes so u can sit on ur couch and talk on the phone all day, WHILE UR NOT WORKIN, and getting everything else free. You get free minutes for emergencies and important shit, stop bein greedy!!!
Cindy says
Worst customer service I have ever had. They gave me nothing except the run-around. One excuse after another. Never the same excuse twice. Funny how their story keeps changing. I never even received my phone. I went on the live chat 3 days after applying to get my tracking number & phone number. They proceded to tell me that I was not eligible. They had taken my money for the phone I had ordered but never even bothered to notify me that i did not qualify. I receive SSA, SSI, Medicare, Medicaid & Foodstamps. At least 3 of those makes me automatically qualify. He tells me he needs a copy of my soc. security card & photo ID to prove I have those benefits. I ask, how is that going to prove anything except who I am. I say that I have letters from SSI stating the amount that I receive a month plus letters from human services stating that I get Medicaid & foodstamps. Can I send those instead, he says no just the ID & soc. security card. So I scan them & send them. He says wait 3-5 more days than contact them again. So I wait, I then in the meantime went on facebook & tried to get some answers from them there. Every post I put on their wall was deleted, they were not even bad posts, they were polite posts. I had just stated what the person I had chatted with had said & that I had not been contacted, not even once, that I wanted to know what was going on. After a few posts from me, they actually had unliked me from their page & even if I clicked like again, I was not able to comment anymore, they had banned me. Banned me for asking for answers, how bad of customer service is that. No help at all. So I decided to try chat again. After waiting 3 days more I contacting them via chat. I then received a totally differant excuse. Now they were wanting the letters from SSI that I had tried to give them before. Well by this time I had had enough, with this company. I told the guy I wanted a refund. I got no response. I stated again I wanted a refund. Eventually he came back on & asked if I could talk to his supervisor. I said fine, so this new guy starts asking me for letters proving my benefits. I told hime no I am not sending them, that I had offered to send them before but wa not allowed to. I told him that I had been given the run-around & that I just want a refund. He then again said I need to send the letters. This went on at least 4 times. He was not getting the point that I just wanted a refund. So at that point I said if you do not give me a refund then I will contact the BBB & the FTC. Not even a minute went by & he came back on & said “You will have your money refunded within 48-72 hours. Thank you for your interest in Reachout Wireless. Have a nice day.”
At this point I am not even sure if I want to even try Safelink, because I am afraid they will be just as bad for customer service. Although safelink is through tracfone & I have dealt with them in the past when I had straightalk, They are not that bad to deal with. So I do not know what I will do now.
Tim M. says
I have been laid off for months and was behind on my bills so I decided to try one of the free cell phone services sponsored by the government. There was a Reachout Wireless kiosk at my neighborhood party store and I signed up there. I received an activated phone 7 days later. A refurbished Verizon Motorola Q phone. This particular model was being sold over 2 years ago and was kind of out dated but it worked fine and looked new. I was kind of surprised. It wasn’t a bad phone for something that was free. No complaints at that point by any means. No problems with calls. Seemingly good coverage. I think it was Verizon service contracted by this company (“Reachout”). So everything was going good, until my service was shutoff at about the end of my first month for reasons that I couldnt figure out at first? I was surprised and was counting on this service being up for my current job search more than anything. So I re-read through all of the information flyer’s that they had originally sent me when I received my phone. On the back of one of those flyer’s I found an area, kind of hiding, ‘that stated “You must call 1-888-820-6002 from your Reachout Wireless phone once each month (every 30 days) to avoid disconnection of your service AND losing ALL minutes accumulated on your account.” I hadn’t purchased any additional minutes thank goodness but had over 3 hours worth of minutes still on my phone. So I contacted customer service and couldn’t get any answers or decent responses for any decent solutions to my problem. My phone was cut off. They asked me to resubmit an application and now demanded that I include a utility bill with my current address on it, a copy of my food benefit paperwork with my account info on it and a new enrollment application for their services. That afternoon I sent all the documents to them via email to the Internet address that they had instructed me to. (enroll@reachoutwireless.com) They told me it would take 24-48 hours to process. Mean while no phone. 2 Days went by and still nothing! Still no phone service. I contacted them again. They told me to submit the same paperwork I already had 2 days prior. I informed them of that.They obviously had no clue what was happening with my account. After hearing from me that I had already sent the again requested paperwork and app, they told me to wait 24 to 48 hours. That’s it. They just said wait 24 to 48 hours. After that they pretty much ignored all of my other questions regarding the status of my account. They obviously were overseas based I’m guessing because they didn’t spell correctly and seemed oblivious and limited with their English responses on the live chat area. They were also clueless concerning my questions to them, purposely or unpurposely??? I think purposely. Probably trained to purposely ignore certain questions I think. My friend who was present during these chat conversations had the same impression. “Their ignoring you I think” my friend had said. What a joke, and it was mainly on me. No wonder why everyone is laid off in our country. They are probably outsourcing more work overseas. Even government connected programs. How wrong is that? I talked to them last Thursday for the second time, and today, still no phone and it is Sunday. Now their site is not up according to my Internet search? I’m going to try another of the free phone companies and see how things go I guess. Very frustrating. Going to have to reactivate my old cell account tomorrow. Gotta have a phone up. I’ll have to pay a reactivation fee now. So much for saving some money. Good luck to anyone who tries this service. Remember to read everything thoroughly. You really don’t want to deal with their customer service dept. or you’ll probably have big problems.
shotaiken says
BTW, the company is NOT run by Indians. Pretty much ALL companies these days outsource their customer support to India. Why? Because people there will work for MUCH less, & you don’t have to provide them with health insurance, life insurance, you don’t have to adhere to safety codes, etc. Companies prefer exporting jobs because they can save LOTS of money with human rights violations. It’s VERY rare that a massive corp isn’t guilty of this. If you want this to stop, go after ALL the companies who are guilty of it. Write to your Congress, try to get laws passed that will penalize those who export/outsource jobs.
Tim M. says
Yea I figured that it was mainly their customer service reps who were being outsourced.
mark says
but anyhow they are serving Americans till now
shotaiken says
I’m surprised so many people are having issues with ReachOut. I’ve had nothing but positive experiences. Weird…
Activation was a breeze. I get a decent signal (Verizon network) even though I’m out in the arsecrack of Georgia. My phone is even pretty nice for a cheap lil flip phone. Each month, we call to make sure the minutes rolled over don’t expire. It’s all automated, so I don’t know why it isn’t working for others.
Tim M. says
Yes my service was fine also until I had need to get in touch with their customer service dept for my problem. They were horrific to say the least. This was kind of my fault also i guess for not thoroughly reading through all of the literature they sent me.
mark says
if u will ask help and have patience they will surely help /////////
Don't need to know says
Well said!
mary reid says
I have had reachout wireless for a year now. It’s true that getting through to customer service is a long wait most of the time. And the customer service reps can be difficult to understand at times. However, with that being said, any problem that I had was resolved in a timely manner. Also, when I upgraded my phone they always add minutes as a courtesy. Never had to pay for shipping for sending in for a replacement phone. 3.75/5 stars for me!
Tim M. says
Just curious Mary, but if you have nothing but a positive experience with ReachOut then why are you reading through a review forum after a year being with them?
Lea says
Tim, you don’t have to be happy or upset with service to read these forums. I don’t have service but stumbled on this so am reading it. People are curious.
ayana g says
Often, the companies, themselves, post positive reviews under pseudonyms. “Mary” just might be a plant!!!
Emili Payne says
this is the worst service i’ve ever had. the phone they sent me didnt work. so i spent hours trying to get in touch with someone that spoke enough english that i could explain the problem to them. so they had me send my phone in to the repair place and said they would send a replacement (they even went as far as saying the replacement would be a better phone). so i spent my last $5 to send it back in and havent heard anything else from them. i have been on their live chat (since i dont have a phone to call from grrrrrr) for the last few days for hours at a time trying to get someone that knows what they are talking about. right now i am on hold. have been in the chat with the same person for 43 minutes, and have been told the exact same thing about a dozen times in a row. talk about dense. so i finally asked Benjamin to let me speak to a supervisor and he is pretty much refusing to let me speak to one!!!! as soon as i take my kids to school in the morning im gonna find a phone and get on it…and im callin anyone in govt that is associated with the lifeline program. and im not going to stop until someone fixes this mess they call reachout wireless…i suggest everyone else do the same and maybe they’ll step it up…or lose their lifeline contract.
Angela irritated says
You’re doing better than me! I’ve been on live chat 4 hours and havne’t heard from anyone!
Jane says
I appreciate the service, I was laid off from work and this free service has been a God send. The complaints above are true though. The phones don’t hold a charge more then a few hours which is a problem if you’re out and about. The customer service is bad, the chat customer service is bad too. I’ve had to replace 2 phone so far. The first one just stopped charging and I couldn’t power it on. The 2nd phone I received the charger did not fit into the phone. I was able to jam it in but it would not hold a charge. I just received my 3rd phone and I really hope it works out. I need it.
Annie Caneely says
The company isnt bad. They just need to upgrade their website to where it tells u what phones are available for upgrade.
na says
stay the hell away from these people
maria says
can i cancel the service if i dont want it anymore???how can i do it?
Adrienne says
I recieved my reachout phone a month ago. I had to pay for one because free ones where not available. last month i paid for unlimited service and it worked well. today my phone cut off and i paid for unlimited online and here we are almost 6 hours later and my phone isnt working. *611 gives a message to dial numbers that you cannot dial if you have no minutes. i had to live chat on the website 3 times today and that took forever with no help. I am not a complainer and usually have good luck. the customer service response is crap i hope I wake up to my phone working. fingers crossed. p.s for some reson i cannot get data or internet???EVER
Liz says
OMG! Every one is right. This is the worst phone Ever. Reachout wireless reps are all indian and can hardly be understood. They give you the run around and always put you on indefinate hold. I applied for a phone four months ago. I was told I would be receiving a pink slip and a phone in a few weeks. after waiting several weeks and never got pink slip or phone, I called again. Four indian reps told me that I was unable to sign up for an account because I already had an account. I told them that I never received a phone so who is using my account? All I got from each rep was “I’m sorry but I can not give you that information”. I still can’t figure out who got my phone, who is using my information and why after supplying the reps with all my information, they can’t help me. Who do you call to complain about a fraudulent account when it’s the government’s company? OMG! I’m at a lost.
Marisa says
This is an extremely discounted phone and phone plans…I’m grateful to have a free phone and cheap plan in hard times like this!!!! If you want to complain then go pay Verizon, tmobile, att like 80 a month lol
George says
good service people are nice ………..m using the service…………and it is pretty reasonable as well thanks reachout wireless!!!!!!
Elizabeth Payne says
This phone service is terrible. I paid for 4hrs talk time and got about 45mins worth and now it says there is not enough time on my account and the voicmail does not work right. I called customer service and after being on hold for 10 min they hung up on me!!!!! About the only thing they are good at is stealing your money!!!!!
Carolyn Krompetz says
I am on hold now with Reachoutwireless tech support….i’m having problems due to the fact that my phone does not HOLD a CHARGE….unreliable to say the least !!!
Sharon Worthington says
This company really sucks. The first phone they sent wouldn’t charge so if i wanted to use it I had to stay plugged up. They send another phone that won’t keep a charge more than 6 hours and the corner broke when i opened it. I gave up on calling them because after a long time on hold I don’t understand what they are saying so I go to live chat and and still don’t get my problem fixed. And even though I barely use my phone my minutes disappear. Att has the same service so I think I’ll give them a try
yolanda says
My phone is not currently working even though I have tried to put minutes on but they switched and put them on wrong phone because I helped a friend get his on so now my extra minutes get put on his? I have tried to straighten this matter out and complainted like crazy but they ignore me.
Very..... Bad. ;) says
At first when I got the phone I was veryyyy happy. They sent me a [refurbished] LG enV2. It is actually in pretty good condition. But then I started getting random calls several times a day. One 800 number called me up to 10 times a day, and a 503 called me like 5 times a day. Another few numbers called me too. Most of them asked for this one guy, but it got more and more random asking for different people. This could either mean they are recycling phone numbers or just giving it out to random people.
The weirdest thing is that some of the calls are from…police or something…. telling him he is a suspect and he “must come in immediately” or something? It’s extremely creepy. I never answer the calls and I don’t want to waste my minutes on checking messages that aren’t for me, but I saved those weird messages the one time I heard them….
The next bad thing is that the second time I charged it, the charger didn’t work. It just suddenly won’t turn on and I don’t know if the charger stopped working or if the phone is broken! So I basically haven’t used the phone in a couple of weeks. I am going to figure that out…. hopefully.
PS: The customer service sucks. SUCKS. <3
Subqd says
All Phone numbers are recycled no matter what company you are with. Some of them wait longer before they reuse and others don’t. There is nothing you can do about this except 1) call and have the number changed and take a chance with the new number. 2) register your number on the do not call list. 3) just deal with it and tell each person that calls that the number has changed hands and to remove your number from there system/records and eventually this will start to help. Hopefully. Good Luck.
Ruthie B says
I recieved my wireless government cell phone several months ago,and i love it. I haven,t had any problems at all and it is easy to use.I am very pleased. i don,t know why all of you are having so many problems.
joe says
funny how people complain about the customer reps not knowing english, when a lot of the people here don’t seem to know English as well. it’s like the blind leading the blind.
hurricane says
my phone is 2 months old it is in two pieces i called and the fools to return it the india guy hung up on me then the phone went dead and I lost th e time I put on the phone , I want to go postal on the whole freckin thing here but they are hidden in there I will go to jail and the asses win win SOMETHING HAS TO BREAK HERE BIG TIME
hurricane says
rechout reachs out to the moon where these con artists came from the phone is in two pieces in my hand do not go with this retarded company the cust serv fool is that same brain dead fool from idia that att uses adn magicjack uses and al the American companys robbing us and giving our jobs to thses russun brain deads or the india girl that make 24 cents an hour the crappy california service charges us and the other 49 states are free they should be it is crapola big time go figure it is jerry brown and his crew of liars getting every dime he have until the economy crashes big time leaving the nothings fight for our lives against the rich greddy liars of corporate american get it together people we made them what they are we can boycott them and shut them down hard do it we can we ARE ALL WE HAVE LEFT AMERICA get it together and march OCCUPY our country and get it back to the place it should be for our babies
John Dough says
Well if you would have gone to school maybe you would not need this service. (read what you wrote)
Sounds like all you want to do is bitch about people that make money and those that have an education. Make sure your babies get a good education so they can run this Great country of OURS or corporate America some day.
shermanholmes says
I HAVE NOT GOT JUNE MIN YET WENT I GO GET THEM PLEASE LET NO IT NOW 9 OF JUNE NO MIN YETTHANK SHERMANHOLMES
John says
If the provider isn’t providing, complain to the organization that pays them.
http://www.lifelinesupport.org/about/tools/contact-us.aspx
If that doesn’t get results . . .
Contact your local affiliate(s) of NBC, CBS, ABC and/or the international networks CNN, BBC America, etc. ;they’re all online.
Heck, contact the 700 Club and sick the Bible-thumpers on ‘em.
You do have power, use it.
ayana g says
My experience with Reachout has been just as frustrating as the others who’ve complained. In recent days, Reachout’s website has been down and the phone number doesn’t work. Are those people still in business? If they are, then they need to be investigated. Officials have outsourced this government program to India or wherever and look what we got?
misty says
you all are so right. this is the worst phone company in the world. I dont care if it is free or not. They should treat the people right, and upgrade from that wierd recording. You stay on hold forever, and you still dont get proper service.
yolanda says
I swear they do that on purpose so we will use up our minutes! If you call on a pay phone or landline, they answer quicker!
bob turney says
I HAD THE GOV. PHONE FOR 3YRS. NO PROBLEM. I THINK PEOPLE JUST DONT KNOW HOW TO WORK THESE EASY TO UNDERSTAND PHONES, AND THEY LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT EVERYTHING.
Elizabeth Payne says
Lucky you!!!! Bob. My phone worked great too for about a year and then it just crapped out. If you paid for minutes and you didnt get what you paid for and then the guy from india hung up on you when you called customer service I think you would complain too!!!! Jerk!
Angela irritated says
I agree! Mine was great too for awhile, but when you need help or a new battery like I do… You SHOULD be able to get ahold of them…. yeah Elizabeth you’re right, he’s a jerk. He got lucky and thinks everyone else is stupid!
Teri says
All these people actually DO have a reason to complain. I have a phone from Reachout Wireless. It’s not the phone that’s the problem it’s the people and the service (and I use that term loosely) they provide. Their customer service sucks….it’s horrible! You can count on spending 3 to 4 hrs at least trying to get whatever issue your calling about resolved and 2 out of 3 times you will have to call back because it didn’t get taken care of! And this is the kicker……………WHILE YOUR ON HOLD YOUR MINUTES ARE JUST TICKING AWAY! YES……THEY CHARGE YOU TO CALL THEM! So if all you can afford is 250 minutes you better hope nothing goes wrong because 1 phone call will wipe you out! Just for your FYI
Collette Walton says
I paid for minutes and the minutes did not even make it to my phone. They act like the confirmation number, the email, transaction id number does not mean a damn thing. I can not receive any refunds or the minutes i purchased after I gave them all the correct information. Its ridiculous.
Martha Comfort says
I to have also paid a month ahead and cant get any one to talk to me When I paid they gave me no customer # and now I cant get ahold of them. I have been a loyal customer for 2or 3 years and i feel i’m getting the run around !!!!!!!!!! Why wont someone help me?
joe says
you know the phone is free stop your crying, the rates are good if your are some one who dosen’t talk much, 500mins and 250text for 5 or paygo cards, as for the phone i don’t think any one knows this but i was able to get my droid 2 on this service and 3g data works.
joena says
Well I highly doubt that. I ordered the phone because it has a cheaper unlimited plan. Yes the phones are free and 250 min are free. 3g does not work unless you freakin hacked it! If you can afford a droid why you on a gov program?
kitty says
Phone may be free, but in California the minutes aren’t. I paid (my first purchase) for the unlimited plan today and got jerked around, claiming my payment didn’t clear, so I cut and pasted my bank statement showing where it was deducted from my balance. They then told me that it would take 15 minutes to 4 hours to post this to my account – I questioned it and they couldn’t answer me. I am sitting here with about 30 minutes, no money to buy more minutes, and without the plan I have paid for. This sucks – and I am at their mercy
Monica says
The phones i have recieved from there were not free paid for it and im still having problems with it. And i am assuming that ur phone was verizon wireless at first.
S. Filskov says
This is THE WORST experience ever in my life! HORRIBLE service, over 20 minutes on hold, nothing but obviously scriped responses that don’t make sense, outsourced from India, you can’t understand anything they are saying!!!!! The so called managers are the same!!! STAY AWAY unless you like having your blood pressure raised!
Crazy World says
I have not found one good review on any of the free GOVERNMENT phones and if they are free GOVERNMENT phones why can’t anyone understand customer service reps????? How crazy is this!! Should have known our GOVERNMENT wasn’t helping anyone that truly needs help. How sad is this for the elderly and sick or the unemployed that can’t afford to pay for a phone to call 911 for help!!!
potential new customer says
Well, after reading what others have said so far I must admit it is as bad as they are saying. Called them by phone waited 14 minutes to finally get some one and unfortunately could not understand her. They out source customer service through INDIA and boy is that something. Very annoying at times because they do not listen and are scripted in their responses. Do not pay attention as to what you tell them or are taught to do this so you get angry and hang up. Which is what I did and normally I am a very patient person. My suggestion is quit out sourcing to INDIA because eventually people are going to get upset and leave. That is why I tried to go to this company because the one I am with is also terrible with customer service and is also out soured through INDIA. ( MY GUESS IS THAT IS WHAT YOU GET FOR FREE HOW SAD)
Angela irritated says
Yep the guy I did get to talk to was from India and I couldn’t understand him very well, and he was scripted with answers to me. It’s been more of a pain, Think I’ll just cancel service and eat less to have a phone that works! My son has daily seizures and we don’t have room for phone errors in case of a 911!
Jean Broughton says
my phone got lost or stolen can I get a replacement phone please I only need it for emergencies but can’t find it and can’t remember the number to it cause I never called it I’m 79 yrs. old please help me thank you I had a reach out and really liked it I could see it well
mark says
U can simply call to them ,they will surely help u…….
Angela irritated says
Nope getting ahold of them is IMPOSSILBLE! I’ve been trying for months. 10 times in one day the other day, and NOW I’ve been online over 90 minutes waiting for an instant message help…. They’re impossible to get ahold of unless you’re giving them more money!
Ursel Sevic says
Phone received will not power up, will not accept a charge and I could not receive any help from these idiots.Their chat is the most pathetic experience ever. support is a joke also, Spent 17 minutes on hold for help, gave up, went to chat on the website and was told that since my social security number submitted to chat does not match their records because of their mistake I have to resubmit my information and with a pictured ID. What does a pictured ID prove?
Forget these idiots and go to SAFELINK!
lola says
I’m having the same problem i guess u answered my question i wont be gettin a replacement
Debbie says
WARNING STAY AWAY FROM SAFE LINK
Angela irritated says
I have been for months trying to get a new battery. It only holds a charge for 20 minutes. The only 2 times I got to talk to someone they acted like I was stupid and didn’t know how to check a battery! I called the other day and when I was directed to press 0 to talk to someone the phone disconnects, it did that 10 times!~ Now I’m on hold online, and have been for over 90 minutes!!! I’m disabled and CAN NOT sit here like this waiting for someone to do their job! All I needed was a freaking battery replaced! Yesterday i bought a new phone from them, and NOW I can’t use the phone I have without adding minutes! I’m suppose to get 4 hours free! Where did they go, and WHY can’t anyone answer a call or instant message???
Anne says
All of the above i have experienced with Reachout Wireless. I consider this a farce!! All this company is doing is taking advantage of seniors and low-income individuals. Not only did the charger not fit on the first phone the second phone the charger did not fit on that one either! 2 different phones 2 different chargers. Phone #3 at least the charger fits but like everyone else says . . . the charge is not good for more than a few hours. These phones are sent “overseas” for refurbishing??? What a joke!! I had to cancel my c.c. to get out of this lousy business.
Monica says
Reachoutwirless is full of it, i had a phone that died cause it wouldnt hold nothing but a 20 minute charge and it didnt come back on and the phone that i paid for i cant even read texts messages on it. They also discontinued my charger to the phone i purchased without telling me. The hold times are horrible and they sent me to wrong charges before telling me that my charger were discontinued. Now i went on to see the phones they have available to buy there are none and it was 6 pages worth a day ago.
Debbie says
stay away from safelink, my mother has one from the goverment and it is a trac phone with safelink, it doesnt work at all, when you contact them they say on thier side she was getting good coverage, so i called them and got the same story, i dont care what they see from thier side i surely know if a phone is working or not,they refused to trade out phones that will work the only phones that will work here is the phone # 505
bld3214 says
the phone sucks i hate it i cant stand it and my charger they gave me wont even fit it sucks yall reach out suck yall know that
michellhiggs says
yes reachout wireless has lied to me and took my money this is what they do if you ever need additional minutes something happens to your monthly free minutes maybe they feel like we can afford to pay as if we dont need the other minutes i upgraded my phone and they said that the loaded my minutes but they never did i bought minutes and they gave me 12 minutes and the phone was out of minutes the upgrade never worked well so i bought a new battery and the phone still was defected as if thats the phones they feel we should have i am concerned with ever person who talk down to us who has spent our money as well as trying to get the services that we are able to get im wondering if they are working for the cell phone company you guys tell us to stop complaining and find something else to do then may i ask what are you doing on here reading our complaints and being angry enough to respond we have a reason to let poeple know how we have been treated.. why are you on here to make us feel guilty not happening ..you need to be more understanding you dont know what people are going through…..to whom it may concern
GAD says
RE: New Customer
I lost my job and I finally subscribe to Reachout Wireless Free Cellphones services that was advertised on television. I assume that the services would be great to have while seeking employment, just to find out otherwise by my experiences that it is not. I was praying that there was no catch but unfortunately I was wrong. When the phone arrive I follow instructions to activated it and the next day the phone have been ringing ever since. It is still ringing this very minute while I am typing this review on its own automatically, hmmmmmmm now that is SCARY! The phone will not stop ringing, I called tech support twice and they walked me through with step by steps instructions and said that it shall not give me anymore problem. Boy was they wrong! This is so annoying that I am sending this phone back and canceling. What good is the cellphone, if I cannot use it but can hear it singing to me all day long. It is so bad that I have to cut the power off for a peace of mind. I’ve tried everything, nothing works! Unbelievable!
Martin says
What is it with this company? They got the phone to me, but I’ve not been able to get it authorized and I can’t get anyone to call me back to help me out. I’m in Wisconsin and see from your states page that Safelink is there too. I chose Reachout b/c I heard complaints about Safelink, but I guess I call them now.
pamela says
safelink is no good. can’t get service and .we called and the guy was suppose to do something and never heard from him again.
MelloMel says
I’m in agreement with Martin. Just recently experienced same situation with company. Actually ev’ryone has valid points. Right now, can’t afford monthly phone bill, so it’s frustrating having to depend on this non-service.
april harrington says
i have the very same problem.
Debbie says
safe ink is the worse, they send you a trac phone and you cant get service, I called them and the respenative said it showed on thier computer that i was getting good service , I told them thier computer may show that i am getting good service but i dont, you cant tell them that you dont get service untill you are blue in the face , so i am stuck with a phone that i cant use