I went to the AT&T "Authorized Retailer" @ 185 Oakwood Dr, Mt Washington, KY, to buy a phone, 4/3/25. I had decided after reviewing their website that I wanted an Apple I 15 that listed a $729 price, with no min contract, and with no upgrades required.
BTW, previously I have ALWAYS shopped at a company owned AT&T store at 4426 Outer Loop in Louisville and I have had ZERO problems with them, after countless visits over the years.
When I got to the Oakwood Dr, "Authorized Retailer" AT&T store, employee "James" told me I could NOT buy the phone outright, but I had to pay $5.99 monthly for 36 months. I was very uncomfortable with that, but I said OK because I had my 9 year old grandson with me as my "advisor" and he has been on me to "upgrade" my phone forever and I did not want to disappoint him by not coming home with a new phone.
When I returned home, I reviewed emails from the real AT&T showing the unauthorized CHANGES and charges "James" had added to my account, adding additional services that he did not even discuss, which more than doubled my estimated bill!
I called the real AT&T and they removed the unauthorized extra charges and services added by "James" to my account, restored it to the original plan, and I also paid for the phone in full.
Now I am considering what, if any, additional civil/criminal action to take.
I have not spoken to the manager/owner yet but I will. If "James" has been employed for more than 2 weeks, I am sure the manager already knows what he has. read more