Response To Complaints Of Cell Phone Schemes And Scams
By John Toscano

City Councilmember Hiram Monserrate interceded with a phone card company to get rebates for some of his constituents. Councilmember John Liu also went to bat for some constituents who he charged were scammed, but as yet they’ve had no word of any rebates so he’s asked District Attorney Richard A. Brown to look into the matter.

Monserrate (D–Corona) acted after receiving complaints from constituents that a prepaid phone card, distributed by a company called Grandes Ligas, allegedly was not delivering the number of minutes of service advertised.

When Monserrate brought the complaints to Grandes Ligas’ attention, they agreed to give rebates for the shortchanged service to the complainants.

“The owners and distributors of Grandes Ligas are taking the first step by offering credits to those customers who have come forward with concerns,” said Monserrate. “We also look forward to meeting with industry leaders and consumer advocates next week to ensure everyone’s rights are protected every day.”

The lawmaker added that prepaid cards are a vital service in immigrant communities, acting as a primary tool in keeping families connected.

Juan Carlos Nunez, president of American Worldwide Telecom, the distributor of Grandes Ligas cards, said his company is a member of the community that it serves.

Nunez said, “our phone carrier, Compass Global, will make it right”, to any customers who believe they didn’t receive what they purchased from his company.

Monserrate said customers who have complaints about not receiving the advertised minutes on Grandes Ligas cards should call 866-236-9779 and have the PIN [personal identification number] from their original card ready.

Liu’s problem traces to a Flushing cellular phone business which, he charged, has not lived up to the so-called “back-door rebates” that are part of cell phone sale and service contracts sold to some of his constituents. There were also complaints about alleged bounced checks.

After receiving some 100 complaints about these arrangements, which never resulted in any rebates being given, Liu stated: “This is not indicative of cell phone stores in general. It is simply evidence of this one really rotten apple in Flushing that has bilked people [out] of tens of thousands of dollars at the minimum.”

The lawmaker identified the alleged perpetrator of the scheme as U.S. Power Connection Inc. of 39-02 Main St., Flushing.

Liu explained, “It is a store that sells cell phones and signs people up for contracts with a cell phone service provider.” The company, he said, has set up a relatively elaborate scheme to supposedly send rebates back to the customer.

Liu said the store now appears to be closed, so he has asked the district attorney to investigate.