Unable to unlock Note 20 with Verizon

[Lynnette2025]

I need someone to tell me what to do. I got a Samsung Galaxy Note 20 from Verizon in Chester, Illinois. I put a large down payment on it and I was making my payments according to the contract. I had almost paid my phone completely off but the worker who sold me the phone broke the contract by trying to make me pay a large amount and I told him no. So he cancelled the contract and after a few months he sold the remainder of the bill, which wasn't much, to a bill collector for 1200.00. About a year later I went in to Verizon to discuss it because I have to have a phone due to illness and they went into the computer and saw where the worker did illegal activity with my account and they told me he was terminated shortly thereafter. And according to Verizon, they said I don't owe anything because their worker broke the contract. But Verizon nor the agency who bought my bill will not unlock my phone! What can I do about this?

[realaud]

The bill collector has to prove you owe the money. Do not acknowldge that you even *might* owe something. Ignore their calls, emails and texts. Ask Verizon for written proof you owe nothing and your account is clear. Verbals mean nothing. When you have this proof, send a copy to the collector. The collector has nothing to do with unlocking the phone. If Verizon says your account is clear and you have been on their service for 60 days, they should unlock it. They are the only entity that can unlock it - Samsung can't, and the collector most certainly cannot.

[Lynnette2025]

Thank you so much. I did not know this. I'm going to do this today. God bless you❤

[Dan2023]

I'm not a lawyer (and I think you might need one), but here's what I'd try.

First, report the illegal activity to the big three credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This should help you to protect your credit score and give you some breathing room while you resolve this issue.

Get everything from Verizon about this matter in writing. Tell Verizon that you need it to provide to the big three and your bank.

Find out how to sue Verizon in your local small claims court.

Ask Verizon to replace, not unlock, your phone with an unlocked comparable device of the same value, like the S24 or S25, and to pay off the collections agency that they hired to make amends for the illegal activity of their employee. The Note 20 is almost five years old. You deserve to be compensated for the loss of use and Verizon's fraudulent actions. As an employer, they're responsible for the actions of their employee. Doesn't matter if they fired him or not.

If they refuse, sue them in small claims for the balance due on the collections, the cost of a replacement phone, and the cost of filing the lawsuit.

Until this is resolved, consider purchasing a pay-as-you-go burner phone.

Good luck.

[Lynnette2025]

Thank you so much. I'm going to try all of this.❤

[Robin621k]

Contact your local authorities and local news station. They would love this kind of story.

[MrGhoul]

That is crazy! I hope you get this fiasco taken care of.

[john003]

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[Ben_H]

Hi, I am sorry to hear that you're going through this.

I agree with Dan2023 and would dispute the collection with the three major credit bureaus. You should be able to do that online at their respective websites.

I would then file a BBB complaint against Verizon. Here is the link to do so: https://www.bbb.org/file-a-complaint/0121-411

Your complaint will be sent directly to the Executive Relations Team, which is the highest customer facing team at Verizon. I would include all the details in this complaint as well as any ticket numbers/reference numbers and any pictures of any documents or letters you have, if applicable. Also, clearly state your desired resolution. Someone will be assigned to your complaint and will reach out to you.

If after filing this complaint, you are still not able to resolve the matter, then it would be in the direction of small claims court.

I hope this is resolved soon.

[Lynnette2025]

Thank you so much. I'm going to take your advice as well. I am so grateful for your response.