Verizon Device Recycling Program--SCAM! DO NOT USE!

My flawless 32 GB iPhone 4S was appraised at $210.  I dutifully followed the instructions--deleted all the data, and turned "Find my iPhone" OFF.  I remember thinking as I was doing it, "I should video myself doing this as proof" because I knew how important it was for the trade-in value, but thought better of it because I had no prior poor experiences with Verizon and believed them to be a trustworthy company.  BOY WAS I WRONG.  After weeks of waiting, my iPhone got appraised at $17!  The stated reason? "Find my iPhone enabled".  I immediately started calling the worthless customer service line and have since requested several "escalations".  I received one email back from the "support" team, with the purpose supplying me with a photo of my phone's screen--but guess what?  No photo attached to the email.  I called customer service back again and they were able to read my the IMEI number from the photo that I never received--It didn't match my phones (Thank God I saved the original box!).  I am absolutely livid.  I either want my phone back (not going to happen customer service says!) or I want the full $210 credit.  This is such nonsense, someone in this magical "support" team should be able to actually provide customer service and speak to me.  Otherwise Verizon has lost a longtime customer and the BBB will receive another complaint (and from what I understand, there have been hundreds already).

We had a similar problem with our iPhone4. They both worked perfectly and were in excellent condition. We used them right up until we got our iphone 6. They were appraised at $200 each. I followed the instructions to the letter. Remembering to turn off find my phone and resetting the phone to factory settings to wipe any passwords. I even called Verizon before I mailed them to make sure they were deactivated. I was told that they are deactivated as soon as we turned on our new iphones.
However we got our gift card e-mailed to us for $36! I called to ask why and was told that our phones weren't deactivated. I explained that I made sure they were and I remember turning off find my phone on both phones. They said they would get someone from the factory to call me. No call. Still waiting! I wonder if find my phone was turned back on when we activated our new phones. I don't know but I'm sure I followed all the instructions before mailing the phones and Verizon hasn't given me a good explanation for why we only got $36 for each phone rather than $200 as expected. If I'd known this I could have sold them on ebay for alot more. 
The only reason we continued to stay with Verizon was because of this deal. I was expecting $200 for each iphone that I sent. I'm now thinking of switching to Sprint as I heard they are buying new customers out of existing contracts.  So unless Verizon pays the difference or gives us our old phones back I think we will be leaving.

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    >> Edited to comply with the Verizon Wireless Terms of Service <<
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    All - Wanted to follow up on my original post.  After getting in touch with  Verizon, and talking to a human (had to call the Business line - as there is no way to get thru on the Consumer line).  The agent on the other end was patient and took notes on my complaint.  She filed a "dispute" on my behalf - meaning that within 10 days I would receive a response, and that they would "recheck" my phone.   Today I DID receive a response from verizon that they were issuing me an additional $164 gift card for my iPhone 5.   This, along with the earlier $36 gift card,  adds up to the $200 originally communicated at the time I sent the phone in.  I am satisfied at this point - but a little upset that I had to go thru all of the hassle to get them to deliver on their original commitment.  At least they listened and responded - the sign of a company that cares. 

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