‘This is just another example of Verizon scamming customers’: User advises against upgrading iPhones through Verizon after a bad experience. ‘It’s why I prefer buying directly from Apple.’
Content Creator Warns Against Verizon’s iPhone Trade-In Deals After Frustrating Experience
Felicity House (@felicityann1998) shared a viral Black Friday TikTok recorded from her car, urging viewers to “NOT do business with Verizon,” despite the company’s heavily promoted holiday trade-in offers.
House recounted trading in her iPhone 12—a phone she bought through Verizon with a poor battery—for a newer model last year. She was initially thrilled to receive an offer of $850 for her old phone, exceeding its original cost by $100. However, the excitement was short-lived.
Since July, House says she’s faced “nonstop issues” with Verizon and decided to sever ties with the company. But when she tried to leave, a Verizon representative informed her she still owed $850 because the trade-in deal operates on a payment plan. Leaving the company before completing her contract meant forfeiting the trade-in credits, forcing her to pay the remaining balance.
“So now I’m stuck paying $850 just to get the hell away from Verizon,” House explained. “Or, I give them the phone back and have no phone.” Frustrated, she called this process “another way Verizon likes to scam people.”
Her video has garnered over 215,200 views, resonating with customers who’ve faced similar issues.
How Verizon’s Trade-In Deals Work
According to Verizon’s website, customers can trade in old phones in any condition for up to $1,000 toward new iPhones under its “guaranteed trade-in” program. However, there are crucial terms:
- The old phone must be fully paid off before qualifying.
- Customers receive trade-in credits applied over their new phone’s contract, typically lasting three years.
- If a customer leaves Verizon or upgrades before the contract ends, they lose any unused credits and owe the remaining balance.
These terms mean customers like House don’t receive a lump sum payout, but rather gradual discounts on their bills—provided they remain with Verizon for the entire contract duration.
Mixed Reactions Online
While some users sympathized with House’s frustration, others pointed out that such terms are standard across major carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile.
“It’s actually pretty clearly stated in the terms,” one commenter noted. Another added, “Every provider does this—you must be new.”
However, some users shared similar dissatisfaction with Verizon. “I got Verizon last year and plan to switch back to T-Mobile ASAP,” one said. Others echoed House’s sentiment, vowing to bypass carrier deals altogether: “This is why I get phones directly from Apple. No hidden fees because their math never math.”
Another viewer related: “This happened to me with my iPhone 15 Pro Max. Never upgrading with Verizon again.”
Lessons for Customers
The controversy underscores the importance of understanding the fine print in carrier trade-in deals. While the offers may seem enticing, they come with long-term commitments and potential pitfalls for those looking to switch carriers or upgrade early.
