WOW! $1000 deposit for Verizon Wireless service

I went to the store last friday to get an all new contract. *Family share
1200* with 3 lines and 3 new phones.

WELL! MY GOD! $3000 deposit required for new activation. that is $1000 on
each of 3 lines. WOW!
The sales rep wasn't too helpful. He offered run my credit again. One
inquiry in my file is enough, thank you.

So I sent VZW this email when I got home:

I was just at your "Somewhere in M.A." store to buy new
service and phones. I was told I would need a $1000 deposit per line!
WoW! I want to know why? I could do a $200 deposit but $3000! WoW! It
would be cheaper to pay a whole year of service ahead of time and full
price of phones but the sales rep said I would still need to make the
deposit. What gives?

Old lurker

----------------------------------------------------

I recieved this response Sunday:

Dear Old lurker,

Thank you for contacting Verizon Wireless through our website. We apologize
for
the delay in responding to your inquiry.

Thank you for contacting us regarding our security deposit policy.

Verizon Wireless checks the credit of all potential customers. We believe
the
deposit we requested is fair and reasonable, considering the expenditures
and
risks incurred in the wireless industry with new accounts. Your application
was
processed by an automated system that reviews credit information provided by
consumer credit bureaus. The information we received in processing your
application unfortunately did not enable us to approve your request for
service
without a security deposit.

The credit bureau played no part in our decision to request a security
deposit,
other than providing us with credit information. Under the Fair Credit
Reporting Act, you have the right to know the information provided to us.
It
can be obtained by contacting our Credit Orders and Operations Department at
800-382-7116.

Please remember, as part of our Worry Free Guarantee you will enjoy the
largest,
most reliable nationwide wireless network. Feel free to contact us again
through www.VerizonWireless.com if you have any further questions.

Sincerely,

Teresa
Verizon Wireless
Customer Service


-----------------------------------------------

So I sent this email monday:

Thank you for sending me this information.

I called your Credit Orders and Operations Department at 800-382-7116 and
was told there is a single negative trade line in my Trans Union file. I am
aware of it but have not been able to get it updated properly these past few
years. Onestly I haven't put the time into it. As I am sure you know
maintaining ones credit file can be a time consuming exercise.

Regardless, my fico score should be high enough to obtain a contract though
VZW. Is there some compromise we can come to on the deposit? I could go as
high as $200 per line. You see I realy do want VZW service in preference to
another carrier. however I just can't see putting down $1000 deposit per
line despite the how much I prefer VZW.

Your effort is greatly appreciated. Please don't feel rushed.

Old lurker

---------------------------------------------

And recieved this response yesterday:

Dear Old lurker,

Thank you for contacting Verizon Wireless through our website.

Your questions require a more detailed analysis than the e-mail format will
allow.

We would like to extend you the opportunity to contact a Verizon Wireless
representative to discuss your inquiry over the phone.

Please contact our Verizon Wireless Customer Service Department by calling
800-922-0204.

As a quick reminder, you can dial #646 and send for minutes used, and #225
and
send for your balance. Both calls are airtime free!

Please remember, as part of our Worry Free Guarantee if you ever have a
problem,
it becomes our problem the first time you contact us. Feel free to contact
us
again through www.VerizonWireless.com if you have any further questions.

Sincerely,

Kelley
Verizon Wireless
Customer Service

--------------------------------------------

So I just called the Customer Service Department.

Well, after going though the "I'll transfer you" merri-go-round I ended up
back in the Credit Orders and Operations Department.

So I ask again if I can get the deposit reduced.? Wait.- put on hold.-
Wait. - Talk to manager. - Wait. - He comes back and says "there is nothing
we can do" it is $1000 depost per line, $3000 deposit total. I offered to
pay the full price for the phones and a whole year of service up front.
"there is nothing we can do".

So I Thanked him for his time and told him to have a nice day.

sheeeesh! credit should have NOTHING to do with wireless. reasonable???
risks??