ComplaintsforSmart Circle International LLC

• Initial Complaint

  08/14/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On July 14th my husband and I went into a BJ's store to shop, a sales *** from the **** stands stopped us and starting talking to us about their promotion if we sign up. The promotion was 2 $300 Amex gift cards. We have not received them and every number I've called and person I've spoken to says only one $250 gift card is showing up. So we are not getting the promotion I signed documentation for. As well the sales *** said multiple lies during this interaction that I later found out. He said he did not get paid commission, then later admitted in text he did make commission, he also never stated that us trading in my husband's new phone for one of theirs would mean we would be stuck with them for 3 years in order for the phone to be paid off. Which does not make sense considering we traded in a phone that is of equal value to the one sent. He also became very unprofessional in text when I confronted the lies.

  

  Business response

  08/15/2024

  Dear Ms. *********,

  I am sorry to hear about your experience.  I have handed this over to our retail experience associate, ***************************, who has reached out numerous times to the number you have provided to speak to you regarding this case.  If you can please give him a call back, we will do our very best to assist you in resolution.

  Kindest Regards,

  *****************************

• Initial Complaint

  07/22/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Visited our local Target store and was approached by a **** representative. After going thoroughly through the contract and ask many questions, we signed up. ***** later we login to our new **** app to find an astronomical estimated bill and charges for Apple Watches that we do not have. After speaking to the rep that signed us she agreed that something was not right. After a three way call with an **** VIP agent I was told to just wait till the exact bill is posted.We pushed back because there was so much confusion and we just knew things would not turn out well. We then spoke with the ****s representatives manager. He apologized and assured us that if things are still not right when we receive our bill, he would personally take care of it.We found out that our **** rep no longer worked for the company and the manager who swore hed take care of things just ghosted us. We went from what was supposed to be $137.22 a month to almost $300.

  

  Business response

  07/23/2024

  Dear **************,

  We have reached out to ATT and learned that this order belongs to another 3rd party vendor for ATT.  Our sales compliance manager spoke with both you and your husband and after speaking to ATT they learned the watches were ordered and then sent back but the bill had already been cut so it appeared on the bill. The bill will get adjusted,and teacher appreciation has been submitted and just needs to be approved to the account.  Again, as this information was provided to us by ATT and no Smart Circle independent sales offices crated this sale, any further information will need to be received directly from ATT to you.

  Kindest Regards,

  *****************************

• Initial Complaint

  05/01/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I was walking through ******* and a representative asks me what my phone bill cost and who my provider is. I tell them I use ******* and my bill was 509 dollars a month and they assured me they can lower my bill and buy me out of my contract with *******. I was thrilled with this and agreed to it. I still owed money on every phone and I turned them into **** in ************************* and couple weeks later I received a bill from ******* for ***** dollars. I called **** to see why this hasnt been paid off yet and they tell me they dont pay off phones to other carriers and Ive been mislead. Now Ive been on the **** websites and forums and I read the hundreds of complaints with the same scams. I wasnt even looking to switch over companies, **** approached me in the store. I was so happy because I was struggling to pay ******* and now I have an additional $5100 bill to pay because of this. I cant even turn my phones into ******* because I handed them into ****. I feel like *** been robbed, they took my phones with no credits to my account and ******* never being paid off as promised. This is absolutely unacceptable especially for such a big company to be handling business like this.

  

  Business response

  05/09/2024

  Dear *****,
  Thank you for reaching out to Smart Circle regarding your billing issue.  Smart Circle contracts with a large number of independent sales offices who provide services inside large retailers AT&T,Unfortunately, we do not see an order that was processed through any of the independent sales offices with your name or phone number associated with an account.  We have reached out to our contact center at AT&T to assist with the details of your transaction and turned this case over to them for assistance.
  
  Kindest Regards, 

  *****************************

• Initial Complaint

  04/10/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Transaction Date: 3/22/24 $166.49 paid (tax on 2 phones)2 phones (unlimited phone, text and Data)While shopping in ***, we were approached by two men at an **** kiosk. They were selling **** phones and services. 2 months prior, we signed up with ******* for 2 phones with unlimited phone, text and data. These 2 men explained how switching would save us significant money. We questioned the part about sending in our existing (*******) phones as trade-ins for their (****) phones. We were concerned that ******* would hold us financially liable for their (*******) phones and plan. We were told that would not happen. We continued with the process, repeating our concerns. Again, we were told that we would not be held financially liable by *******. We completed the switch, paid $166.49 tax on the 2 new phones. New phones arrived the next day. Followed instructions for transferring everything from the old phones to the new phones. Followed instructions for activating new phones and trading in old phones via **** Old phones were sent via **** Now, ******* is Demanding $1,152.74 by 4/20/24. We never would have done any of this had it not been for these 2 men telling us that ******* would not be a problem for us. My research tells me that these **** kiosks are run by a third party seller - Smart Circle. Others on the internet, like us, have problems and complaints regarding these kiosks and how they operate. **** claims no affiliation with these kiosks or Smart Circle - a statement which, frankly, stumps me. I contacted Smart Circle with all of this information. They forwarded our complaint to ****. **** wants us to text any and all information regarding this entire transaction. I feel like we are getting the runaround and that these employees of Smart Circle will tell a customer anything to get them to sign up. Their irresponsible business conduct is directly responsible for the demand by ******* for $1,152.74 instead of saving us money.

  

  Business response

  04/15/2024

  Dear ******************, 

  Thank you for reaching out to us thru the BBB.  I understand our customer care team has reached out to you to assist in resolution.  If this is not the case please let me know at your earliest convenience.

  Kindest Regards,

  *****************************

  Director of Sales Compliance

   

  Customer response

  04/15/2024

  We do not accept the response from Smart Circle Intl.  We were told 3 times by your salespeople - ***** and his supervisor ***** that ******* would NOT hold us responsible for any contracts that might have been signed.  Had we known that this was not the case, we would never have agreed to any AT&T deal. 

  

  Business response

  05/02/2024

  ******************, 

  Thank you once again for your reply.  I understand the customer are team has further corresponded to you and there has been an agreement reached.  Please advise if this is not accurate information.

  Kindest Regards,

  *****************************

   

• Initial Complaint

  02/04/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Around 9 months ago, we were approached by an ****** representative in a local ***'s Club telling us we could sign up for a new plan to get new phones for a free trade at a significantly cheaper cost per line. First, the rates were not what the representative told us they were going to be. Second, one of our phones that we ended up trading was supposed to be eligible according to her word, and then months later they told us it was not and we had to pay full cost. She also never told us what we signed for was for an entire three years. We didn't figure out this was not a legitimate deal with **** until they told us they are considered third party contractors and separate entities and then looking up similar scams and people mentioning that this is Smart Circle. Previous employees have admitted to quitting due to unethical practices and having to make promises to customers that they know are not true in order to sign them.

  

  Business response

  02/09/2024

  **************, 

  I wanted to reach out and let you know that we have a customer incident specialist looking into this.  Can you confirm the name and number on the account is as follows: 

  ***********************;**************
  E-mail: ********************

  If this is not the correct information that account is under, please let me know what it is so we can ensure this transaction is reviewed.

  Thank You,

  *****************************

  Director of Sales Compliance

• Initial Complaint

  02/01/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On Dec. 2nd **** I interacted with a sales person who I later found out was a SmartCircle employee. This individual lied to me about the terms of my new ATT service. He lied about the bill costs, the terms of trade-ins, credits going forward and accepted terms on my behalf. It was an over the top amount of lies. This company does not train sales people, it trains conmen. I can elaborate on all these details if there are questions. If this was a normal sleazy sales guy interaction I would not complain. In my opinion this was straight up fraud. He used my phone to accept terms of service that I was unaware of. This is an unacceptable practice. This company then reached out to me and offered $200 in ****** cash to make it right. Laughable, I dont want money, I want companies to operate in an ethical manner.

  

  Business response

  02/04/2024

  Dear **********************,

  Thank you for reaching out to Smart Circle to assist in resolution.  I understand that you have been in direct contact with the resolution team and they have informed you that they are unable to take the trades back, but both of your trades have already been processed and you are set to receive $1000 in monthly credits for each of his two devices. 

  If there is anything further needed, please feel free to reach out.

   

  Thank You

  *****************************

  Director of Sales Compliance

  Customer response

  02/04/2024

  I have not accepted the trade in money. This company refuses to accept responsibility for their sales person misrepresentation. They seem to just want to pay me off to get me to go away. In my opinion they are a business that uses lies to sell a product and should be held responsible. Their response is absurd. I am 100% not satisfied. 

  

  Business response

  02/05/2024

  **********************,
  My apologies for not addressing your concerns of fraudulent behavior. First Id like to point out that Smart Circle contracts with a large number of independent sales offices across the nation, we do not have any management or ownership interest in these sales companies or the employees of these sales companies.  That being said,we do take claims of fraudulent behavior very seriously.  Smart Circle regularly reviews orders from sales representatives along with any claims from customers so we can ensure best business practices are being followed by all of the independent sales offices *********** with.  If there is anything further I can assist you with, please let me know.
  Thank You,
  *****************************

• Initial Complaint

  06/23/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Thairapy Wet/Dry Flat Iron - Case # ****** [ ref:_00D1I32Fw._5003shGza1:ref ]It seems fraud as business practice is not as per their adverisement. I had defective product with lifetime warranty. It was almost impossible to find this business and contact them. After several investigation, once I connected, the person seem to me requesting to follow wierd return/replacement process. Lately, no response of my phone calls or emails.I need replacement product ASAP

  

  Business response

  06/28/2023

  Dear ******, 

  My apologies in the delay of getting back to you.  Can you give me a little more information so I can best direct your inquiry?  Does the Flatiron have a model number or name on it?  Can you tell me when and where the product was purchased from and approximately how much was spent?

   

  Kindest Regards,

  *****************************

   

• Initial Complaint

  04/22/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I originally found the job posting on Indeed listed as "Event Marketing Assistant" in *******, **. The ad was targeted toward recent grads and those looking for entry-level positions in the marketing industry. I was hired in early January 2022 by CEOs ************************* and ***************************** and relocated to ******* for the position until I ultimately abruptly quit in March 2022. The job didn't include any sort of health or medical benefits and paid $600-$800/week as it was listed, but I only ever made upwards of $400 a week even though I was told I was doing great within the company and was moving up in the ranks. We worked 5 days a week, Wednesday through Sunday, and typically worked long hours. You either made commission or $10/hr, whichever was higher, which ended up being the $10/hr every time. They claimed they would reimburse you for travel when taking a business trip with the company, but failed to mention that was only if you were the one driving to said location. After further investigation back into old emails I have found an email regarding the Sheex teardown instructions that have a logo for Smart Circle on them along with an email and phone number address for Smart Circle if you need assistance with the teardown process. I now understand that Smart Circle is a part of ************ which more information about can be found at **********************************. Additionally, I suggest you watch the documentary The Slave Circle on ******* as it explains the job down to ***. You can find it at *******************************************. Im assuming all of the said companies are under the parent company Smart Circle and have since changed names due to legal issues.

  

  Business response

  05/01/2023

  Dear ****************,
  Thank you for reaching out to Smart Circle International. As you have stated in your complaint, you were an employee of ************* **** located in ******* and not an employee of Smart Circle.  Smart Circle contracts with ************* **** to provide sales services and we do require that each local sales company complies with all applicable laws, including lawful employment practices. Per ************* you worked for that company for less than one month and were paid in accordance with the documents you signed with your employer and in compliance with the law. If you have any further questions or concerns about your employment with ************* please bring them to the attention of Mod Exposure directly.
  
  Furthermore, your assumptions about ********** and The Slave Circle are incorrect. We have never used those names,and Smart Circle is not a parent company or affiliated with **********s or The Slave Circle in any way. 

   

  Thank You,

  *****************************

• Initial Complaint

  02/22/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I went to a **** club and was stopped at their **** kiosk (who apparently isnt even a valid **** representative). They said I could upgrade my 13 pro *** to the 14 pro *** if I traded in.Okay sounds great to **** ask if my installments still left on the device would be an issue as the phone technically isnt paid off yet (I traded another phone for the 13 pro *** but they dont give you the credit all at once up front anymore). They tell me no, it wont be an issue. Ok. The phone gets sent to my house.I go to switch over and oh I was right, cant do it because of the phone not being paid off. I ask if they can *********** the rest of the installments now to be able to do this. I get told no.I call the number I was given at **** club by them in case of any issues. I get sent a return label in my email.I immediately send the phone back the next day.The phone and plan are still on my account per my bill. I ask what this is as I sent the phone back a month ago. They forward me an email with photos attached. They did not receive an iPhone 14 pro ***, but some bullsh*t old phone with a cracked screen thats in an orange plastic cutout (like what the iPhone sits in when you open the box). I did not have anything orange in my box that I sent out, nor did I have any other phone than the iPhone 14 pro ***. Somewhere along the way the phone was swapped out for the garbage one they received. When I called **** the tracking number isnt even the same and the only one they have is for a 13 pro ***. Apparently the phone was used but I didnt even get through the welcome screen so its definitely on their end. Can we possibly just track where it is coming from and deal with it? Im not paying for 3 lines when I dont even have the phone anymore! Ridiculous. They need to fix this. Im also not paying over 1000$ because the fraud department canceled the line for me (Id have to pay the remaining phone price).

  

  Business response

  03/02/2023

  Dear ******************,

  My apologies in the delay in getting back to you.  I have passed this information along to our customer escalation team and someone should be be reaching out to you within the next few days.

  Once again, my apologies for the delay in getting back to you.

   

  Thank You,

  *****************************

   

• Initial Complaint

  01/09/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  While shopping at ****** ********************************************************************************* I was approached by Frontier internet. The promotion was $250 in the form of a ****** shop card for switching to Frontier Internet. I signed up for 2 separate addresses, and never received the gift cards. The two order numbers are: Cz75215881 and Cz75215901 placed on 10/10/21. The account numbers for those accounts are 909-478-0115-110621-5, and 909-335-3495-102621-5. I been actively trying to resolve this for the past 6 months, by visiting the kiosk in person, calling Frontier internet, talking to the ****** managers, and speaking with different individuals at a company called Smart Circle, who supposedly help resolve these types of issues. I don't know who else to contact at this point, and Smart Circle, which was my latest lead - isn't returning any of my calls. I appreciate your assistance in this matter. Thank you.

  

  Business response

  01/17/2023

  Dear *****************,

  Thank you for bringing this to our attention.  I understand from my team that they were in contact with you yesterdsay and have arranged to have the 2 gift cards sent out to you directly.

   

  Thank You,

  *****************************

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