ComplaintsforPinger

• Initial Complaint

  10/23/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  On 5/27/17 we signed up for a Pinger/Textfree web number. The username: dtsjordan, the password: dts123 and the assigned phone number was **************. In the beginning of October 2024 I texted ************** but was unable to sign onto the account. On 10/6/24 I received a response the # was no longer in service, meaning it had NOT been assigned to anyone else. On Thursday 10/17/24 I got a response STOP then on 10/18/24 LEAVE. The # is used by *** Mission of Charity for those in need to in the ********, ************** area code (803) to contact us. Please either help us regain access to the account and number we signed up for in 2017 or if that is no longer possible assign us another phone # with an (803) area code. People in need who are using pay phones can't afford long distance calls. Also, whatever account # we wind up with, please make the email address ***************** not ************************* that I am having trouble accessing, so we don't have problems in the future.

• Initial Complaint

  09/16/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  Pinger has several communication apps available in the ****** Play Store, all of which are advertised as free. I had been using the TextFree 2nd Phone Number app, and when I installed, I was able to send messages with little issue save for an advertisement popping up after I send a message. There weren't any restrictions or paywalls, just the OPTION to upgrade to a premium membership. After one of their recent updates, I tried to receive a verification code, but the code was restricted. In fact, the company sending the code wasn't the one that text me, it was Pinger themselves essentially demanding me to pay a monthly subscription of $1.99 (which at the time of this complaint has since changed to $9.99) in order to view the code. Not only is this false advertising but it's a blatant Bait and Switch tactic. I wasn't notified of this change, they arbitrarily changed their Terms and Conditions and then retroactively applied the changes. Their app description in the Play Store still claims the app is free to use; but since the app's purpose is for texting/calling and verification codes are SMS messages that they lock behind a paywall, the app isn't free. On top of all that, Pinger appears to be uninterested in making sure that the app runs smoothly. Notifications rarely work (unless it's them telling me that I need to pay them to see a code, those messages always come through), will randomly drop despite being connected to WiFi, outgoing SMS messages don't always get sent despite me hitting the send button, incoming calls will either not come through or the app freezes when I try to answer, and they ******* you with ads after every single action. These advertisements have fake "X's" that when clicked take you to the advertising website, which Chrome flags as a risky site Pinger is collecting ad revenue, neglecting to maintain their application, and then trying to charge MILLIONS of people (10M+ have downloaded the app) $9.99 for a service they market as free

• Initial Complaint

  07/31/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  Ive filed internal complaints about the issue with the programming of the app that causes the ads to interfere with the Microphone an audio when calling their so called "fix" was a free premium month subscription i told them i didn't want that but rather would have them fix the issue with the coding of the app so that the ads wouldn't interfere with the mic an audio its ridiculous that i should have to do this when internal should handle it an fix this issue

• Initial Complaint

  04/01/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  Dear Better Business Bureau,I am writing to formally file a complaint against Pinger, ***** the parent company of the Textfree app, for their lack of action regarding a serious matter of harassment and potential endangerment to my family.Today, my wife received several unsolicited and disturbing messages via Textfree from the number *****************, which included racist language and implied threats. This situation has caused considerable distress and fear for our personal safety.Despite immediate reporting to both **************************** and ******************************** on 3/27/2024, outlining the urgency and severity of the issue, the responses have been inadequate. I have sought to understand what steps could be taken to identify the sender and whether these messages violate Textfrees terms of service. The resolution offered has not met the seriousness of the issue at hand, nor has it provided a path toward ensuring such harassment is addressed and prevented in the future.I have attached copies of the messages received, as well as the correspondence sent to Textfree and Pinger requesting support and action.Given the lack of satisfactory response from the company, I am prepared to escalate this matter to the ********* and local law enforcement to ensure my familys safety and to hold the responsible parties accountable.I request that the BBB facilitate in mediating this issue with Pinger, ***** to ensure:A thorough investigation is conducted into these messages and the user behind *****************.Appropriate action is taken against the user for violating terms of service and engaging in harassment.Pinger, **** implements improved measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.Your assistance and prompt attention to this serious matter are greatly appreciated. I trust that the Better Business Bureau will help uphold the standards of business conduct and consumer safety.Thank you for your time and assistance.Sincerely,Jailain ******

• Initial Complaint

  06/14/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  Date of problem 6/14 www.pinger.com is the parent company of sideline.com Sideline.com has discontinued service, because of a violation I was told I made, while their servers were down and the service was not open to me. I told them repeatedly I am in the US and my internet is in the US and I have no VPN running with sideline. They repeatedly keep sending the same automated message.They tell me I am violating the terms of services. Even if I was using a VPN no where is a VPN or Virtual Private Network listed. I asked them to send me the specific terms of conditions I am violating and I keep getting the same automated response. I have been on hold for hours with no response. They are highly rude unprofessional and inept, as I was told I violated the services at a pervious time because I told them I was in the states and they did not understand the states is *****************.

• Initial Complaint

  05/15/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Unanswered

  More info

  *********************************************************************************************** Sunday, May 14th, 2023 V.I.P. Corporate Executive PINGER, ********************************************************************************************************************** ************** Regarding: Very Special Request Dear Pinger, **** Executive:Good morning or good afternoon to You!How is your day today in sunny ********, ********** and/or wherever else You are in the World?My day is going fine, thank you, except due to the Fact that I had a Very Bad Experience with Textnow.com and I do Not Wish To Do Any More Business With Such A Company Anymore which I will Not Get Into Any Details, but I do Not Recommend That Company!Moving Right Along: I have been looking for another SMS Company whereby I will be able to send out Free Text Messages And Make Free Phone Calls Through My Laptop for Anywhere in ***************** And ****** from either a ** or ******** Number that You Provide To Me.It has been very hard to find a company since most of them only offer Apps Through An Android or Laptop, but I would like to be able to have access through my Laptop!Moving Right Along: I did try to register for a Free Account with my email address of: ************************** for TextFree.Us and did receive some kind of confirmation through my email address which I believe I did confirm, however, nothing else happened and sadly, I am still unable to Create My Free Account On My Laptop which is Why I Am Contacting Your Company For Some Help!One More Concern: Once My Account Is Functioning, Do You Allow Me To Save My Name and Phone Number Contacts so I do Not Have To Look Them ** ** My ************** Contacts Phonebook Over And Over?If You can please Help Me Over The Phone To Get My Account Started So That I Can Enjoy ********* Services On My Laptop, then please contact ME back directly at: Voice/Messages/Text: **************.You may also email ME back at: ************************** or ****************************

• Initial Complaint

  10/04/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I have a paid subscription that retains a phone number ************ It is my business line in which all my clients use to do business with me, I noticed it wasn't working and my numbers completely gone and does not work , so each time I log in you can see in the screen shots it's a completely different randomized number instead of the one I pay for that now does not work, there is no one responding to my emails, and their number goes straight to voicemail and the voicemail is full, this is an emergency and I need it fixed ASAP, all my marketing materials, websites business cards etc... Have that number on them and no one can get ahold of me for my business now, as you can also see in the uploaded screenshots my account is up to date and includes that number as being retained permanently, I need them to fix this issue and reinstate my number IMMEDIATELY, It was and has been for the life of my business ************ my account is under ***************************** I'm losing money, please help me....

  Business response

  11/16/2022

  Business Response /* (1000, 8, 2022/10/31) */ This situation has been fully resolved with the complainant. The block on their account has been lifted with an explanation as to why the block occurred and how the user can avoid it again in the future. Adjustments were also made to this users account to help better accommodate their use case.

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩