Magic Jack Complaints

The Consumer Complaints Board, a trusted and popular consumer service, has received Magic Jack complaints from more than 400 consumers between 2005 and 2011. Magic Jack is a computer device that provides users with low-cost Internet-based telephone service. It allows a user to make phone calls to anywhere in the United States and Canada for a fixed annual rate of $20.00. The device costs less than $50.00 and comes with a USB port that plugs into a computer and a phone jack that plugs into a standard telephone.

“PC Magazine” reviewed Magic Jack in 2008 and gave it a “Very Good” rating. Due to the growing number of consumer complaints, the magazine dropped the rating to “Good” in 2009. “Consumer Reports” gave the device a thumbs-up in 2010, but the number of complaints continues to rise.

1. 30-Day Trial Complaints. A Magic Jack television commercial promises a free 30-day trial to try the device before buying it. Consumers complain that Magic Jack does not honor the trial period, but charges the buyer immediately. Consumers who attempt to cancel their order and return the device often get the runaround. Refunds are sometimes refused or delayed.
2. Contact Information Complaints. Consumers complain that Magic Jack is shipped without company contact information or customer support phone numbers. Some buyers experience problems returning Magic Jack, since no company shipping address is provided on the packaging.
3. Customer Support Complaints. Magic Jack users report problems with customer support and chat. Customer service responses are often generic, and buyers complain that Magic Jack personnel will not work with them regarding double billings, unauthorized charges, area code upcharges, subscription renewals, and other matters.
4. Technical Support Complaints. Consumers complain that Magic Jack offers no technical support, or the tech support is difficult to reach. Assistance through Internet chat is usually unhelpful in resolving technical issues.
5. Telephone Reception Complaints. Some Magic Jack users receive incoming phone calls, but they cannot place outgoing calls. Some users can place telephone calls, but they cannot receive calls. Others say the telephone works, but the reception is poor.
6. Computer Problem Complaints. Magic Jack crashes some computers or makes them unstable. Some people claim that the device uses their computer to disengage 900 blocking and change other settings. Others say Magic Jack does not work with newer operating systems, like Windows 7.