Warning issued over ‘scam’ Trump phone after man revealed what happened when he ordered one
Buying one didn't exactly go to plan
Buying the Trump Organization's new golden smartphone might prove to be harder than expected, as one man was left shocked at what happened when he pre-ordered the T1 Phone straight after it was announced.
The Trump family's latest business venture involves a gold-covered Android phone that supposedly will rival the iPhone and Samsung's Galaxy devices, yet if the buying process is anything to go buy you shouldn't hold out much hope.
Paired with the $47.45-per-month Trump Mobile plan, the T1 Phone boasts operations in the United States for anyone who wants to buy 'real American' products, although it's unclear how much of the gadget's actual components are sourced and manufactured on American soil.
While many people across social media have been left shocked at the price of the device and network plan, one journalist realized that would be the least of the issues when attempting to pick up their own T1 Phone.
What happens when you pre-order the T1 Phone?
If your experience is anything like that of 404 Media's Joseph Cox then you're in for a ride when trying to buy the new Trump phone, as the experience was plagued by countless errors and even incorrect payments.
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"I tried to pre-order the phone and pay the $100 downpayment," Cox explains, but "the website failed, went to an error page, and then charged my credit card the wrong amount of $64.70."
At least the charge was less than the downpayment, but that hasn't given any hope that the phone is actually on the way based on post-sale emails.
"I received a confirmation email saying I'll receive a confirmation when my order has been shipped," Cox continued, "but I haven't provided a shipping address or paid the $499 price tag."
What's more, he also details attempting to log into the Trump Mobile website and change his password, only to be met with another error message and unable to access his account.
"It is the worst experience I've ever faced buying a consumer electronic product and I have no idea whether or how I'll receive the phone," writes Cox, and regardless of your thoughts on the device or your adoration of the current president, there's no way to defend this.
What are people saying about the Trump Phone?
Understandably many have reacted with shock to Cox's experience attempting to buy the T1 Phone, but some argue that this is an expected experience with products associated with the Trump name.
"What's up? Got scammed by the president? Sounds ridiculous doesn't it?" Writes on user on Reddit, with another adding: "To anyone stupid enough to buy this phone, at least use a credit card so you are protected."
Plenty of people are also expressing concerns about the security of the device, with allegations that your phone data will be recorded and processed by the government.
Donald Trump Jr. has argued that the phone's American made status means that there won't be the potential of a "backdoor made into the hardware that some of our adversaries may have installed in here," but that still doesn't inspire confidence in potential buyers who are concerned about surveillance from their own government.