AT&T customers, beware: a recent incident involving a shady store employee highlights the need to know your rights-especially when it comes to eSIM services.
A Reddit user shared how a simple tech issue turned into a $30 scam at what was supposed to be a helpful visit to an AT&T store.
The user’s iPhone eSIM had stopped working, prompting him to head to a nearby AT&T location. The rep he spoke to said there’d be a $30 fee to reset the eSIM-already suspicious, since this service is supposed to be free. But it gets worse: the rep claimed the card reader was down and demanded cash payment.
Thinking he had no other option, the customer handed over the $30. The eSIM was reset, the phone worked, and everything seemed fine-until a few hours later when doubts began creeping in. Was the charge even legitimate?
Turns out, it wasn’t. Other Reddit users confirmed the obvious: this was a blatant scam. Resetting an eSIM should never cost you money, whether at a corporate AT&T store or an authorized reseller. And the biggest red flag? The emailed receipt showed a $0 charge-no record of the $30 cash exchange.
The customer has since left a scathing Google review, naming the employee, and plans to escalate the issue with the store manager. Unfortunately, without proof of payment or a paper receipt, it may be difficult to take further action. Still, the incident underscores a larger problem-rogue reps exploiting customers who may not know what’s free and what’s not.
Why would an employee risk their job over $30? Some suspect it’s not just a lone bad actor-there could be a wider pattern of misconduct if store management is turning a blind eye.
Bottom line: if you’re ever told to pay cash for an eSIM reset at AT&T, walk out. It’s free. Always has been. Know your rights-and don’t get played.