DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’ve had the same phone at least 15 years. It’s a 3G TracFone that I added 200 minutes to on Feb. 1 at Walmart.

I have gotten two calls on this TracFone saying the same message that on Feb. 22 my TracFone will no longer work and be available for me to use.

The person who sold me the minutes at Walmart had not heard about this and stated that any cancellation is not known to him. His co-worker didn’t know either. Is this a scam or true?

The person calling my TracFone gave me a number to call back and when I did, the message says, “The phone number you have dialed is out of order.” I have tried numerous times. Please help. — Alice, Bowdoin

ANSWER: You were smart to question that message, but yes, you need to upgrade your phone. The folks who tended to you at Walmart should have known this and verified that the messages you were getting regarding the upgrade weren’t a scam.

I spoke with a customer service representative in Walmart Electronics in Brunswick on Feb. 21, and she warned that they were out of TracFones and didn’t know when more would come in because lots of customers are having to make the change. You can check other Walmart locations and Target. You can also order directly from https://www.tracfone.com/home. However most models are out of stock.

The best thing to do is to contact TracFone Customer Support from 8 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. at 1-800-867-7183. Use ext. 4 or ext. 6 and you will be able to talk with a customer service representative. Tell the representative you need to replace your phone and ask if you can order one to be shipped to you. Also request that the minutes you just purchased be transferred.

Because your Tracfone won’t be working by the time you read this, use your landline to call to get your questions answered.

All of this has come to pass because you most likely have a 3G phone and that system is being shut down. You need to have at least a 4G phone, but a 5G would be even better. If you want more details, this is a good article to read:

https://www.cnn.com/2022/02/15/tech/3g-network-shut-down/index.html

I hope you’ll be back in business with a shiny new phone sooner rather than later.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’m looking for a housecleaner to work in my home every two weeks. My phone number in the Feb. 21 Sun Spots was incorrect. It should be 713-2175. — Jackie, Lewiston

ANSWER: I’m glad you caught that and I’m putting out your request again. Readers, be sure to double-check your information before hitting that send button!

Sometimes we make a mistake on our end, too, so please let me know right away and we will fix it.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Jax Guay from the Auburn Amvet/American Legion picks up recycling bottles to benefit women vets in need. Jax can be contacted at 210-248-6875. Our veterans can use all the help they can get. — No name, no town

ANSWER: This is in reply to the request Feb. 17 regarding pickup of recycling cans and bottles to benefit nonprofits. Good to know!

 

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name. We won’t use it if you ask us not to. Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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