Massive down payment means t-mobile wants to pay me!

I am struggling with this down payment ordeal. I was with ATT( and should have stayed with them). I was asked to pay a deposit for the phone (which was suppose to be free from T-Mobile, but i understand and was explained that I would get the money back and the phone would be free. So I decided to switch and get a "free" phone, but then it turns out that the agent set up an additional phone line after being told no and didn't find out until my first bill. Come may 2024, I reach out to ask  when I would get my deposit back from this "free" phone and I am told let us escalate this make it right for you, give us some time. I give them some time, I reach back out and they tell me on may 9,2024 that the request has been APPROVED and should see the payment back on my original payment method within 2-3 business days. I give it 7 business days and NOTHING. 
 

I reach back out and the agent tells me, oh it is still with the escalation team pending approval. 
 

I ask “wait what do you mean pending approval, they stated it was approved and on its way back” 

they say give it some time. I received TWO CALLS, in which they said the refund has been APPROVED and here we are 6.5.24 and no money. I reached back out 6.5.24 and they tell me they do not see notes of it being approved but instead denied because I am getting the money back as a phone credit. 
 

If the phone is suppose to of had been free, applying a credit from my OWN MONEY does not sound free. And T-Mobile is just giving me the run around. False advertisement on a free phone and 

seriously TWO CALLS saying it's been approved and on its way to my bank account. WTF!