Yeah, I'm not sure who you called. If you called Apple I would try again; if they have a policy of trying to cross reference the ATT contract info that is lame. If you are near an Apple Store, it would be simpler to drop in. Since it is just a power adapter, just like every iPod power adapter, they will replace it on the spot (hopefully without any hassle about ATT contracts, because they don't activate them in the store). Much better than waiting for them to ship (though that can be fast as well).

If you called ATT because you bought at ATT store or via ATT online, that's just calling the wrong place. Hardware support for this deal is handled through Apple. Not that you might not get what you need through ATT eventually, but since when was ATT known for good support?

Do you know if it's the brick or the cable that has failed? They are separate pieces and will be replaced independently. If the brick has failed, the phone would still charge if you attach to your computer or anything else that provides a USB port. You could go buy any cheapo brick that provides a USB port to have a spare while you wait for a replacement, and you can buy any car socket adapter that provides a USB port to charge in the car. If the cable has failed, it wouldn't charge at all from any source, and you'll need a new "dock connector to USB" cable instead of a new brick. Even these have third-party solutions if you want a quick spare. I've done an extra charging cable (and brick if not attached) one way or another for the last few phones and computers I've owned/carried. Always comes in handy and may justify a quick purchase at a convenient store while you find time to drop into the Apple Store or attempt another call.

Do you actually have an ATT contract? Just curious if that's a foul-up or they are actually prying into how many people have bought an iPhone and not activated them on ATT.