T-Mobile and AT&T Lawsuit: Phone Companies May Owe You Money After Nine Figure Settlement Deal
Remember getting all those daily horoscopes, celebrity gossip, random facts, and flirting tips on your phones? Well, it turns out customers who were being charged for those services may be entitled to a small slice of an over $100 million settlement from T-Mobile and AT&T.
In other words, double check because, if you used either provider after Jan. 1, 2009, you may be owed some money.
The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) along with the attorney generals of all 50 states reached a combined settlement agreement of $170 million with the two cellular providers. This was all over what prosecutors were calling "cramming," or the practice of adding third-party charges onto wireless customers bill's without their permission. This settlement, however, won't be automatically handed out to all subscribers, as affected customers have to ask for it in order to qualify.
T-Mobile customers may fill out this required form in order to apply for a refund analysis and account summary. AT&T customers have a more straightforward option through this FTC site.
FCC commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel said during a press conference on the event, "Cramming is modern day pickpocketing, these bogus charges on consumer bills are unfair-and they can add up fast. That's why these settlements are so important. They give consumers the right to block these fees going forward and get their money back for payments they made in the past."
The press conference also featured Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who offered, "These federal settlements send a strong message to wireless carriers and crammers that this insidious practice will not be tolerated. Carriers who continue to profit from allowing third-parties to deceive their customers through cramming must take notice and reform their practices immediately -- or face harsh penalties. Unauthorized and unscrupulous third-party charges-hidden in bills through vague and deceptive language-have robbed consumers and they deserve their money back."
So go check, because your carrier may owe you money!