December 31st Deadline Looming to File Claims in Sprint and Verizon Mobile Cramming Settlement

Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin reminded consumers to file their claim for a refund with Sprint or Verizon as part of a multi-million dollar settlement with the two mobile phone companies over charges for third-party services on consumers’ mobile telephone bills that were not authorized by the consumer, a practice known as «mobile cramming.»

Consumers who were «crammed» often complained about charges, typically $9.99 per month, for «premium» text message subscription services such as horoscopes, trivia, and sports scores, that the consumers have never heard of or requested.

«These companies relied on consumers not looking closely at the charges on their cell phone bills, hiding unauthorized charges and fees. While that deceptive practice may have ended, there are still many people who have yet to file a claim for a refund that unwittingly paid those charges. I encourage all Sprint and Verizon customers to file a claim today so they don’t miss out on this settlement,» said Attorney General Kilmartin.

As part of the settlement announced earlier this year by Attorney General Kilmartin, Sprint and Verizon must provide refunds and forgive debt owed to eligible consumers.

How to Submit Claims:

Sprint Consumers can submit claims under the redress programs by visiting www.SprintRefundPSMS.com. On that website, consumers can submit claims, find information about refund eligibility and how to obtain a refund, and can request a free account summary that details PSMS purchases on their accounts. Consumers who have questions about the redress programs can visit the program website or call the settlement administrator at (877) 389-8787.

Verizon Consumers can submit claims under the redress programs by visiting www.CFPBSettlementVerizon.com. On that website, consumers can submit claims, find information about refund eligibility and how to obtain a refund, and can request a free account summary that details PSMS purchases on their accounts. Consumers who have questions about the redress programs can visit the program website or call the settlement administrator at (888) 726-7063.

For more information, consumers can visit the Consumer Protection page on the Office of Attorney General’s website at http://www.riag.ri.gov/.