T-mobile customers may qualify for a refund after the cell phone company agreed to a $90 million dollar settlement over allegations of mobile cramming. The practice of "cramming" includes when third-party companies add bogus charges to monthly bills.
JessicalRosenworcel is Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission or FCC. She joined U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal in Hartford to tell consumers that unauthorized charges to cell phone bills have become a big business. She said,"And over time, these charges add up. What this is is modern day pick-pocketing and it's fraud, pure and simple."
Wireless carriers make thirty to forty cents for every dollar that was fraudulently charged by the third party companies. T-Mobile is not the first to be accused of cramming. In October, AT&T reached a settlement with the federal government for $105 million dollars. The settlements mean consumers can seek refunds no matter if they're a current or former customer of either company.
Blumenthal said the first step is for people to call their wireless carriers. He said, "Right now, refunds are due to thousands of consumers in Connecticut but they have to make the claim."
The FCC says more lawsuits are being filed against other companies accused of mobile cramming including Sprint. Soon, customers will be able to block third party charges from their accounts. Commissioner Rosenworcel said AT&T customers should file a claim by May 1. June 30 is the deadline for T-Mobile customers.
