Is AT&T Overcharging You?
A recent CBS story reported that AT&T and DirecTV might be overcharging its customers for promotions on cable and Internet services. The investigation revealed over 4,000 complaints from disgruntled customers about their bills being higher than they agreed.
The catch? When they signed up for a promotional deal, the fine print has them signing away their right to a class action lawsuit.
Consumers should beware of false promises
Too many people are opening their bills and seeing amounts that might be double what they agreed to pay. The CBS report featured customers calling five different representatives about their bill. They got five different answers about why the cost was so high. AT&T requires all of its customers with complaints to go through arbitration paid for by AT&T. This sets the customer up for even more disappointment by not providing them with recourse for their complaint. Only 18 AT&T customers have been through arbitration in two years. The company has 150 million subscribers.
Late last year, AT&T Wireless had to refund monies to as many as 2.7 million consumers for a practice called cramming. The FTC began to crack down on this practice, which overcharges customers by charging hidden fees. There were high volumes of complaints, and in 2014 the FTC began to look into these allegations. If you suspect you have been overcharged for a contract that you have signed, consider retaining the counsel of a dedicated South Carolina consumer protection attorney. Large companies all too often will take advantage of their customers, and it is up to you to hire an advocate that will fight for your fair restitution.
When an Arkansas news station posted the CBS story on their Facebook page, they received over 1,200 comments about similar overcharging practices. Even Arkansas state senator Jason Respert replied, and said he was going to “have a hearing in the Arkansas Senate Insurance and Commerce Committee.” The Attorney General’s Office confirmed that they had received hundreds of complaints, as well.
You should never be overcharged by a company, and you should certainly have your promotional rates honored for the duration of the promotion. Even though you sign away your rights for a lawsuit when you sign up at AT&T, you have other options. The South Carolina attorneys of McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC have decades of experience in consumer complaints and similar cases. Our experienced legal team can guide you through the process of understanding your legal recourse, rights, and options. Contact us online or call us today at 803-327-7800 for a free case review.
Randy is the former President of the South Carolina Association for Justice. He has been certified by the American Board of Professional Liability as a specialist in Medical Malpractice Law which is recognized by the South Carolina Bar. Randy has also been awarded the distinction of being a “Super Lawyer” 10 times in the last decade. He has over 25 years of experience helping injured people fight back against corporations, hospitals and wrong-doers.
Read more about S. Randall Hood