May 1 Deadline for AT&T “Cramming” Refunds

If you are or were an AT&T wireless customer, you might have money coming back to you because of a $105 million settlement and the deadline to file a claim is May 1.

In October, the Federal Trade Commission said AT&T Mobility LLC, a subsidiary of the telecom giant, agreed to the settlement after the government accused the company of unlawfully billing customers for hundreds of millions of dollars in bogus charges - a practice known as cramming.

The settlement called for FTC to receive $80 million for consumer refunds.

So far, 4.9 million people have applied nationwide for refunds, according to a statement from U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal.

AT&T wireless customers had a May 1 deadline to file a claim for their share of an $105 million settlement.

“These unlawful charges were forced on consumers without their consent or even knowledge, and refunds must be issued. Unauthorized and unscrupulous third-charges—hidden in bills through vague and deceptive language—robbed consumers and they deserve their money back. The procedure to apply is simple and quick, and consumers should apply immediately to ensure they receive what they are rightfully owed,” Blumenthal said in a statement.

To apply for a refund, AT&T customers should go to the Federal Trade Commission website. If you have questions or need a paper claim, call 1-877-819-9692.

AT&T will be sending notices to customers who are eligible for refunds.

NBC 5 reached out to AT&T. An AT&T spokesman released the following statement: 

In the past, our wireless customers could purchase services like ringtones from other companies using Premium Short Messaging Services (PSMS) and we would put those charges on their bills. Other wireless carriers did the same.

While we had rigorous protections in place to guard consumers against unauthorized billing from these companies, last year we discontinued third-party billing for PSMS services.

On Oct. 8, 2014, we reached a broad settlement to resolve claims that some of our wireless customers were billed for charges from third-parties that the customers did not authorize. This settlement gives our customers who believe they were wrongfully billed for PSMS services the ability to get a refund. 

In December, the FCC, FTC and all 50 states also reached a similar settlement with T-Mobile for $90 million. The deadline to claim refunds in that case is June 30. Learn more about the T-Mobile refunds on the FTC’s Web site or by calling 1 (855) 382-6403.

NBC 5's Deanna Dewberry contributed to this report.

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