Cell phone network operator T-Mobile USA will pay Connecticut $241,000 to resolve allegations that it improperly billed consumers in the state for premium services without their consent, officials announced.
T-Mobile will pay $90 million to all 50 states and Washington, D.C. to settle the “data cramming” allegations by the states, Federal Trade Commission and Federal Communications Commission.
Much of the total settlement, $72 million, will be used for consumer refunds, while state governments will keep $18 million.
A typical charge was $9.99 per month, often for services provided by a third party providing sports updates, trivia or other services, according to Attorney General George Jepsen and Consumer Counsel Elin Swanson Katz.
AT&T resolved similar allegations in October with a $105 million payment, of which Connecticut received $268,000.
Consumers who think they may be owed a refund from T-Mobile can find more information at the state’s website.
Photo credit: Creative Commons/Flickr user Michael Davies
