AG Madigan tells consumers to file claims over T-Mobile “cramming” practice

By The Associated Press

CHICAGO – The Illinois attorney general's office says anyone who thinks they were among T-Mobile customers charged for cellphone text services they didn't order can file a claim for a refund.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission announced Friday that T-Mobile US will pay up to $90 million, mostly in refunds, under a nationwide settlement with regulators.

Many consumers aren't aware that third-party companies can put charges on their phone bills for text services. It's a practice known as "cramming."

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan says in a news release that cellphone bill cramming has become a major source of consumer fraud.

Madigan's office says those affected can file a claim for a refund online at http://www.t-mobilerefund.com .

Besides the refunds, T-Mobile must also pay $18 million in fines to the all 50 states.

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