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UCAN sues Sprint Nextel for illegally billing customers taxes, fees, and text message charges on data broadband services plans
UCAN has filed a federal class action complaint against Sprint Nextel (aka Sprint Solutions) for illegally billing customers taxes, fees, and text message charges on data services plans.
You can read the complaint in its entirety here, or check out some of the media coverage below.
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Last month I downgraded my
Last month I downgraded my plan to 700 minutes from 1400 minutes, got the 300 text message package for $5 and extended my service contract so I would receive a $100 credit to my account. Before these changes, my bill averaged $120 a month. This month I received a $200 bill. I was charged for 495 text messages over the 300 message limit-that's 5 times the most text messages I have ever used in any billing cycle since I've been with Sprint. I only receive text messages from 3 people and I don't subscribe to any messaging lists. I explained all of this to customer service (cs), yet cs rep reassured me that there are text messaging elves that send you text messages when you don't want any, that Sprint charges for incoming messages, and that I was just a victim of the naughty elves (I embellish a little). I decided to upgrade my plan to 1000 text messages for $10, despite being an only occassional text messager, in the feverish hope that it could be applied retroactively, and I wouldn't have to pay $99 in fraudulent charges. But CS apologetically informed me that upgrade would only be applied partly retroactively and a $50 credit was the very best she could muster due to "system" constraints. Is it just a coincidence that these fraudulent charges come right after extending my service contract? I feel like I've been offered candy and whacked on the hand for taking it. Or is this some sort of sick punishment for choosing to downgrade my plan?
Cell phone internet connections
A few of the built in programs, games, options. Do connect to the internet service without asking. Nor any way to know that it is or to disable the function of connectivity. I would recommend simply having internet blocked by Sprint. Though forcing you to 'use' the internet connection without warning or authentication by the user. I do believe to be illegal practices. Posting a primary complaint would be my first action. As once I had brought in a third party Sprint was willing to 'work' with me on the problem they had created. Second I would recommend talking to a law firm who deals with cell phone companies and their tactics for nickel and dimeing customers.
As an instance I fought with them after dealing with my initial problem. I had downloaded a game and paid for the unlimited use (Tetris), though since it is only really played locally as a one player game. Ever time I opened the program it would connect to a "high scores" web site, and I would be billed for connecting to the net. With no way to disable this internet request I would get hit with a $0.03 charge each and every time I opened, finished a game, or closed the program. A few programs that came readily on the phone also did this kind of connection. Again, with no way to disable the connectivity option. Good luck on getting your problem fixed.
Billed for Data charges I never used
Well I to am being charged for data charges that I never used and also a ringtone that I never downloaded and is not on my phone. I've called Sprint, emailed them and also did there help chat. They still insist I used the data charges. I had them block internet on the phone and for another week following(I was on vacation phone was off) more charges where applied to the phone. They insist I have the ringtone (phone is always on vibrate). Next option, to take to a Sprint store and have them do a diagnostic on the phone which supposedly will tell them what usage has occured and to find the mysterious ringtone. I'll tell you how that works tomorrow.
Sprint Billing
I am a sprint customer also who has been charge for using the internet, which I have not. I was also incurred other charges unfairly. For example, they will add $60.00 more than is due, then subtract $30.00 to correct the problem.
Like many before me, I need help to correct these types of over charge billing.
Sprint Customer
Youngstown, Ohio
Spirnt Billing Fraud
I was also billed for internet use while paying for the unlimited data connection.
Also charging me for each individual text message while I was paying for unlimited test messaging services.
They did do some crediting each month, but never for the full amount of fraudulent charges.
Sprints billing practices
I'm a sprint customer who has been charged for internet charges on my bill for October and November. I complained to sprints customer service that I have not used the internet on the cell phone. They refused to take the charges off of my bill. They insist that I have used the internet service and I know I have not used the internet service. My cell phone has been disconnected because I refuse to pay the data charges. I need to know what I can do to fight sprint on this issue.
Sprint Customer
Philadelphia, PA
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