Michigan Settles with Verizon, Sprint over “Cramming” Charges

Michigan residents are eligible for a portion of a more than $500,000 settlement with mobile-carriers Verizon and Sprint. The money comes from a settlement between the state and the telecommunication companies over the alleged use of unauthorized third-party services. A spokesperson for the Michigan Attorney General’s office, Andrea Bitely says the practice, known as “mobile cramming“, happens when customers receive unwanted premium text message billing.

“It typically is something along the lines of $9.99 per month and it could be subscription service such as a horoscope, sports score, or some sort of trivia that the consumer has never heard of or requested and definitely didn’t subscribe to.”

Andrea Bitely, spokesperson for the Michigan Attorney General’s office

The practice was widespread. Verizon and Sprint have reached settlements with all 50 states and the federal government. More than a million Michigan customers are eligible for payments.