"I'm mad as hell and I'm not gonna take it anymore." That's how many consumers feel when they deal with the billing mistakes, overcharges, computers and other electronic devices that don't work as advertised and crummy customer service that characterize the modern American marketplace.
Giving up, unfortunately, is what most consumers do when confronted with problems that seem too minor to spend hours trying to fix. But guess what? The unscrupulous businesses that engage in such practices are counting on that.
Injustice comes in all forms – small and large. Consumer Watchdog’s attorneys are taking on the merchants who mislead consumers, those who utilize fine print traps and other tricks in order to gouge consumers.
Here are the kinds of marketplace abuses we’re suing to stop:
DIRECTV's FEES
Satellite television provider DIRECTV charges up to a $480 early cancellation penalty fee if its customers cancel the service before the expiration of a supposed 18-24 month service commitment – even if the satellite TV receiver leased from DIRECTV stops working or a customer moves to an area where the service is no longer available. The 18-24 month service commitment and penalty are renewed each time a customer orders new equipment, regardless of whether the customer is adding a new TV or the old equipment breaks. DIRECTV has been charging the fee on people’s credit cards or even taking the funds from people’s checking accounts without properly obtaining the consumer’s permission. Consumer Watchdog’s attorneys have sued DIRECTV on behalf of current and former DIRECTV customers subject to the early cancellation penalty. More >>
Breaking News: Court allows suit against DIRECTV to proceed.
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MAIL-IN REBATES
From cell phones and other electronics to groceries and toys, prices are increasingly quoted "after rebate." But there's a reason why stores and manufacturers are advertising "rebates": applying for the rebate is a complicated and difficult task. Many people either don't bother, and those who do have trouble getting their money back. Either way, consumers too often end up with no rebate – and the company gets to keep the money. Consumer Watchdog is fighting back.
Breaking News: “Gift Cards” Instead of Rebates – Court Asked to Certify Class Action Against Cingular/AT&T.
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DEFECTIVE APPLE NANO IPOD
Apple introduced the slim second generation iPod Nano in 2005 to much fanfare, with Apple's CEO Steve Jobs pulling the gadget out of his pocket. Unfortunately for many consumers, the product quickly developed cracks and streaks in the screen as well as severe scratching that rendered the device unsightly and unreadable. Consumer Watchdog’s legal team filed suit.
Update: Apple Pays $22.5 Million to Settle Suit.
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