Some Verizon, Sprint customers in Kansas may be entitled to a refund if they file by Dec. 31

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt today reminded Verizon and Sprint customers in Kansas that they have until Dec. 31 to seek refunds as part of two multi-state settlements reached in May.

The national settlements announced May 12 were reached between Verizon, Sprint and the attorneys general of Kansas and 49 other states and the District of Columbia, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Communications Commission.

They resolved allegations that Verizon and Sprint placed charges on consumers’ mobile phone bills for third-party services that had not been authorized by the consumer, a practice known as “mobile cramming.” These settlements follow similar settlements reached with AT&T and T Mobile last year.

Under the terms of the settlements, Sprint and Verizon are required to provide $50 million and $70 million in refunds to consumers who were victims of cramming.

Consumers who are uncertain whether or not they are owed a refund can file a request with the mobile carrier to identify any third party charges they may have been unaware of. For information on how to do this or to file a claim, Kansas consumers should visit the attorney general’s consumer protection website at www.InYourCornerKansas.org or call 800-432-2310.