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Hawaii AT&T customers to share in $80 million payout

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    An AT&T logo was displayed on an AT&T Wireless retail store front

Hawaii AT&T customers will share in an $80 million national settlement between the mobile phone company and the Federal Trade Commission.

The settlement resolves allegations that AT&T charged for third-party services not authorized by the consumer, a practice known as "mobile cramming."

"Cramming" involves charges, typically $9.99 per month, for "premium" text message subscription services, also known as PSMS, such as horoscopes, trivia and sports scores, which the consumers have never heard of or requested.

If you are an AT&T Mobility LLC customer who has been charged for third-party or subscription services on your mobile telephone bill without your knowledge, you can submit a claim by visiting www.ftc.gov/att.

To find out if you qualify for the AT&T Mobility cramming refund program visit the claims website or call 1-877-819-9692.

"This settlement will result in significant protections for Hawaii customers of AT&T Mobility to prevent mobile cramming in the future," said Bruce Kim, executive director of the Hawaii Office of Consumer Affairs. "Anyone who believes that they have been the victim of such deceptive practices should visit the FTC website as soon as possible to see if they qualify for a refund."

Hawaii’s Office of Consumer Protection, 49 other states, the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commission reached a settlement with AT&T for a total of $105 million.

The Hawaii state government will receive more than $226,000 for its part in bringing about the settlement, the Office of Consumer Protection said.

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