The lawsuit alleges consumer fraud and deceptive trade practices. It seeks a court order to stop Comcast's allegedly deceptive business practices, and for unspecified amounts of restitution, civil penalties and legal fees.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Minnesota's attorney general is suing Comcast/Xfinity, alleging the company has overcharged thousands of consumers for cable TV packages, charged them for unordered equipment and services, and failed to deliver on promised Visa gift cards.

Attorney General Lori Swanson says the lawsuit follows more than two years of investigation.

The lawsuit, filed in Hennepin County District Court in Minneapolis on Friday, alleges consumer fraud and deceptive trade practices. It seeks a court order to stop Comcast's allegedly deceptive business practices, and for unspecified amounts of restitution, civil penalties and legal fees.

“It’s hard to shop for cable television if a company plays hide-the-ball on its true prices, and people shouldn’t have to watch their bills for things they didn’t buy,” Swanson said in a released statement.

Swanson says a trial is underway in a similar lawsuit in Washington state, and that Comcast recently agreed to settle a similar case in Massachusetts.

Comcast response

Jill Hornbacher of Comcast issued this statement in response:

"We’re fully committed to our customers in Minnesota, and it’s important to us to make sure we deliver best-in-class products and services and that our customers understand the products and services they order.

"We fully disclose all charges, fees and promotional requirements—and in fact, have made numerous enhancements in our communications with our customers over the past few years. The facts today simply do not support the Minnesota Attorney General’s allegations, most of which date back several years and have already been corrected."

Contacting Attorney General

Attorney General Swanson encourages consumers who are shopping for cable or internet service to ask for all details about services they are purchasing in writing, including the total monthly price (with all taxes, fees, and surcharges); the length of time the price is valid; and any exceptions that might increase the amount they will be charged.