Deadline looms for Sprint, Verizon 'cramming' refund

Brett Molina | USA TODAY

Customers with Sprint and Verizon Wireless have until next week to claim refunds tied to a settlement with the Federal Communications Commission over mobile "cramming."

In May, both wireless carriers agreed to pay $158 million to settle claims they were billing customers for millions of dollars in text-messaging subscription services without their permission.

According to the FCC and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Sprint and Verizon charged as much as $14 a month for services including horoscopes and sports scores that were not requested or approved by customers.

"Consumers rightfully expect their monthly phone bills will reflect only those services that they's purchased," said the FCC's enforcement bureau chief Travis LeBlanc when the settlement was revealed.

Requests for refunds are open through December 31 for both Sprint and Verizon. The refunds apply to customers who received unauthorized, unrefunded charges since July 1, 2010.

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