Mercer Times

TRENTON – Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Consumer Affairs announced today that Verizon New Jersey, Inc. has finalized a settlement agreement resolving an investigation into potential violations of New Jersey’s consumer protection laws related to the marketing and sale of its Fios services.

Under the terms of the settlement, Verizon agreed to pay $175,000 to the State to address allegations including failure to honor advertised prices for service, failure to deliver promotional gifts, failure to provide promised refunds, and other unlawful business practices.

“When companies make promises to consumers, whether through advertisements, sales pitches, or other means, they are required by law to make good on those promises,” said Attorney General Platkin. “We will not allow companies to lure New Jersey consumers in with promotional pricing, gift incentives, or other enticements and then fail to deliver.”

“If you’re doing business in New Jersey, you must comply with the laws and regulations that protect our consumers against deceptive sales and advertising practices,” said Cari Fais, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “The settlement announced today holds Verizon accountable for its alleged violations of the law and requires the company to satisfactorily resolve existing complaints from affected New Jersey consumers and promptly address future complaints.”

The investigation into the Basking Ridge-based telecommunications company was initiated in response to numerous complaints from New Jersey consumers regarding its business practices.

The State alleges that Verizon:

- Charged consumers more for services than the advertised price;

- Failed to honor all cancellation requests that comply with Verizon’s cancellation policy in a timely manner;

- Failed to provide refunds owed to New Jersey consumers;

- Automatically renewed contracts without consumer consent;

- Failed to provide advertised promotional gifts;

- Did not clearly disclose limited supply conditions for promotional gifts.

Verizon has denied these allegations. The Division reminds consumers always read contracts and disclosures before agreeing to promotional offers.

Michelle Davis from the Office of Consumer Protection within the Division of Consumer Affairs conducted the investigation. Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Koziar represented the State under Section Chief Jesse J. Sierant's supervision within the Consumer Fraud Prosecution Section.