Vonage will pay $100 million to settle claims it trapped customers in unwanted accounts by forcing people to call to cancel, keeping them on hold for hours and charging hundreds of dollars to end service, government regulators said Thursday.
The New Jersey-based company, which provides internet-based phone services, made it easy for customers to sign up for accounts online but difficult to leave, according to a Federal Trade CommissionStarting in 2017, Vonage took an online cancellation link off its website to make it harder for customers to leave, the agency said.
"[F]or any customers who, at long last, manage[d] to reach the retention department, endure the hold time, speak to an agent and request cancellation, they are subjected to aggressive sales pitches intended to prevent them from closing their accounts," the complaint said.
Vonage, which did not admit nor deny wrongdoing as part of the settlement, agreed to refund $100 million to customers and create a simple and transparent cancellation option, according to a consent order that is awaiting approval from a judge. In a statement, a company spokesperson said that"Vonage agreed to resolve this matter and is compliant with the requirements set forth in the settlement. The Company felt it was in the best interests of our customers, partners and employees to come to a settlement, so we can focus on creating technology solutions that help people and businesses communicate, connect and engage from anywhere.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
An ancient people used psychoactive and stimulant plants before sacrificing people''In modern medicine, the properties of harmine have led to its use in anti-depression and anti-addiction treatment.'' Find out more at 🚀
Read more »
People banned from Twitter won't have accounts restored for weeks, Elon Musk saysThat would mean people banned from the site for violating Twitter's rules for harassment, violence, or election and COVID-related misinformation will not be able to return before next Tuesday's U.S. midterm elections.
Read more »
People Are Sharing The Pros And Cons Of Co-Parenting Children With An Ex'The most important pro to co-parenting your child — putting your child's needs above your own.'
Read more »
Wyoming judge orders homeless people in Jackson to get on bus to Salt Lake CityA Teton County judge in Wyoming is ordering some chronically unhoused people in Jackson to get on a bus to Salt Lake City, which a Jackson police official said has “more resources,” according to a news article by the Jackson Hole News & Guide.
Read more »