Released: June 09, 2006

DC sues InPhonic cell firm over rebates

Source: By Annys Shin (Free Registration)

The District of Columbia (DC) Attorney General is suing InPhonic Inc., accusing it of failing to deliver on rebates after the District-based retailer of wireless services and cellphones racked up more than 2,000 consumer complaints over the past three years.

In a suit filed yesterday in DC Superior Court, the attorney general’s office alleges the company imposes “unusually restrictive conditions” on its rebates, making it “difficult or impossible” for consumers to obtain them.

For example, the suit alleges that for customers to qualify for some rebates, InPhonic in 2004 required them to submit a cellphone bill that was at least 120 days old - to prove that they had stayed with their plan and made their payments. But the document had to be postmarked within 120 days of when the service was activated.

In addition, some consumers who contacted the company for assistance in obtaining rebates were routed to automated messages or to live representatives who were not helpful, the complaint said.

Read Full Article: DC sues InPhonic cell firm over rebates