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Released: August 09, 2011
T-Mobile payment system leaves users vulnerable
Source: David Sarno, L.A.Times (Free Registration)
T-Mobile's new smartphone-based payment system won't adequately protect users from mistakes, theft and fraud, according to Consumers Union, the publisher of Consumer Reports magazine. But critics say consumers should be careful. Legal protections limit users' liability if their credit and (to a lesser extent) debit cards are used to make unauthorized purchases, but transactions with T-Mobile phones are not afforded the same protections. In general, once consumers report unapproved transactions on their cards, they are liable for the first $50 but no more. With T-Mobile's system, Direct Carrier Billing, however, if you find a huge charge you didn't make, you must rely on the good faith of T-Mobile, said Michelle Jun, a senior attorney at Consumers Union. That means the company has discretion to approve a refund -- or not.Read Full Article: T-Mobile payment system leaves users vulnerable
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