Pa.'s Top Cop 'Reviewing' Consumer Protection Lawsuit Against Comcast
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Washington state's $100 million lawsuit against Comcast could be just the beginning: Pennsylvania's attorney general is reviewing the allegations and has a message for the cable giant's customers here.
Comcast customers who think they've been put on the hook for service calls they were promised would be covered by the company should get in touch with Pennsylvania's Bureau of Consumer Protection. That, from a spokesman for state Attorney General Kathleen Kane.
The lawsuit filed out west accuses Comcast of a 'pattern of deceptive practices.' Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson says half a million people were charged for repairs despite paying for what he calls a 'near-worthless' service protection plan:
"Seventy-five percent of the time, customers were told the plan covered inside wiring. Not true. More than 40 percent of the time, customers were told the plan covered all customer equipment issues. Also not true."
Comcast issued a statement about the lawsuit:
"The Service Protection Plan has given those Washington consumers who chose to purchase it great value by completely covering over 99% of their repair calls. We worked with the Attorney General's office to address every issue they raised, and we made several improvements based on their input. Given that we were committed to continue working collaboratively with the Attorney General's office, we're surprised and disappointed that they have instead chosen litigation. We stand behind our products and services and will vigorously defend ourselves."
Pennsylvania's Attorney General's office, which runs the Bureau of Consumer Protection, says complaints can be filed at 800-441-2555 or attorneygeneral.gov.
