AT&T fined over marketing complaints

AT&T has agreed to pay $35,000 in fines related to charges that it violated Pennsylvania's "Do Not Call" laws when marketing long-distance services, the state's Attorney General Tom Corbett announced Friday. Corbett said the telecommunications giant has promised to pay the penalty before it launches any further telemarketing campaigns in the state.

According to Pennsylvania's Bureau of Consumer Protection, AT&T sales representatives contacted a large number of state residents between November 2002 and June 2004, despite the fact that those individuals had registered for Pennsylvania's so-called "no call" list. In addition to generating at least 250 complaints for violating the list, the company also drew criticism from consumers for claiming in those calls that the regulation does not apply to telephone companies. Residents also reported that, in some cases, AT&T blocked its telephone numbers to bypass caller ID systems, violating another state law.

[Stating]

What Was AT&T Actually Selling?

So what was AT&T selling to Pennsylvanians? Cable service? Nope, quit that. Residential long distance? Nope, quit that. Cellular service? Nope, quit that.

Hmmm. Maybe they should have been selling Showtime ovens and George Foreman grills. For every George Foreman grill that you buy from us we will give you a free 120 minute calling card. Sold!!!!

Keith
www.techcando.com