FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS ADVISORY
April 29, 2015
For More Information, contact:
Luther Strange
Mike Lewis (334) 353-2199
Alabama Attorney General
Joy Patterson (334) 242-7491
Claire Haynes (334) 242-7351
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AG STRANGE REMINDS CONSUMERS
OF MAY 3 DEADLINE FOR SIRIUS XM REFUNDS
(MONTGOMERY) -Attorney General Luther Strange today reminded
consumers that the deadline is May 3 to apply for refunds in a settlement with Sirius
XM Radio Inc., of New York.
Attorney General Strange, along with the Attorneys General of 45 states and the
District of Columbia, announced in December that Sirius XM had agreed to provide
restitution to eligible consumers to resolve claims that the satellite radio company
engaged in misleading advertising and billing practices and to pay $3.8 million to the
states.
The states’ investigation focused on consumer complaints involving: difficulty
canceling contracts; cancellation requests that were not honored; misrepresentations
that the consumers’ Sirius XM service would be canceled and not renewed; contracts
that were automatically renewed without consumers’ notice or consent; unauthorized
fees; higher, unanticipated rates after a low introductory rate; and Sirius XM failing to
provide timely refunds.
“I urge any consumers who may be eligible for refunds and have not yet filed a
complaint to do so immediately,” said Attorney General Strange. “This settlement is
important because it is essential that companies be straightforward with consumers and
that their customers may rely upon the information provided regarding their
transactions. I am pleased that this agreement put into place significant reforms and
will provide refunds to compensate eligible consumers.”
Consumers who have not previously filed a complaint with their Attorney
General or Sirius XM for the practices covered may file a complaint postmarked by May
3 to be considered for restitution. Eligible consumers must file a complaint with the
Attorney General’s Office or to Sirius XM. Complaints must be concerning conduct
from July 28, 2008, to Dec. 4, 2014, and involving an identifiable loss that has not been
previously resolved.
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501 Washington Avenue * Montgomery, AL 36104 * (334) 242-7300
www.ago.alabama.gov Page 2 of 2
Alabama consumers who have a complaint regarding Sirius XM’s business
practices addressed by this settlement may contact Attorney General Strange’s
Consumer Protection Section by calling toll-free to 1-800-392-5658; by writing to 501
Washington Avenue, P.O. Box 300152, Montgomery, AL 36130-0152, Attention: Sirius
XM Settlement; or through the Attorney General’s website at www.ago.alabama.gov.
Consumers can also contact Sirius XM directly with their complaints. Consumers may
request forms to file a complaint by mail to P.O. Box 33059, Detroit, MI 48232-5059 or by
going to the following web address:
https://listenercare.siriusxm.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/6436/.
In addition to providing refunds, the settlement also put in place significant
reforms to the business practices of Sirius XM. Specifically, Sirius XM agreed to:
- Clearly and conspicuously disclose all terms and conditions at the point of sale,
such as billing frequency, term length, automatic renewal date, and cancellation
policy. - Make no misrepresentations about the available plans in advertisements.
- Provide advance notice via mail or email about upcoming automatic renewals
for plans lasting longer than six months. - Revise the cancellation procedures to make it easier for consumers to cancel.
- Prohibit incentive compensation for customer service representatives based
solely on “saves,” or retaining current customers who attempt to cancel.
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