Verizon to Pay $175,000 to Settle N..J. Consumer Protection Law Allegations

Verizon agreed to pay New Jersey $175,000 to resolve the state’s allegations that the company violated New Jersey’s consumer protection laws in the marketing and sale of its Fios services, said Attorney General Matthew Platkin Wednesday. Platkin’s office had alleged that Verizon failed to honor advertised prices for Fios service, and that it didn’t deliver promotional gifts or promised refunds. The state also alleged that Verizon failed to honor all cancellation requests in a timely manner, and that it automatically renewed consumers' contracts without their consent. "When companies make promises to consumers, whether through advertisements, sales pitches, or other means, they are required by law to make good on those promises," said Platkin in a statement. Verizon declined comment, though Platkin’s office said the company denied the allegations.