The Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes hammered down a settlement with Cox Communications to the tune of $13 million, handing a victory to consumers who felt misled by unexpected fee hikes. The cable giant has agreed to fork over $10 million to the state and an additional $3 million to customers who were enrolled in television services between January 2017 and March 2021, according to FOX 10 Phoenix.
Mayes minced no words when detailing the case, "As Attorney General and a former utilities regulator, I have always fought to ensure that consumers are provided clear and accurate information about the services they receive," she said. The settlement follows allegations that Cox slyly concealed true costs from customers by slapping on extra charges camouflaged as routine fees. This payout is a slice of justice for all affected parties in Arizona, aiming to curb such deceptive business practices.
Per details released by the AG's Office, Cox was accused of misleading customers about fixed pricing promises, including a so-called "price lock guarantee". Though pledging stable rates, Cox allegedly hiked customer bills through a mishmash of company-imposed fees such as Broadcast Surcharge Fee and Regional Sports Surcharge, as ABC 15 reported. The fees enabled a backdoor increase of prices which should have been set in stone under their former advertising promises.
The remedy comes in the form of financial redress directly to consumers. Current Cox customers will see credits on their accounts, while former users can expect electronic fund transfers. Cox Communications, in a prepared statement, has conveyed its intent to resolve the issues and praised the "professionalism" exhibited by the AG's office during negotiations. Individuals eligible for refunds will be contacted by the company with more information available through Cox's dedicated refund webpage, the company confirmed.
