Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden says Idahoans who had trouble canceling their Vonage Voice Over Internet Protocol service may be eligible for refunds, as part of a new multistate legal settlement. Consumers with unresolved complaints dating back to January 2004 may be eligible; they must file written complaints with the AG's office by March 16, 2010. More information, including complaint forms, is available online here.

Wasden said the company had been paying incentives to customer service representatives to convince customers not to cancel their accounts, and customers reported pressure that made it difficult to cancel. “When a contract allows a consumer to cancel within a certain time period, consumers have a right and are entitled to exercise that right without undue obstacles thrown up by the other contracting party,” Wasden said.  “Consumers who were hurt will be able to obtain redress and the problems we saw ought not continue in the future.” As part of the $3 million multistate settlement, the company agreed to reform its marketing practices.

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