CenturyLink Settles With Minnesota on Overcharging Complaint

true prices in advertisements, give consumers at time of sale an order confirmation with full summary of prices, end “sham internet fees,” and submit audits over the three years. “CenturyLink broke the law by fraudulently overbilling hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans and illegally raising” prices, Ellison said. In July 2017, then-CEO Glen Post called such allegations “unsettling” and contrary to company values (see 1707240068). “CenturyLink repeatedly obstructed the State’s attempts to uncover audits and information about customers the company defrauded,” the AG office said. “CenturyLink’s obstructive tactics required the Attorney General’s office to file and win three motions to compel and two motions for sanctions.” The carrier might have overbilled more than 300,000 Minnesota customers, the AG said. The AG coordinated investigations with counterparts, leading to similar settlements with Colorado, Oregon and Washington state, and other state AGs continue to investigate, Ellison’s office said. "While we disagree with the Attorney General’s position, we believe it is in the best interests of our company and our customers to amicably resolve these matters," emailed the telco's spokesperson. "CenturyLink has entered into a consent decree to settle disputed claims and avoid the distraction and costs of litigation."