Yet another iPhone lawsuit: Apple accused of deceiving customers

After receiving US$ 2000 worth of roaming charges from AT&T, Herbert H. Kliegerman decided to sue Apple for not properly disclosing to customers that the iPhone is locked to AT&T, and the use of the handset in other countries will result in roaming fees.

A frequent traveller, Kliegerman travelled to Mexico and continued to use his iPhone. Not aware of the roaming charges applicable when using a local network provider’s service internationally, Kliegerman was content that he will not be charged extra for using internet and checking emails. However, he received the US$ 2000 bill upon his return from the trip.

Kliegerman contacted AT&T to have his phone unlocked, but since iPhone is exclusive to AT&T for the meantime, AT&T refused his request to unlock his phone. Disgruntled, he filed a 9-page complaint in a New York Supreme Court and accused Apple of deceiving customers by not properly informing them of the iPhone’s exclusivity with AT&T, and about the roaming charges as well.

Here’s a short quote from the lawsuit:

As a result of [Apple’s] deceptive and misleading acts, members of the Class have been injured because they are unable to unlock their phones for use with non-AT&T SIM cards.

It looks like it’s another day, another lawsuit for Apple and the iPhone. However, it looks like this particular case would have been avoided with a careful reading of the contract before signing anything.

Via Apple Insider

After receiving US$ 2000 worth of roaming charges from AT&T, Herbert H. Kliegerman decided to sue Apple for not properly disclosing to customers that the iPhone is locked to AT&T, and the use of the handset in other countries will result in roaming fees.

A frequent traveller, Kliegerman travelled to Mexico and continued to use his iPhone. Not aware of the roaming charges applicable when using a local network provider’s service internationally, Kliegerman was content that he will not be charged extra for using internet and checking emails. However, he received the US$ 2000 bill upon his return from the trip.

Kliegerman contacted AT&T to have his phone unlocked, but since iPhone is exclusive to AT&T for the meantime, AT&T refused his request to unlock his phone. Disgruntled, he filed a 9-page complaint in a New York Supreme Court and accused Apple of deceiving customers by not properly informing them of the iPhone’s exclusivity with AT&T, and about the roaming charges as well.

Here’s a short quote from the lawsuit:

As a result of [Apple’s] deceptive and misleading acts, members of the Class have been injured because they are unable to unlock their phones for use with non-AT&T SIM cards.

It looks like it’s another day, another lawsuit for Apple and the iPhone. However, it looks like this particular case would have been avoided with a careful reading of the contract before signing anything.

Via Apple Insider