Jackson Free Press

Attorney General Jim Hood, along with the attorneys general of 44 states and the District of Columbia, announced Thursday, Dec. 4, that Sirius XM Radio Inc. of New York has agreed to pay $3.8 million to the states and to provide reimbursement to eligible consumers to resolve claims that the satellite-radio company engaged in misleading advertising and billing practices, according to a release from the attorney general's office.

Consumers who have not previously filed a complaint with their attorney general for the practices that this settlement covers have until May 3, 2015, to file a complaint to be considered for reimbursement. The amount a consumer can recover is not limited and will be based on the actual loss.

The attorneys general allege that Sirius XM engaged in unfair and deceptive practices, including cancellation requests that were not honored, automatic renewals which occurred without consumers' notice or consent and unauthorized fees.

Under the terms of the settlement, Sirius XM will make significant changes to its business practices. Specifically, Sirius XM agrees to:

• Clearly disclose all terms and conditions at the point of sale

• Make no misrepresentations about the available plans

• Provide advance notice of upcoming automatic renewals for plans longer than six months

• Improve cancellation procedures, and

• Prohibit incentives for customer service representatives based solely on retaining customers who attempt to cancel.

To be considered for reimbursement under this settlement, consumers must file a complaint concerning conduct from July 28, 2008, to Dec. 4, 2014, involving an identifiable loss that was not previously resolved. An example of an identifiable loss might include a loss of money from instances where the consumer unsuccessfully tried to cancel or did not want to renew, but found themselves stuck paying for another term. Identifiable loss may also include a loss of time, such as when the conversation took much longer than reasonably expected due to problems with customer service.

The attorneys general are urging consumers who have a complaint regarding Sirius XM's business practices that this settlement addresses to contact their state attorney general at 1-800-281-4418 or to file complaints with Sirius XM directly before May 3, 2015. Consumer complaints can be sent to Sirius XM by mail at P.O. Box 33059, Detroit, Mich., 48232-5059; or online at www.siriusxm.com or www.siriusxm.com/settlementprogram.

AT&T Mobile Customers May Be Eligible for Refunds

On Monday, Dec. 8, Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley urged AT&T Mobile customers to be on the lookout for text messages from their mobile carrier notifying them that they may be eligible for refunds due to erroneous third-party billing. Presley said in a release that his office has been inundated with questions about the texts' legitimacy and how to respond.

Presley said in the release that the notifications are from an October settlement between AT&T and the Federal Trade Commission concerning third-party billing on some wireless accounts. Some customers were charged for third-party services, such as ringtones, wallpapers or text message subscriptions without their permission, and AT&T has agreed to refund the charges for those customers.

Current and former AT&T customers who received unauthorized third-party charges after Jan. 1, 2009 may apply for refunds. Customers can check to see if they are owed a refund by calling the FTC directly at 1-877-819-9692 or by checking online at www.ftc.gov/ATT.

For information, call Commissioner Presley's office at 1-800-637-7722 or 1-800-356-6428, or visit www.psc.state.ms.us.

Rotary Club Makes Education Grant to Jackson Zoo

The Rotary Club District 6820 recently approved a $7,500 grant for the Jackson Zoological Park to purchase technology equipment for the zoo's Wild Learning program, according to a release from the zoo.

Wild Learning is an educational program that has previously been in place at the Jackson Zoo and is currently being underwritten by corporate partners. Wild Learning offers opportunities to low-income households and diverse ethnicities that do not have the means to visit the zoo. The program provides free admission and transportation for these students. The zoo will use the Rotary Club grant to purchase new equipment for the program, such as an interactive SmartBoard, tablets and computers.

The grant is the first that has been designated toward technology advancement for the zoo's education department. The zoo will place the Rotary Club emblem on the equipment purchased through the grant in recognition of the club. West Jackson Rotary Club Members will also volunteer to assist with the Wild Learning program.

Josh Friedel, the zoo's director of major gifts and annual fund, met with Debra McGee, senior vice president and director of minority business at BankPlus, and West Jackson Rotary Club members on Tuesday, Dec. 2, for the check presentation.

Rotary Club District 6820 is comprised of 44 rotary clubs in Central Mississippi. District Governor Paul Bucurel approved the grant for the Wild Learning program.

Yates Construction Gives $100K Check to JSU for Business and Technology

On Wednesday, Dec. 3, Yates Construction presented $100,000 to JSU President Dr. Carolyn W. Meyers during a ceremony in the JSU Student Center on the main campus. The university will use the money to enhance the College of Science, Engineering and Technology and the College of Business.

Following the check presentation, company executives, including Yates Vice President Paul Musick, accompanied Meyers on a campus tour that included the CREATE Center and the College of Engineering building.

Yates executives said in a release that one of their primary objectives is to diversify the company by recruiting and hiring talented graduates, and the company's gift is only the first step in their future collaboration.

JSU and Yates officials said in the release that they hope the efforts forged by their partnership will enrich both institutions and allow them to shape the community and economic climate of the city and state.

Yates is a $2 billion company with more than 10,000 employees throughout the southeast. The Philadelphia, Miss.-based organization expanded into Jackson in 1989.