Some Sirius XM customers, who were charged for satellite radio service they didn't want, can now apply for a refund.
Sirius XM agreed Friday to pay $3.8 million to settle complaints that it misled customers with its advertising and billing practices. The money will be split among 46 states and the District of Columbia. Arkansas' share is $60,178, Attorney General Dustin McDaniel said in a statement.
State attorneys general said customers complained that it was difficult to cancel their Sirius XM contracts, and some said that Sirius XM automatically renewed contracts without asking.
As part of the settlement, Sirius XM agreed to make several changes to its business, including improving its cancellation process and sending notices before automatic renewals. Sirius XM said in a statement that the changes have already been made.
Customers who may have been unfairly charged between July 28, 2008, and Dec. 4, 2014, can apply for a refund from their state's attorney general office or from Sirius XM. Contact information for Sirius XM is available online at siriusxm.com/settlementprogram.
Arkansas consumers may also call the Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 482-8982.
Arkansans have 150 days to file a complaint to be considered for restitution, McDaniel said.
“This settlement holds the company accountable and ensures that Sirius XM will make significant changes to its business practices,” McDaniel said. “I’m pleased that Arkansans will receive some relief as a result of this agreement.”
Information for this article was contributed by The Associated Press and by Arkansas Online.