Wechsler Harwood LLP Announces Ruling in Cramming Action Against SBC Communications, Inc. -- SBC


NEW YORK, May 5, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Wechsler Harwood LLP today announced that the California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, issued an important ruling which reversed an earlier lower court's ruling dismissing a consumer action on behalf of telephone subscribers. The ruling permits a private action against parties who have participated in the placing of unauthorized charges on customers' telephone billing statements. The appellate court action returns the action to the trial court. The action, entitled Coolman v. SBC Communications, Inc. (NYSE:SBC), Case No. BC291726, is pending in the Superior Court of Los Angeles County.

"Cramming" is the practice of including unauthorized charges on a telephone subscriber's bill. The Complaint charges that SBC, along with others, improperly crammed "900 services" charges on the telephone billing statement of plaintiff and other SBC customers. These crammed charges were never authorized. The Complaint seeks, among other things, certification of a class of all persons or entities who were improperly billed for 900 services by SBC during the period of March 7, 1999, through March 7, 2003.

Wechsler Harwood has taken a leading role in many important state and nationwide actions on behalf of defrauded investors and aggrieved consumers. The Wechsler Harwood website (www.whesq.com) has more information about the firm. If you wish to discuss this action with us, or have any questions concerning this notice or your rights and interests with regard to the case, please contact the following:



            

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