How to File a Complaint Against AT&T

What is it? The fine print of your contract with AT&T says you can’t sue in most courts, but you can file a claim against AT&T in small claims court, which is an opportunity to bring your claim locally before a judge, up to a certain monetary limit.

What you need to do: Follow the steps laid out here in FairShake’s Guide to Sue AT&T in Small Claims Court.

What to expect: If you follow all the steps precisely and have a strong claim against AT&T, there’s a good chance you’ll get compensation.

What is it? Any time you pay for something with a credit card, you and AT&T agree to follow a set of rules from the company issuing the credit card. In cases such as fraud, overcharges, or when the product or service is not actually provided, credit card companies have a procedure for you to dispute the charge against T&T.

What you need to do: Most credit card companies will let you do this process entirely online. Log in to your credit card account and look for more information on how to dispute or challenge a charge. Usually they ask that you find the precise charge from your list of charges, explain what happened, and give any evidence.

What to expect: The credit card company may temporarily remove the charge from your bill. They will then likely reach out to AT&T for a response. You may also be asked for more information or evidence before they make a final decision.

The outcome of a claim against AT&T through the FCC is contingent upon internal FCC procedures. They have a more formal complaint option but it will cost you.

When to try it: You’re frustrated with AT&T and want to make your complaint available to the government and the public. An FCC complaint is not a way to pursue compensation but it at least gets your voice heard.

What you need to do: File an informal complaint on the FCC’s public website by following the instructions here.

What to expect: Your complaint will be posted online in a public database. It may be used in setting the FCC’s priorities for regulating companies like AT&T. The company may be asked to respond to it. You will not necessarily

What is it? The Better Business Bureau and its local chapters are private organizations that collect and publish complaints against a wide range of companies. They are mainly funded by affiliate fees from businesses, and usually offer these business an opportunity to respond to consumer complaints.

What you need to do: Go to AT&T’s BBB profile here and follow the instructions for submitting a complaint.

What to expect: This depends on whether the company actively responds to its BBB complaints. If it does, you may receive a response directly from them, or via the BBB. You may be asked for further documentation or clarification on your complaint. Ultimately, it is up to AT&T whether they choose to acknowledge and offer compensation for your claim.

What is it? Remember that thing about the small print of your AT&T contract? Well instead of most courts, what their contract allows you to do is to file a claim that will be argued before an independent individual called an arbitrator.

Because this process costs AT&T money, often they’ll try to settle your claim once you put them on notice that you plan on taking them to arbitration. That’s what FairShake can help with!

When to try it: Any situation in which you believe AT&T has misled you, violated their contract with you, or violated the law can be pursued through arbitration. Typically claims involve a specific request for how AT&T can fix the situation, which may include financial compensation. FairShake will help you pursue claims up to $10,000.

What you need to do: Fill out our form below, to start your claim against AT&T. Or, for more information on the steps in pursuing an arbitration claim yourself, click here.

What to expect: For more details about arbitration, click here. Or start your claim below and let us help!