State Attorney General Anne Milgram and Division of Consumer Affairs director David Szuchman today announced the filing of a lawsuit against Verizon New Jersey Inc. for not meeting certain service and marketing claims. The four-count complaint alleges Verizon violated the Consumer Fraud Act and advertising regulations through misrepresentation and omissions of facts.

According to court documents, the state’s claims deception on the part of Verizon’s marketing, sales and customer service practices. Among the allegations include higher charges for service compared with the original quoted price. The state claims customers were charged activation fees they were told would be waived.

The state’s suit, filed in State Superior Court in Essex County, stemmed from more than 266 complaints from FiOS costumers. Verizon’s triple play of telephone, Internet and television service is available in select municipalities around the state.

“FiOS is touted for its clearer picture, but Verizon obscured the truth from potential customers in its advertising and sales pitches,” Milgram said in a statement. “Deception and misrepresentations have no place in the marketplace, and we will hold businesses accountable when they violate the public’s trust.”

The DCA said each violation of the Consumer Fraud Act carries a penalty up to $10,000, and $20,000 for subsequent violations.

Dennis Bone, president of Verizon New Jersey, issued the following statement in response to the attorney general’s complaints: “Verizon FiOS TV and broadband products are the best in America. We are working to ensure that every customer has an outstanding FIOS experience that meets and exceeds the customer’s expectations.

“We believe that the issues raised by the attorney general today are related primarily to the startup of the FIOS business nearly two years ago in New Jersey, and have been largely addressed. We will continue to work with the attorney general to resolve any remaining concerns and to ensure that our customers are fully satisfied.”

Thank You!