New Jersey Sues Verizon Over FiOS Marketing

New Jersey's Attorney General has sued Verizon Communications, alleging the telco engaged in "deceptive and misleading" marketing, sales, billing and customer service practices related to its FiOS services. The state, through its Division of Consumer Affairs, charged that Verizon failed to provide advertised promotional gifts -- such as flat-screen HDTVs -- when consumers signed up for FiOS service. New Jersey also alleged that Verizon charged consumers higher prices for service than prices quoted in door-to-door solicitations and ads, and charged activation fees after consumers were told that such would be waived. "FiOS is touted for its clearer picture but Verizon obscured the truth from potential customers in its advertising and sales pitches," New Jersey attorney general Anne 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."