Verizon Wireless Files Suit in SMS Case

Verizon Wireless has filed a lawsuit against individuals and companies that it claims used premium SMS campaigns to defraud the mobile operator and its customers.

In a lawsuit filed this week in a federal district court in Phoenix, Verizon Wireless names as defendants Jason Hope and Wayne P. DeStefano and the companies they own, including Cylon, Jawa and EyeLevel Holdings. The Texas Attorney General filed a similar lawsuit against the same defendants, and Verizon Wireless helped with the investigation, the company said.

As our work in the judicial system continues, I urge our competitors to quickly follow and put a stop to this fraud and ensure all mobile customers are protected,” said Verizon Wireless Steve Zipperstein, general counsel and vice president of legal and external affairs.

Verizon Wireless is seeking monetary damages and an injunction to prevent the defendants from continuing the alleged fraudulent activity.

The company said customers who may have been affected by the scheme and believe they are due a refund can visit www.premiumsmsrefunds.com to learn how to submit a claim for a refund.

Verizon Wireless said it has filed more than 20 lawsuits since 2004 against wireless spammers, telemarketers and pretexters.