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AT&T customers can get unwanted charges refunded only until May 1st

If you vaguely recall getting a text from AT&T within the past three months about some sort of a refund for unwanted charges, call this toll-free hotline ASAP: 877-819-9692. A rep can tell you if you're eligible for part of the $80 million AT&T handed over to the FTC when the company settled a complaint accusing it of "mobile cramming." That's what you call the practice of sending and charging subscribers for horoscopes, ring tones, etc. without their consent. The carrier reportedly charged customers "hundreds of millions of dollars" for those spammy third-party subscriptions. Once you know you're eligible, file for a refund quickly (either on the phone or online), because you can only do so until Friday, May 1st.

According to the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection director, Jessica Rich, 4.9 million subscribers already submitted an application. But in case loads of eligible customers fail to file by Friday, Sen. Chuck Schumer said he may ask the FTC for an extension. While AT&T's deadline is fast approaching, it's not the only carrier required to refund customers for unauthorized charges. T-Mobile is also processing claims until June 30th, while Verizon and Sprint are still negotiating with the FTC.

[Image credit: JeepersMedia/Flickr]