How Top Wireless Carriers Compare on Consumer Protections For Mobile Payments

Most cell phone and tablet users can currently make mobile payments charged to a prepaid phone account or their monthly bill. But when consumers use these payment options, they may not get the protections they need to limit their financial liability if something goes wrong with the transaction. The protections they receive will vary depending on which wireless carrier they use and what’s in their cell phone contract. That leaves consumers at risk and means they could end up losing money if they discover a fraudulent transaction or billing error, or when they aren’t satisfied with their purchase. In May 2011, Consumers Union called on the top wireless carriers to strengthen their contracts to provide consumers who make mobile payments charged to their wireless accounts with the same strong protections they are guaranteed by law when they shop with a credit card or debit card.