State Widens Probe Into Connecticut AT&T Store Business Practices

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong just ramped up a civil investigation into AT&T. He’s going after allegations that customers all over the state got slapped with unauthorized charges on their accounts.

This follows criminal charges against Katie Ann Barnaby, a former employee of an authorized AT&T dealer in Stafford. She’s accused of running a scheme for personal gain by exploiting customers.

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The case has residents worried and puts a spotlight on the telecom industry’s oversight. It’s hard not to wonder how these sales practices got so sloppy in the first place.

Background of the Stafford AT&T Fraud Case

Everything started with a December 2021 complaint. A Connecticut customer noticed strange charges after buying a phone at the AT&T store in Stafford.

That single complaint cracked open a pattern stretching over several months. Dozens of people in towns from Enfield to Manchester may have been affected.

Katie Ann Barnaby’s Alleged Actions

Katie Ann Barnaby, 35, got arrested in January after state police linked her to shady account activity. Investigators say she:

Accessed customer accounts without permission.
Added phone lines and services to boost her commissions.
Kept trade-in devices and resold them online.

Some customers lost thousands—one saw over $2,000 in unauthorized charges. Colleagues said they saw her tampering with accounts not just in Stafford, but also at stores in Vernon and East Hartford.

AT&T’s Internal Response

AT&T fired Barnaby in July 2022 after investigating customer complaints. The company admitted many of the allegations lined up with what they found internally.

People are left asking how this went on for months without anyone stepping in. Reports have popped up in Hartford, Bridgeport, and even as far as Michigan, hinting this isn’t just a local problem.

Attorney General’s Expanded Probe

Attorney General Tong wants answers from AT&T, plain and simple. His office has demanded:

All records of Connecticut consumer complaints about unauthorized account changes.
Details on fraud prevention and security measures.
Information about compensation plans that might push employees to bend the rules.
Responses to any state or federal investigations.

Potential Broader Implications for Connecticut Consumers

Consumer advocates in places like New Haven and Waterbury are sounding the alarm. They say this whole mess shows why it’s crucial to check your bills and jump on anything that looks off.

If these claims hold up in court, they’d show how sales incentives can tempt employees to game the system. That puts regular customers at risk.

What Residents Should Do Now

The Attorney General’s office says Connecticut residents who spot weird charges on their AT&T accounts should:

Go over their billing statements—old and new—carefully.
Report anything suspicious to AT&T and the AG’s Consumer Assistance Unit.
Ask for written proof of any changes to their plans or accounts.

Ongoing Legal Proceedings

Barnaby faces several counts of third-degree computer crime. Her case is still moving through Rockville Superior Court.

Prosecutors are gathering more evidence. There’s a chance more charges or even new defendants could pop up as both the civil and criminal cases move forward.

The Larger Picture

AT&T says it’s cooperating fully. But let’s be honest, the investigation highlights a big problem in telecom: chasing sales goals without losing sight of what’s right.

In Connecticut, from Danbury to Norwich, this case is a loud reminder—folks need to watch out for financial fraud. It’s not just a story for the headlines; it’s something communities have to keep on their radar.

Attorney General Tong isn’t mincing words. He wants justice for the people who got hurt and for everyone else who counts on fair business in the state.

People across Connecticut are paying attention. Will this mess finally push telecoms to rethink how they train and pay their sales teams—or will it just blow over?

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Here is the source article for this story: State Investigation Into Connecticut AT&T Store Business Practices Deepens

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