INDIANAPOLIS (WOWO): Attorney General Greg Zoeller today announced Indiana’s participation in a multi-state settlement with Sirius XM Radio Inc., in which the satellite radio company has agreed to pay $3.8 million to the states and refund customers for alleged misleading advertising and billing practices.

Zoeller is joined in the settlement by attorneys general from 44 states and the District of Columbia who allege that Sirius XM engaged in misleading, unfair, and deceptive acts or practices in violation of state consumer protection laws. In Indiana, 67 consumers filed complaints with the Attorney General’s Office against Sirius XM.

The states’ investigation focused on consumer complaints involving: difficulty canceling contracts; cancellation requests that were not honored; misrepresentations that the consumer’s Sirius XM service would be canceled and not renewed; contracts that were automatically renewed without consumers’ notice or consent; unauthorized fees; higher, unanticipated rates after a low introductory rate; and Sirius XM failing to provide timely refunds.

In addition to the $3.8 million that Sirius XM will pay the states, Sirius XM also will provide restitution to eligible consumers who have complaints about the problems addressed in the settlement.

As its portion of the settlement, Indiana will receive $77,240.85 to be deposited in the Consumer Protection Fund for use in future consumer protection enforcement, education, litigation or restitution.