In many of its rebate offers, InPhonic requires consumers to assemble a variety of documentation and forms for their submissions, including proof that they have maintained service for a period of 150 to 180 days. However, consumers only have a 30 day window in which to submit their claims, which must be received by InPhonic "no earlier than 180 days and no later than 210 days after [the consumer's] account is activated." Consumers also complained that they have either been unable to get through to InPhonic's customer service representatives or have been unable to obtain assistance from these representatives, in their attempts to understand and comply with the rebate requirements.

The Better Business Bureau of Metropolitan Washington DC ("BBB") reports that it has received 2071 complaints about the company in the last 36 months. In November 2005 the BBB gave InPhonic an unsatisfactory rating.

The lawsuit, filed in DC Superior Court, seeks a permanent injunction to stop the company's misleading practices. It also seeks restitution for consumers, civil penalties, costs and fees. Consumers with questions about this action can call OAG's consumer protection hotline at 202-442-9828 or file a complaint online at: www.oag.dc.gov .