A few days ago it was reported that Comcast, in dealing with a fraudulent $600 charge on a couple's cable bill, offered to refund the money if the couple agreed to signing a
non-disclosure agreement.
Action News reports that John and Carol Lehman were offered the credit after the news organization got involved in a dispute regarding five years of erroneous charges for a cable box they never had. But the deal came with one caveat, a nondisclosure agreement.
"We will issue a $600 credit, pending that you sign a nondisclosure agreement," a Comcast rep is quoted as saying on the couple's voicemail.
You can see the non-disclosure
agreement transcribed here.
According to 6ABC News, "The Lehmans tell us, for five years, Comcast erroneously charged them for a cable box they'd actually turned in. They say they have all their bills, five years worth, to prove it."
The station spoke to three sets of customers who say they had a difficult time getting refunds from Comcast, but they all ultimately got their money back after 6ABC got involved. [...]
Comcast told Ars that it was a mistake to ask the customer to sign an NDA in the case of a billing dispute. NDAs are intended for out-of-the-ordinary situations, including disputes that involve property damage, but not routine matters like refunds. Comcast said it will clarify with its employees that NDAs are not to be used in billing issues.
I don't know if I believe you, Comcast.