On July 26th, 2021, our firm filed two applications for the authorization to bring a class action against Vidéotron. These applications seek to obtain a reimbursement from Vidéotron for the fees that were unfairly paid by Quebec consumers who have concluded a mobile phone contract in stores or over the phone with Vidéotron.
Our clients’ story
In the first file, our client, Ms. Roy, purchased a new mobile phone from a Vidéotron store.
When she looked over her receipts, Ms. Roy was surprised to find that she had paid the sum of $ 10 for SIM card fees. However, her contract made no mention of such costs; worse yet, she had never changed her SIM card.
In the second file, our client, Mr. Louima, purchased a new phone through Videotron’s customer service.
Later that week, he received his new mobile phone in the mail with a new SIM card that he had never requested, and whilst his old SIM was still functional.
Therefore, he contacted customer service, who informed him that Videotron systematically issued new SIM cards at a cost of $ 10 with every mobile phone mail delivery.
Violations of the Consumer Protection Act
We reproach Vidéotron for:
1. Claiming a $ 10 fee for the purchase of a SIM card, even though the fees were not mentioned in the contract
In fact, although the $ 10 fee was neither mentioned in the contract and/or when the contract was agreed upon, some people are being billed said fee.
This $ 10 fee often goes unnoticed amongst the activation fees and monthly fees claimed by Vidéotron when activating a mobile line.
Thus, this is a perfect example of the “hidden fees” practice, which is prohibited under the Consumer Protection Act.
2. Automatically claiming a $ 10 fee for the purchase of a SIM card, even though the SIM card has not been changed
Although some contracts mention the cost related to the SIM card, changing the card is not mandatory, and is therefore not always carried out.
In fact, in some circumstances, since the replacement of the SIM card is not always necessary, Vidéotron does not carry out the change and/or the activation of said card in stores. Nonetheless, the $ 10 fee is still billed to the client.
3.Claiming a $ 10 fee for the purchase of a SIM card to be sent by mail, even though the client did not request it
Changing the SIM card is neither needed nor mandatory. In fact, when a client is already equipped with a SIM card, it is unlikely that they will need to change their SIM card, even if they buy a new mobile device.
However, Vidéotron automatically sends a new SIM card to all clients purchasing a mobile device, whether they request it or not. It is the prohibited practice of “inertial selling” and false representations.
Therefore, we are claiming on behalf of all the damaged members, the reimbursement of said SIM card fees, as well as punitive damages to punish Videotron’s behaviour.
Proposed class
- All persons domiciled or having been domiciled in Quebec and having been billed by the defendant for SIM card costs without these costs having been mentioned in their mobile contract and/or without having received a new SIM card since February 6, 2018;
- All persons domiciled or having been domiciled in Quebec who were billed for costs by the defendant related to the purchase of a SIM card received during the postal delivery of a mobile device since February 6, 2018;
Applications filed to the Court
Application to be authorized to bring a class action – Vidéotron 1 (French)
Application to be authorized to bring a class action – Vidéotron 2 (French)
Current state of the case
Awaiting authorization from a Superior court judge.
How do I join the class action?
If you’re part of the proposed class, you are automatically a part of these class actions.
We highly recommend that you keep all relevant evidence such as receipts, contracts, and all communications with Vidéotron.
We also invite you to send us all relevant documents.
Registration form
Please use the following registration form to join and follow the latest news regarding this class action.
Notice : Submitting your information via the registration form above does not create an attorney-client relationship and does not commit you to pay any attorney fees.