So you have a complaint against Optimum’s service and want to file a claim against Optimum. Maybe they overcharged you, their service wasn’t what was expected, or they used misleading sales ads.
At this point you’ve probably tried calling Optimum’s customer service. You’ve spent hours on the phone with hold messages, computerized menus, and—if you’re lucky—a few humans. So now you want to know: How do I file a legal claim against Optimum?
File a claim against Optimum in Small Claims Court
What is it? You’re not allowed to bring a claim against Optimum in most courts (it’s true — it’s there in the fine print of your contract with them). But the exception is small claims court, which is an opportunity to bring your claim locally before a judge, up to a certain monetary limit.
When to try it: You have have time and energy on your hands, and you want the chance to make your case against Optimum in public.
What you need to do: Follow the steps laid out here in FairShake’s Guide to Sue Optimum in Small Claims Court.
What to expect: If you follow all the steps precisely and have a strong claim against Optimum, there’s a good chance you’ll get compensation.
File a claim against Optimum with your credit card provider
What is it? Any time you pay for something with a credit card, you and the company you are buying from (like Optimum) agree to follow a set of rules from the company issuing the credit card. In cases such as fraud, overcharges, or when the product or service is not actually provided, credit card companies have a procedure for you to dispute the charge.
When to try it: If your claim against Optimum is about a one time charge that was made using a credit card, and when you will be able to provide documented evidence that Optimum charged you more than they were allowed to, or for a service they didn’t provide.
What you need to do: Most credit card companies will let you do this process entirely online. Log in to your credit card account and look for more information on how to dispute and challenge a charge. Typically you’ll have to identify the charge, describe your claim, and if possible provide evidence to support it.
What to expect: The credit card company may temporarily remove the charge from your bill. They will then likely ask Optimum for a response. You may also be asked for more information or evidence before they make a final decision.
File an FCC complaint against Optimum
What is it? The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is a government agency that regulates much of Optimum’s business. The FCC provides an informal channel for consumers to submit claims and complaints against Optimum.
What happens to these claims depends on the internal procedures of the FCC. The FCC also provides a more formal complaint procedure, but there is a monetary charge for this.
When to try it: You’re frustrated with Optimum and want to make your complaint available to the government and the public. An FCC complaint is not a way to pursue compensation but it does get your complaint lodged somewhere you know it will be heard, even if your complaint against Optimum is being ignored by the company itself.
What you need to do: File an informal complaint against Optimum on the FCC’s public website by following the instructions here.
What to expect: Your complaint will be posted online in a public database. It may be used in setting the FCC’s priorities for regulating companies like Optimum. The company may be asked to respond to it. You will not necessarily receive an individual response.
File a Better Business Bureau complaint against Optimum
What is it? The Better Business Bureau and its local chapters are private organizations that collect and publish complaints people like you have against businesses like Optimum. They are often funded by affiliate fees and they aim for fairness by giving businesses an opportunity to respond to consumer complaints.
When to try it: When Optimum’s BBB page shows that they are actively involved in responding, you know they will likely respond to you. Alternatively, if you just want to make your complaint against Optimum known, you and post it regardless of whether they are responding.
What you need to do: Go to Optimum’s BBB profile here and follow the instructions for submitting a complaint.
What to expect: This depends on whether the company actively responds to its BBB complaints. If it does, you may receive a response directly from them, or via the BBB. You may be asked for further documentation or clarification on your complaint. Ultimately, it is up to Optimum whether they choose to acknowledge and offer compensation for your claim.
File a complaint against Optimum through independent arbitration
What is it? Remember that thing about the small print of your Optimum contract? Well instead of most courts, what their contract allows you to do is to file a claim that will be argued before an independent individual called an arbitrator. They have the power to make a binding decision to which Optimum is held.
Because this process costs Optimum money, often they’ll try to settle your claim once you put them on notice that you plan on taking them to arbitration. That’s what FairShake can help with!
When to try it: Any situation in which you believe Optimum has misled you, violated their contract with you, or violated the law can be pursued through arbitration. Typically claims involve a specific request for how Optimum can fix the situation, which may include financial compensation. FairShake will help you pursue claims up to $10,000.
What you need to do: Fill out our form below, to start your claim against . Or, for more information on the steps in pursuing an arbitration claim yourself, click here.
What to expect: For more details about arbitration, click here. Or start your claim below and let us help!
