This site is being created in the hope that pooled resources can make a dent in the evil giant that is 1&1 Internet.
In June of 2007, I opened a 1&1 account after seeing a promotional ad: pay for 3 months of hosting and you get 3 months free along with 3 free domain registrations. Being the cheap miser that I am, I snatched up what I thought was a great deal. Into the 5th month, I realized that I did not want to renew, so I submitted a cancellation notice and promptly forgot all about it.
Fast forward 9 months later to September of 2008. I had a few terrible domain name ideas and figured I’d look up 1&1 again. This time, I just signed up for a 3 month hosting deal on their site using the same exact email I used on the first account. They glady accepted my Visa card and enabled my account.
Then, in October 2008, I pulled up a free credit report as I was considering re-financing my car loan and wanted to see my credit score. Much to my dismay, I saw 1 ITEM IN COLLECTIONS. Clicking on the link, I saw 1&1 Internet, Inc. and the infamous NCO Collection Agency listed as the offending item. Total amount outstanding: 30 measly dollars.
Discouraged, but thinking there had to be some sort of mistake, I began the arduous process of attempting to get this mark of my credit report. Reaching out to the interweb for help, I stumbled upon thousands of other people that have experienced exactly what I have: shady billing practices, incompetent customer service, and a feeling of helplessness in trying to go up against a giant company like 1&1.
After seeing countless posts saying, “Someone should start a class-action lawsuit against these clowns,” I would like to put the gears in motion to do just that. I am not a lawyer and I am admittedly ignorant on what it takes to put something like this together. What I do know is that principles matter. A company should not be allowed to rip-off, bully, or ignore their paying customers just because they are “the little guys”.
I will keep everyone in the loop regarding developments. The first steps I am taking are to seek legal council. If anyone knows of a prominent firm with experience in class-action lawsuits, please email me at admin @AT 1and1classaction.com. Additionally, in the next couple of days, I will put up a sign-up form to collect information for potentials plaintiffs in the suit. From that, you’ll be able to opt-in to a mailing list so that you can keep up to date with developments in the potential case.
Look for a place to share your 1&1 horror stories with others and I’m also considering putting up a PayPal link for donations to the cause. Let me know if you have any other ideas!