McCollum
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Legal Newsline) - Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum has announced a settlement negotiated with Office Depot that stems from allegations that the company overcharged governmental agencies.
Office Depot allegedly overcharged governmental agencies for office supplies, a violation of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Practices Act.
An investigation by the attorney general's Economic Crimes Division revealed that Office Depot allegedly switched pricing plans for certain local governmental agencies and private non-profit organizations in the Florida without their customers' full understanding or knowledge.
The switch in pricing plans resulted in higher prices for the affected customers, McCollum says.
Office Depot fully cooperated with McCollum's office during the investigation.
Under the newly negotiated settlement, Office Depot will pay approximately $4.5 million in refunds to eligible Florida customers, including governmental agencies in the state.
Office Depot will also reimburse McCollum's office for investigative costs and for costs associated with ongoing and future enforcement actions. In addition, the company has agreed to fully comply with the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.