It’s only March, but 2023 is shaping up to be quite the year so far for brand lawsuits—we’ve seen Buffalo Wild Wings slammed with a lawsuit for deceptive marketing over their ‘boneless’ wings, Olaplex get sued for alleged hair loss, and Dunkin’ in court over ‘excessively’ hot coffee. Now, Dunkin’ is under fire once again. This time, as Boston.com reports, a Massachusetts customer is suing the chain for allegedly adding on ‘undisclosed’ charges when ordering through the brand’s mobile app.
Martin Kelledy of Dorchester, a neighborhood in Boston, claims the Dunkin’ app places add-on charges on items like butter and cream cheese without itemizing them on the receipt. Here’s what we know:
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Dunkin' Mobile App Add-On Charges Could Affect 'Thousands'
In the lawsuit, Kelledy gave an example where he purchased a large iced coffee for $3.69 and an everything bagel with plain cream cheese for $3.09 last April, which should have totaled $6.78 pre-tax. Instead, though, the app calculated a total of $8.03 pre-tax, without disclosing the extra $1.25 charge.
The lawsuit states that the charges "are not limited to transactions with Mr. Kelledy," and that they affect "several hundred or thousand more Massachusetts consumers" who use the Dunkin' mobile app. Yikes—better check those receipts!
Lawsuit Labels Undisclosed Charges As 'Unfair' And 'Deceptive'
The lawsuit claims that no business in the state "should impose undisclosed charges for butter—or even butter substitute—upon any consumer without notice," and that no customers should "suffer undisclosed, or multiple, charges for a single serving of cream cheese."
Kelledy alleges that these charges are "violations of Massachusetts law and regulations" and also "constitute unfair or deceptive practices" under the state's pricing laws.
While no business should charge customers extra dough without disclosing it, the lawsuit acknowledges that "more meaningful problems may exist," but "but few of life's difficulties should be so easily resolved." Take that—Dunkin'.
A user on Twitter wrote, "He's the hero we need," regarding Kelledy's pursuits for justice.
He's the hero we needhttps://t.co/CHfAPcYX1k
— Sean Gill (@GillsiesGoons) March 28, 2023
To resolve the lawsuit, Kelledy asks that Dunkin’ itemize all charges going forward, which will entail Dunkin' fixing its app. He also requests damages paid and legal fee coverage.
Despite the deception by Dunks, Kelledy is admittedly still a fan. While some people sue large corporations expecting hefty payment, Kelledy seeks justice, and to keep fueling up at Dunkin'. Kelledy admitted he still uses the Dunkin' app, because, otherwise, he won't be able to earn his Dunkin' rewards.
Gotta love this modern-day act of loyalty.
