Target Class Action: iPhones Sold as Unlocked Were Actually Locked

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit claims Target falsely advertised iPhones as unlocked, causing consumers to pay more for devices that were locked to a specific carrier.

Consumers Affected: Consumers who purchased iPhones advertised as unlocked from Target.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York

Target Corporation is facing allegations in a new class action lawsuit claiming it falsely marketed iPhones as unlocked.  Filed in a New York federal court, the lawsuit accuses Target of misleading marketing practices that caused consumers to pay more for devices they believed could be used with any carrier.

Target Sold Locked iPhones as Unlocked, Lawsuit Claims

Plaintiff Jonathan Payton purchased an iPhone 11 from a Target store in New York City last November. He believed the phone was unlocked, based on the store’s advertising, but discovered it was locked to Verizon when he tried to activate it with AT&T. Payton stated he had to pay additional fees at a Verizon-affiliated store to unlock the phone.

The lawsuit claims that Target’s advertisements led consumers to believe they were purchasing phones compatible with all carriers, giving users the flexibility to switch providers or use their devices internationally. Locked phones, however, often come with hardware or software tied to specific carriers, requiring additional payments to unlock.

“If Plaintiff had known that the phone advertised as unlocked was actually locked, requiring additional funds to unlock, he would not have purchased it,” the lawsuit states.

Target Faces Other Lawsuits Over Deceptive Marketing Practices

This lawsuit is one of several currently filed against Target for alleged deceptive marketing practices.

One recent class action lawsuit accuses Target of overstating the size and functionality of certain shelves and bookcases, alleging that product photos are manipulated to make the items appear larger.

Parents have also filed a lawsuit over Target’s Up & Up Diaper Pail Refills, alleging the product does not last as long as advertised. 

Additionally, the retailer and its delivery service, Shipt, have been accused of hidden delivery fees and bait-and-switch tactics, further complicating customer relationships.

In the Target locked iPhones class action lawsuit, Payton seeks to represent a nationwide class of consumers who purchased iPhones advertised as unlocked from Target stores or its website between November 2016 and the present. The lawsuit alleges violations of New York’s General Business Law, breach of contract, and unjust enrichment.

Customers affected by this alleged practice may have faced additional financial burdens, including fees to unlock devices or costs associated with switching carriers. Payton argues that Target's actions have led to financial harm for thousands of consumers.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Payton v. Target Corporation
• Case Number: 1:24-cv-08116
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Ross H. Schmierer (Kazerouni Law Group A.P.C.)
• Todd M. Friedman and Adrian Bacon (Law Offices Of Todd M. Friedman PC)

Have you purchased an iPhone from Target? Share your experience in the comments below.