Charter Cable is blaming a software error for accidentally and permanently deleting the email accounts of 14,000 users, and is offering a $50 credit as compensation, says the AP:

There is no way to retrieve the messages, photos and other attachments that were erased from inboxes and archive folders across the country on Monday, said Anita Lamont, a spokeswoman for the suburban St. Louis-based company.

“We really are sincerely sorry for having had this happen and do apologize to all those folks who were affected by the error,” Lamont said Thursday when the company announced the gaff.

Did this happen to any Consumerists? Happy with the $50?

Cable Co. Empties 14,000 E-Mail Accounts [AP]

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