Verizon Customers $100 Million Settlement

Verizon mobile phone customers may be eligible to share in a proposed $100 million class action settlement. The lawsuit alleges that customers were unfairly charged monthly fees that were not properly disclosed by Verizon, the communications company.

Act Before April 15th to Claim Your Share

If you have signed up for Verizon's wireless service plans at certain monthly rates, you may have been charged more than what was advertised. This discrepancy is due to undisclosed administrative fees, according to the lawsuit filed in New Jersey. However, it's crucial to note that those who wish to participate in the settlement must take action by April 15th.

Deceptive and Unfair Practices

The plaintiffs behind the lawsuit assert that Verizon implemented and increased the Administrative Charge in a deceptive and unfair manner. They argue that this undisclosed fee resulted in customers paying more than they had anticipated for their wireless service.

Verizon's Response

Verizon Communications has denied any wrongdoing and claims that the lawsuit lacks merit. The company asserts that they have acted within their rights and will continue to charge the administrative fee. However, as part of the proposed settlement, Verizon will amend its customer agreement to provide better disclosure regarding these charges.

Details of the Charges

The administrative charge, which began at 40 cents per month per phone line in 2005, has undergone multiple increases over the years. Currently, it stands at $3.30 per line as of 2022. Every phone line on a customer's account incurs this fee, meaning a family plan with five lines would be subject to five administrative charges per month.

Verizon Settlement: Claims for Refunds

Verizon customers who have been charged an administrative or administrative and telco recovery fee between January 1, 2016, and November 8, 2023, may be eligible for a settlement refund. Eligible customers will receive a notification via email or mail informing them about the proposed settlement.

Filing a Claim

To stake a claim, both current and former Verizon mobile customers must submit their request online through the designated website or by mail. The deadline for filing claims is approaching, so it is essential to act promptly.

Potential Compensation

Deductions and Minimum Payout

Court-approved expenses related to settlement administration, attorneys' fees and costs, and other factors will be deducted from the settlement fund. The minimum amount customers could receive is $15, along with an additional $1 for each month they were billed the administrative charge while using wireless or data services.

Financial Impact

While the settlement is anticipated to involve a substantial number of customers, it is not expected to have a significant impact on Verizon's financial results. Industry analysts predict that Verizon's net income for the full year of 2023 will amount to $19.8 billion.

Common Occurrence

Class action lawsuits and settlements with companies of this nature are relatively common in the industry.

Opting Out

Customers who prefer not to participate in the settlement may choose to opt out by February 20. By doing so, they relinquish their right to receive any payments through the settlement. However, they retain the option to pursue individual legal action against Verizon regarding the matters addressed in the lawsuit.

It is important to note that failing to take any action will result in customers forgoing any potential payments and forfeiting their right to engage in legal proceedings against Verizon.