Some Verizon customers could be entitled to part of a major cash settlement from a class-action lawsuit that accuses the phone service provider of hiding unnecessary fees it charged them.
USA Today reported the payout could be as big as $100 million.
In a lawsuit filed in New Jersey on behalf of many of the company’s customers, it is alleged Verizon charged numerous fees in a manner that the complainants described as “deceptive.”
Verizon was sued and agreed to settle.
However, as part of the settlement, the company will not admit to any wrongdoing.
Verizon has also agreed to update its fee disclosure policy in the spirit of transparency.
Additionally, Verizon will continue to charge the same fees and reserves the right to raise them if it sees fit.
Those who qualify for the payout include many customers who used the service on varying plans between Jan. 1, 2016, to Nov. 8, 2023.
Many of those affected by the fees who qualify for a chunk of the $100 million payout either have or will receive a notice in the mail or by email shortly informing them to stake a claim.
Have you ever thought about getting rid of your smartphone?
Others who wish to file a claim for part of the settlement can do so at the class action website by clicking here.
Those who are eligible for a check but do not wish to accept it must manually opt out of the settlement cash.
Eligible customers who do not file a claim by April 15 will not receive a payout and cannot seek one in the future.
The class action website said in a statement:
“Verizon customers claimed in a class action lawsuit that Verizon has charged its post-paid individual consumer wireless service account holders a monthly Administrative Charge and/or Administrative and Telco Recovery Charge (collectively, ‘Administrative Charge’) that was unfair and not adequately disclosed. Verizon has denied and continues to deny that it did anything wrong and that the lawsuit has any merit.”
The statement concluded, “The customers and Verizon have reached a proposed settlement to resolve the lawsuit on a class action basis, as described below.”
Verizon spokesman Rich Young defended his company in his own statement to USA Today, although he did not comment on the $100 million settlement specifically.
“Verizon clearly identifies and describes its wireless consumer Admin Charge multiple times during the sales transaction, as well as in its marketing, contracts and billing,” Young said.
He added, “This charge helps our company recover certain regulatory compliance, and network related costs.”
