Verizon has agreed to pay $100 million to settle a class action lawsuit alleging the company charged customers improper administrative fees without disclosing them. The settlement means current and former Verizon subscribers could receive payments of up to $100 each.
The lawsuit centers on monthly charges labeled “Federal Universal Service fee” and other administrative fees. According to the plaintiffs, Verizon implied these were government-mandated when in reality they were added by Verizon to increase revenue.
Verizon denies any wrongdoing but has settled to avoid further legal costs. As part of the agreement, Verizon will provide clearer communication about fees to customers going forward.
To receive a cash payment, current and former Verizon customers need to submit claims online or by mail. Verizon estimates around 15 million subscribers may be eligible for the settlement.
Those eligible should receive an email or mailed letter from Verizon with instructions on filing a claim using their Notice ID and Confirmation code. Claims can be submitted on Verizon’s website and must be filed by April 15, 2024.
Payments are expected to be at least $15 per person, but could be up to $100 depending on factors like how long someone was a Verizon customer. Compensation will be sent via check or electronic payment once the court finalizes the settlement.
Rather than participate in the class action settlement, Verizon customers can opt out and pursue individual legal action. To retain this right, exclusions must be postmarked by February 20, 2024 and mailed to Verizon Administrative Charge Settlement Administrator.
Customers who neither opt out nor submit a claim will lose their rights to compensation under both the class action settlement and through separate litigation against Verizon.
The proposed Verizon settlement follows negotiations between the company’s legal team and attorneys representing plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit. It aims to provide consumers compensation for years of allegedly obscured fees.
Critics argue Verizon should never have added confusing administrative charges in the first place. Some say the $100 million settlement is relatively small for a company of Verizon’s size and won’t deter future misdeeds.
However, the settlement does represent a significant case of consumers banding together to hold a major corporation accountable. Verizon has committed to being more transparent about any fees on customer bills moving forward.
Millions of Americans may have overpaid on their Verizon bills without full understanding of the charges. Check your mail and email for specifics on how to file a claim against the $100 million settlement fund if you were a Verizon customer during the periods in question. Act now to receive your share of the compensation.
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