In 2024, Verizon Wireless agreed to settle a $100 million class-action lawsuit. The lawsuit accused the company of deceptive advertising practices for not clearly disclosing extra fees, like administrative charges, to customers. This meant that the actual cost of their plans was higher than what was advertised.
The plaintiffs argued that Verizon misled customers by hiding these fees, making it appear that their plans were cheaper than they really were. This resulted in customers paying more than they expected.
The deceptive practice likely violated consumer protection laws, including the Federal Trade Commission Act, which prohibits misleading or false advertising.
How Much Can You Get?
The settlement fund will be distributed as follows:
- Base Payment: All valid claims will receive a flat $15 payment.
- Monthly Service Bonus: In addition to the base payment, you’ll get an extra $1 for every month you were charged the disputed fee, up to a maximum of $85.
So, the most any individual can receive is $100, which includes both the base payment and the monthly service bonus.
Eligibility: Who Can Receive the Settlement?
You may be eligible for the settlement if:
- You were a Verizon customer between January 1, 2016, and November 8, 2023.
- You had a postpaid wireless or data plan.
- You were charged the administrative fees or telecom recovery fees during that period.
If you meet these conditions, you were eligible to file a claim. However, if you didn’t submit a claim by the deadline, you will not receive any payment, even if you were eligible.
Important Deadlines
- Eligibility Period: January 1, 2016 – November 8, 2023
- Claim Filing Deadline: The deadline has passed, so no new claims are being accepted.
If you were eligible but missed the deadline, you won’t receive any compensation. The company will be announcing the payment distribution date soon, so those who filed their claims on time should watch for updates.
How to File a Claim (But It’s Too Late Now)
Unfortunately, the deadline to submit a claim has passed, so if you didn’t file, you won’t be able to receive any money. However, for reference, here’s how the process worked:
- Visit the Settlement Website: Customers had to go to the official website to check their eligibility and get the claim form.
- Download or Request the Claim Form: The form could be downloaded from the website or requested directly from the settlement administrator.
- Fill Out the Form: Required information included your name, contact information, and Verizon account details.
- Attach Proof: You needed to include proof of the charges, such as billing statements or receipts.
- Submit the Form: Forms could be submitted online or through mail before the specified deadline.
What Happens Next?
Although the deadline has passed, Verizon will soon announce when the settlement payments will be distributed. The company will also share additional details about how the money will be sent out and whether any further steps need to be taken.
Breakdown of Payments
| Payment Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Base Payment | $15 |
| Monthly Service Bonus | $1 for each month (up to $85) |
| Maximum Payment | $100 |