Verizon Customers Alerted to $100 Million Settlement – Here’s How to Claim Your Refund

Verizon customers may be in for an unexpected windfall as part of a proposed $100 million settlement resulting from a class-action lawsuit.

Eligible customers are receiving postcards or emails notifying them of the opportunity to file a claim by April 15 and potentially receive up to $100. The lawsuit alleges that Verizon charged fees that were deemed “unfair and not adequately disclosed.”

The focal point of the dispute is Verizon’s “administrative charge,” which the plaintiffs argue was “misleading” because it wasn’t transparently disclosed in their plan’s advertised monthly price. The charge was allegedly applied in a “deceptive and unfair manner.” While Verizon has denied these claims, asserting that it clearly identifies and describes the wireless consumer admin charge during sales transactions, marketing, contracts, and billing, the proposed settlement is aimed at resolving the legal dispute.

The $100 million settlement combines four separate lawsuits brought together in a New Jersey court, where Verizon is headquartered. Although approved in December, the settlement is pending a “fairness hearing” scheduled for March.

Often referred to as “junk fees,” undisclosed charges have faced criticism from consumers and government authorities alike. Last October, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) proposed a rule to prohibit businesses from imposing hidden or misleading fees and require transparent upfront pricing.

For Verizon customers who wish to claim their share of the settlement, a dedicated website has been set up to facilitate the process. The form on the website requires essential information, including the phone number associated with the Verizon account and the preferred method for receiving the refund, such as a check, Venmo, or bank wire.

The minimum payout is $15, with the actual amount potentially higher depending on factors such as the duration of the customer’s Verizon usage and the number of claimants. To be eligible, customers must have had postpaid wireless accounts or data plans between January 1, 2016, and November 8, 2023. It’s emphasized that customers who choose not to file a claim will forfeit any right to sue Verizon regarding the issues raised in the lawsuit, as stated on the settlement’s website.