In 2024, Verizon Wireless resolved a $100 million class-action lawsuit stemming from allegations of deceptive advertising. The lawsuit claimed Verizon failed to disclose administrative fees, leading to higher-than-advertised costs for its wireless plans. By omitting these charges in their pricing, Verizon allegedly misled customers into selecting plans they believed were cheaper than they actually were.
Settlement Overview
The settlement addressed claims that Verizon’s practices violated consumer protection laws, including provisions under the Federal Trade Commission Act, which prohibits deceptive advertising. Customers affected by these undisclosed fees were eligible for compensation under the settlement terms.
Key Details of the Settlement
Payment Structure
The $100 million settlement fund is designed to compensate customers who were charged the disputed administrative fees. Payments will be allocated as follows:
- Base Payment: $15 per valid claim.
- Monthly Service Bonus: $1 for every month administrative fees were charged, up to $85.
The total compensation for each claimant is capped at $100. Actual payouts depend on the number of claims submitted and the duration for which the fees were charged.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for compensation, customers must have:
- Been Verizon postpaid wireless or data plan subscribers between January 1, 2016, and November 8, 2023.
- Incurred charges for the disputed administrative or telecom recovery fees during this period.
Settlement Timeline
The final settlement approval process concluded on September 20, 2024, following the withdrawal of the last appeal. Payments to eligible claimants are expected to begin in January 2025.
Handling of Unclaimed Payments
If checks remain uncashed or are deemed undeliverable, the funds will be processed according to state unclaimed property laws. Any additional administrative expenses will be deducted proportionally from these amounts.
How to Make a Claim (Deadline Passed)
The deadline to file claims for the settlement has expired. Eligible customers who previously filed claims were required to:
- Verify eligibility on the official settlement website.
- Complete the claim form online or by mail, providing essential details such as:
- Name and contact information.
- Relevant account and billing documentation.
- Submit the form by the specified deadline to qualify for compensation.
Additional Information
For more details about the settlement or to check updates, visit the official settlement website. As the claim submission deadline has passed, no new claims will be accepted. Payments will only be issued to customers who submitted valid claims before the deadline.
Community Discussions
While waiting for settlement payments, claimants can explore online forums like Reddit to share experiences or learn from others involved in the case. Popular threads discussing the settlement include Thread 1 and Thread 2.
Conclusion
The Verizon class-action settlement provides financial redress to customers impacted by undisclosed fees. With final approval completed, eligible claimants can expect payments in early 2025. Those who missed the claim deadline will not receive compensation despite eligibility.
Stay updated on future developments by visiting the official settlement website or engaging in online discussions.
Manish Kumar is a seasoned journalist and the Senior Editor at NewIndiaNetwork.com, with over a decade of experience in uncovering stories that matter. A leader both in the newsroom and beyond, he thrives on guiding his team to deliver impactful, thought-provoking content. When he’s not shaping headlines, you can find him sharing his insights on Twitter @humanish95 or connecting via email at manishdhanda60@gmail.com.
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