Verizon has agreed to settle a $100 million class-action lawsuit, bringing relief to current and former customers who may be eligible for a payout of up to $100.
CNET tells us that the settlement, subject to approval, addresses allegations that Verizon's service plans were misleading due to undisclosed administrative charges.
The Lawsuit
The class-action lawsuit, centered on a deceptive administrative fee, claims that Verizon implemented, charged, and increased this fee for postpaid wireless or data services in a manner deemed unfair by the plaintiffs.
The advertised prices allegedly failed to include this administrative charge, leaving customers unaware of the additional costs associated with their service plans.
Verizon, however, maintains its stance, with a spokesperson telling CNET that the company "clearly identifies and describes its wireless consumer Admin Charge multiple times during the sales transaction, as well as in its marketing, contracts, and billing."
The charge, according to Verizon, assists in recovering regulatory compliance and network-related costs.
Who's Eligible and How to Claim
You may be eligible for compensation if you are a current or former US customer who purchased postpaid wireless or data services from Verizon between January 1, 2016, and November 8, 2023.
Notably, this settlement excludes customers who opted for Verizon's prepaid plans.
As of September 30, 2023, Verizon reported serving around 93 million retail postpaid customers.
If you received a notice about the settlement via email or mail, you are eligible to file a claim, according to the official Verizon administrative charge settlement website.
Potential Payouts and Claim Process
CNET tells us that Verizon will contribute $100 million to a settlement fund if the settlement is approved and finalized.
Eligible customers who submit valid claims by the April 15, 2024, deadline could receive up to $100 each, depending on the duration of their Verizon subscription and the number of valid claims filed.
Filing a claim is very easy. The settlement's administrative site provides an online claim form for eligible class members.
Alternatively, customers can download a paper form, fill it out, and mail it to the Settlement Administrator at 1650 Arch St., Suite 2210, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
When Can You Expect Your Payout
While the deadline for submitting claims is April 15, 2024, the hearing for final approval is scheduled for March 22, 2024.
Once the settlement is approved and finalized, payments will be issued by check or electronic payment. Unfortunately, the date customers receive their settlement money remains undisclosed.
What's Next?
Current and former customers can claim compensation, providing a glimmer of financial relief for those affected by the alleged misleading practices.
As the March hearing approaches, customers are urged to stay informed and take the necessary steps to secure their potential payout.
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