In 2024, Verizon Wireless agreed to a $100 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit that accused the company of deceptive advertising practices.
The case centered on undisclosed administrative fees that led to customers paying more than the advertised plan costs. While the deadline to file claims has passed, eligible customers can expect payouts beginning in early January 2025.
Overview of the Verizon Class-Action Lawsuit
The lawsuit claimed Verizon violated consumer protection laws by not disclosing certain fees upfront, which misled customers about the true cost of their wireless or data plans. These undisclosed administrative charges resulted in higher bills than expected, sparking allegations of deceptive advertising.
Settlement Summary
| Settlement Amount | $100 Million |
|---|---|
| Accusation | Deceptive advertising due to undisclosed fees |
| Eligibility Period | January 1, 2016 โ November 8, 2023 |
| Maximum Payout per Claim | $100 |
| Claim Deadline | Passed |
| Payout Start Date | Early January 2025 |
Settlement Payout Structure
Verizon will distribute the $100 million settlement fund as follows:
- Base Payment: Each valid claim will receive a flat payment of $15.
- Monthly Service Bonus: Customers will also receive $1 per month for each month they were charged the disputed administrative fees, up to a maximum of $85.
The combined total payout per eligible customer is capped at $100. The actual compensation depends on the duration for which administrative fees were charged and the number of valid claims submitted.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the settlement, customers needed to meet these requirements:
- Be a Verizon postpaid wireless or data plan customer between January 1, 2016, and November 8, 2023.
- Have been charged Verizon’s disputed administrative fees during this period.
Settlement Payout Timeline
The settlement became effective on September 20, 2024, following the withdrawal of an appeal. Payments are expected to be distributed to eligible claimants starting early January 2025.
How Payments Will Be Distributed
Eligible customers will receive their compensation through:
- Electronic Transfer: Payments sent directly to their provided account details.
- Check: Mailed to the address provided during the claim submission process.
Unclaimed Payments
If a settlement check remains uncashed or is deemed undeliverable, the funds will be considered unclaimed property and managed in accordance with state regulations. Any administrative costs for handling unclaimed funds will be deducted proportionally.
How to Make a Claim (Claim Deadline Passed)
The deadline to submit claims has already passed. For reference, the claim process involved the following steps:
- Accessing the official settlement website to confirm eligibility and download the claim form.
- Submitting relevant information, including billing statements or receipts verifying the charges.
- Sending the completed form online or by mail before the deadline.
Missed the Deadline?
If you did not submit a claim, you will not receive any compensation, even if you were eligible. Filing the necessary paperwork was mandatory to claim settlement funds.
Staying Informed About the Settlement
For updates or additional details, customers can refer to the official settlement website. It remains the most reliable source for verifying information related to this case.
Community Discussions
For those interested in sharing experiences or staying engaged, you can check out community forums on platforms like Reddit:
These discussions can provide insight into the experiences of other Verizon customers and help answer common questions.
FAQs:
What is the Verizon class-action settlement about?
The lawsuit alleged Verizon failed to disclose administrative fees, leading to higher costs for customers.
How much compensation will eligible customers receive?
Eligible customers can receive up to $100, including a $15 base payment and $1 for each month they were charged the disputed fees (up to $85).
Who was eligible for the settlement?
Customers with Verizon postpaid wireless or data plans from January 1, 2016, to November 8, 2023, who paid administrative fees.
