Verizon Customers Have Until Monday to Apply for Refunds in $100 Million Settlement

Verizon customers who were charged "unfair and undisclosed fees" have until Monday to file a claim and apply for a refund as part of a $100 million settlement resulting from a class-action lawsuit. The wireless carrier had sent out emails and postcards earlier this year to eligible customers, informing them of the opportunity to file a claim by April 15.

Customers interested in receiving a refund can do so by visiting a designated website and filling out a form with required information, including their Verizon account phone number and preferred method of receiving the money. Refunds will be at least $15, and the final payout could be higher based on the duration of the customer's use of Verizon services and the number of claims filed.

Only customers with postpaid wireless accounts or data plans between January 1, 2016, and November 8, 2023, are eligible to file a claim. The lawsuit centers around Verizon's "administrative charge," which the plaintiffs argued was misleading and unfairly applied. Verizon, however, denies these claims and maintains that the charge is clearly disclosed throughout the sales process, as well as in marketing materials, contracts, and billing statements.

The $100 million settlement is the result of the consolidation of four separate lawsuits brought against Verizon, all of which were litigated in a New Jersey court. It is worth noting that Verizon is headquartered in the same state.

The issue of "junk fees" has been a source of frustration among consumers, and it has also attracted attention at the federal level. Last October, the Federal Trade Commission proposed a rule to ban hidden or misleading fees and to require companies to display full prices upfront. This move was supported by the Biden administration, which aims to ensure transparency and fairness in consumer transactions.

Verizon customers who believe they are eligible for a refund are encouraged to file a claim before the deadline of 11:59 p.m. PT on Monday.