Time is running out for Verizon customers to file a claim and join a $100 million class-action lawsuit against the company.
According to a website created for the settlement, customers claimed Verizon charged some account holders administrative fees in a deceptive manner.
Although the plaintiffs in that case and Verizon agreed to a settlement, Verizon has denied and continues to deny any wrongdoing, the Settlement website said, asserting that Verizon will continue to charge the fees.
“Verizon clearly identifies and describes its wireless administration fees multiple times during the sales transaction, as well as in its marketing, contracts and billing,” Verizon previously told NBC Chicago in a statement. “These fees help our company recover certain regulatory compliance and network costs. As always, our company is committed to transparency and clearly disclosing all consumer fees and charges.”
According to the settlement administrator, a fairness hearing to finalize the settlement took place on March 22. Claims are due this month.
As the claims deadline approaches, here’s what you need to know.
Who can file a complaint?
According to the settlement website, customers eligible to be part of the settlement were notified by mail or email upon identification by Verizon. This included account holders for the company’s postpaid individual consumer wireless service who were charged such fees between January 1, 2016 and November 6, 2023.
The website describes the settlement class as “all current and former individual consumer account holders in the United States (based on the account holders’ last known billing address) who received wireless or postpaid data from Verizon and who were billed and paid administrative fees and/or telecommunications administrative and collection fees between January 1, 2016 and November 8, 2023.”
What is the deadline for filing a claim?
The deadline to file a claim is April 15, 2024.
How to file a complaint?
Those who are eligible can file a claim by mail or online.
To file online, click here.
To file by mail, print a paper claim form, available here, fill it out and mail it to the address listed on the form.
How much could I get?
Payouts of up to $100 are expected, but the final amount may vary depending on how long you were a Verizon customer and the number of claims filed.
According to the settlement website, eligible plaintiffs will receive a minimum of $15 for their account, plus $1 for each month that the fees cited in the suit were billed, up to a maximum of $100.
“If the Settlement Fund is not sufficient to pay all valid claims filed after deducting any court-approved amounts for settlement administration costs, attorneys’ fees and costs, and incentive awards to representatives of the group, then payments made to the Settlement Fund Class members who have filed valid claims will be reduced by the amount originally allocated on a prorated basis,” the site states.
How will I receive my payment?
According to administrators, settlements will be paid by check or electronic payment once the settlement is approved and finalized.
When will the settlement be approved and when can checks arrive?
Depending on the settlement administrator, settlement payments will be issued by check or electronic payment once the settlement is approved and final.
NBC Chicago
