Belleville, New Jersey – Verizon customers in Belleville might receive a pleasant surprise in the mail this week. They have the opportunity to claim a refund as part of a $100 million settlement resulting from a class-action lawsuit. Eligible customers will receive postcards or emails notifying them of the opportunity. The lawsuit alleged that Verizon charged unfair fees without proper disclosure.
At the center of the issue is Verizon’s “administrative charge,” which the plaintiffs argued were deceptive and not adequately disclosed. The charge, which wasn’t included in the advertised monthly price, was allegedly imposed in a misleading and unfair manner.
Verizon has denied these claims and stands by its practices. The company states that it explicitly identifies and describes the wireless consumer admin charge multiple times during the sales transaction, marketing processes, contracts, and billing. According to a company spokesperson, the charge helps Verizon cover certain regulatory compliance and network-related costs.
The settlement combines four separate lawsuits and received approval in December. However, a fairness hearing is scheduled for March before it is officially finalized. Interestingly, Verizon’s headquarters are located in New Jersey, the same state where the settlement is being reached.
Consumer dissatisfaction over “junk fees” has caught the attention of not only customers but also the Biden administration. In October, the Federal Trade Commission proposed a rule that would prohibit businesses from imposing hidden or misleading fees and require transparent pricing.
To apply for the refund, customers can visit a dedicated website and complete a form with the necessary information. This includes providing the phone number associated with the Verizon account and selecting a preferred method of receiving the money, such as a check, Venmo, or bank wire. The minimum payout is $15, but the final amount may vary depending on factors such as the duration of the customer’s Verizon usage and the number of claimants. Only customers with postpaid wireless accounts or data plans between January 1, 2016, and November 8, 2023, are eligible to file a claim.
Customers who choose not to file a claim will forfeit their right to sue Verizon regarding the issues raised in the lawsuit.
In summary, Verizon customers in Belleville have the opportunity to claim a refund as part of a $100 million settlement resulting from a class-action lawsuit. The lawsuit alleged that Verizon charged unfair fees without proper disclosure. Verizon denies these allegations and asserts that it clearly identifies and describes its wireless consumer admin charge. The settlement, combining four lawsuits, was approved in December and awaits a fairness hearing in March. The Biden administration has taken notice of consumer complaints about hidden fees, proposing a rule to address these practices. To claim their refund, eligible customers must complete a form on a dedicated website. This is an opportunity for them to receive compensation for undisclosed charges imposed by Verizon, but it is important to note that customers who choose not to participate will forfeit their right to pursue legal action.