New Way For GA Verizon Customers To Get Share Of $100M Settlement

GEORGIA — Eligible Georgia Verizon customers charged administrative fees without their knowledge no longer have to wait for the company to contact them before applying for a one-time payment of up to $100.

Verizon, which has agreed to a proposed $100 million class action settlement, now says the 58 million affected customers can enter their name and Verizon account number rather than wait for a “Notice ID” and “Confirmation Code” to come in an email or in a letter.

Current and former Verizon wireless or data customers with service from Jan. 1, 2016, to Nov. 8, 2023, are eligible for a share of the settlement. The agreement resolves a lawsuit filed in New Jersey that accused the company of “deceptive and unfair” practices by failing to disclose administrative fees.

Verizon denied any wrongdoing, saying in the settlement agreement on its website that it has the right to increase administrative fees and that it will continue to charge customers. The company said it will amend customer agreements to more clearly disclose administrative costs.

The exact amount of the payment is dependent upon how long the person has been a Verizon customer, but it could be up to $100. Claims must be filed by April 15.

Verizon still plans to contact all eligible customers with identification and confirmation codes, either by email or through the U.S. Post Office, by Jan. 16, along with a reminder notice that will arrive by Jan. 31.

Customers may opt out of the settlement but must do so by Feb. 20 in a signed request mailed to: Verizon Administrative Charge Settlement Administrator, Attn: Exclusions, P.O. Box 58220, Philadelphia, PA 19102.

Payments aren’t automatic. Customers must file a claim by April 15.

After that, they lose any right to sue Verizon over the issues alleged in the lawsuit.