is verizon class action lawsuit legit or scam? 2024 reviews

Is the Verizon Class Action Lawsuit Legit? A Deeper Look Into the Allegations

As an internet user, you may have come across news recently about a proposed $100 million class action settlement against Verizon over allegedly unfair fees and charges. But many customers are understandably skeptical about such things – are these lawsuits actually legitimate, or just scams trying to get your personal information? In this post, we’ll take a deeper look at the facts surrounding this particular Verizon class action to help determine if it seems on the up-and-up.

Background on the Verizon Lawsuit

The class action lawsuit against Verizon was originally filed in 2018 in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. It alleges that between 2011-2018, Verizon improperly charged consumers a $2 “administrative fee” each month on their wireless bills, despite this fee not actually relating to any real administrative costs incurred by the company.

The suit claims this was an unfair and deceptive practice by Verizon to extract additional money from customers without sufficient disclosure or justification. It estimated that during this time period, Verizon collected over $3.4 billion in improperly applied administrative fees.

In late 2023, the parties reached a tentative settlement of $100 million that would go towards reimbursing Verizon’s customer who paid the fee during the class period. This settlement still needs final court approval.

So in summary – a legitimate class action was filed by consumers against Verizon, represented by experienced class action attorneys, which appears to have followed the normal legal process and resulted in a substantial proposed settlement. This lends credibility that the underlying allegations have merit.

Details of the Proposed Verizon Settlement

The proposed $100 million Verizon settlement fund would be used to issue partial refunds to eligible customers who paid the $2 administrative fee between February 2011 through January 2018. Individual refund amounts would depend on how many months within the class period a consumer paid their Verizon bill.

Some key details on the settlement and refund process include:

• All current and former Verizon postpaid wireless customers or subscribers during the class period are eligible, unless they excluded themselves from the class.

• To receive a refund, eligible customers must submit a claim either online, by mail, or over the phone by the deadline (typically 4-6 months after final approval).

• Claimants must provide their name, Verizon wireless phone number, email or address during the class period to verify membership in the class.

• The settlement administrator (Angeion Group) will process and validate all claims, then distribute checks from the fund on a pro rata basis depending on the number of qualifying months.

• Unclaimed settlement funds would be redistributed to consumers who submitted valid claims, or possibly donated to a non-profit.

So in summary, the proposed settlement process follows standard class action practices – defining the class, setting a claims process and deadline, using a reputable administrator, and aiming to maximize funds returned to consumers.

Reputability of the Attorneys and Firms Involved

Another important factor in determining if a class action is legitimate is looking into the background and reputation of the attorneys and law firms involved. In this case:

• The law firm representing the class is Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein LLP. They are one of the largest and most successful class action law firms in the country, having won billions for consumers and investors.

• The individual lead attorney Marc Godino is a highly experienced class action litigator with over 25 years of practice. He has secured numerous large settlements.

• The proposed settlement administrator Angeion Group is one of the most prominent class action administration companies, having managed thousands of settlements.

• The judge overseeing the case, Judge Lorna G. Schofield, has decades of experience in the federal district court and a reputation for fairness.

All signs point to the legal team and firms handling this case being credible, reputable top players in class action litigation. Their participation adds legitimacy to the proceedings and proposed settlement.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Lawsuit

Now that we’ve examined background details surrounding the Verizon class action lawsuit and settlement, here are answers to some common frequently asked questions customers may have:

Is it legitimate or a scam?

As discussed above, all available evidence shows this lawsuit and proposed settlement follow standard practices for a real class action case. The attorneys, firms, and process involved check out as legitimate. While no lawsuit is guaranteed, this one appears on the up-and-up.

Do I need to provide personal details to claim my refund?

Yes, to be eligible for a refund from the settlement, you will need to provide basic identifying information like your name, address, and Verizon phone number from the class period. The claims administrator requires this to verify class membership and distribute funds properly. Reputable administrators are bound by privacy laws in their handling of consumer data.

How much money could I get from the refund?

Individual refund amounts depend on how many months during the class period (2011-2018) that a consumer paid the $2 fee on their Verizon bill. The longer someone was a Verizon customer, the more months of fees paid and the larger their potential refund. Exact amounts cannot be known until claims are processed, but it’s expected to be more than a few dollars on average.

Is it even worth it to file a claim for a potential small refund?

For many consumers, even a refund of just a few dollars may warrant the minimal effort required to file an online or mail-in claim. And due to the fund distribution process, filing a claim puts you in line for any unclaimed settlement funds as well, which could potentially increase your refund amount. There is no downside to making a claim if you are eligible, as long as you select the reputable claims administrator website or address.

How do I know if I’m eligible and how to file a claim?

If you were a Verizon postpaid wireless subscriber anytime between February 2011 and January 2018, you likely fall within the defined “class” eligible for refunds under the settlement. Submitting a simple claim provides an opportunity without any risk. Official notices on the outcome and next steps will be mailed or emailed to verified class members, or you can check the court docket or with class counsel for updates.

In Summary – What This Means for Verizon Customers

In taking a close look at all available information regarding the Verizon class action lawsuit and proposed $100 million settlement:

• The underlying allegations that Verizon improperly charged up to $3.4 billion in “administrative fees” seem well-founded and significant enough for this case to proceed legitimately.

• The law firms, judge, and claims administration company involved in the case process add credibility and reputability.

• The defined class and claims process follows standard practices and aims to compensate consumers harmed.

• Individual refund amounts can’t be known precisely but seem reasonably worth a potential claimant’s minimal time filing a claim.

Barring any unforeseen issues receiving final court approval, this action and settlement process appears above-board – meaning eligible Verizon customers would be well within reason to consider submitting a claim. Ultimately it provides an opportunity for monetary compensation without risking anything. Staying informed as the case progresses can help maximise payouts for impacted consumers.