Verizon Wireless (NASDAQ: VZ) has reached a class action settlement that will resolve over 30 individual lawsuits and class actions that accuse the telecommunications giant of fraudulently charging subscribers "pay-as-you-go" data usage charges, even though they did not have a data plan or did not use data. Consumers have until October 28, 2012 to request a credit or refund under the class action settlement.

 

The Verizon Wireless data charge settlement will resolve a consolidated class action lawsuit, entitled In re: Verizon Wireless Data Charges Litigation, that claims the company erroneously billed pay-as-you-go charges to some customers. For example, some customers claim in the class action lawsuit that they incurred data charges when they did not access the Internet, did not access the Internet beyond the Verizon Wireless Mobile Web home page, or did not engage in any activity involving data usage; when they had a "data block" in place; or when they unintentionally pushed a button on their phone that allowed access to data usage. 

 

Verizon Wireless denies any wrongdoing, but has agreed to a class action lawsuit settlement to avoid ongoing litigation.

 

The Verizon Wireless "pay-as-you-go" data charge class action settlement will provide credits and refunds to current and former subscribers who may have been mistakenly charged for pay-as-you-go data usage at any time from November 2007 to January 31, 2011. This is in addition to the credits and refunds Verizon provided as part of a 2010 program over a similar issue.

 

To receive a credit or refund under the Verizon Wireless data charge settlement, you must go to www.DataChargeSettlement.com and fill out a claim form no later than October 28, 2012. Once you do, Verizon Wireless will initiate a review of your past data usage and charges to determine whether you are entitled to a reimbursement, and if so, will issue a credit or refund within 30 days. 

 

Verizon Wireless has also agreed under the class action lawsuit settlement not to charge Settlement Class Members for access to MyVerizon or its Verizon Wireless Mobile Web home page for 24 months, as long as you do not navigate from that web page to a third party website.

 

You can find more information on your rights in the Verizon Wireless "Pay-As-You-Go" Data Charge Class Action Lawsuit Settlement at www.DataChargeSettlement.com.