Verizon Wireless, Sprint to pay $158 million in settlement fees for overcharging practices

You might want to check your Verizon Wireless or Sprint bill to make sure it’s accurate.

Or at least look into the class action lawsuit against the carriers to see if you qualify for part of the settlement.

Wireless carriers Verizon Wireless and Sprint will pay a combined total of US$158 million to settle billing complain charges filed by the Federal Communications Commission.

According to the terms of the settlement, Verizon will pay US$90 million, while Sprint will have to spend US$68 million, for a total of US$158 million. At least US$120 million of the total amount will go to reimbursing consumers hit with the charges.

The FCC has stated that both companies billed their customers for “unauthorized third-party premium text messaging services”, also known in the industry as “cramming.” The government agency previously settled a similar case with T-Mobile in 2014, for the price of US$90 million. AT&T also agreed to pay US$105 million to the FCC to settle its own “cramming” charges in 2014.

Via iMore