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Get-Out-of-Verizon-Contract-Jail-Free Card: Increased Regulatory Fee Means Penalty Free Exit

Phillip Dampier June 30, 2011 Consumer News, Editorial & Site News, Verizon, Wireless Broadband 96 Comments

If you want to say goodbye to Verizon Wireless, or just want a new phone without waiting for your old contract to expire, Verizon has a deal they really don’t want to give you, but they have to — it’s in their contract.

Verizon Wireless has announced they are unilaterally changing your wireless contract with an increase in the Regulatory Recovery Fee (a bill-padding junk fee) from $0.13 to $0.16 effective July 1st.  That fee opens a 60-day window for customers to exit their contracts because the carrier is imposing a “materially adverse” change without your advance consent.  After 60 days, you effectively give that consent by staying with the company.

“Materially adverse” is simple to understand, even if Verizon customer service representatives feign ignorance and stamp their feet as you demand to leave without paying an early exit fee.  It means Verizon has notified you they are changing the contract — one you signed in good faith for a set price, and they are now unilaterally changing it.  Unless those price changes come about because of a government mandate, Verizon cannot impose them without first granting you a window to cancel your agreement, penalty-free.

For customers unhappy with Verizon, they can freely take their business somewhere else.  For those who intend to stay, they can switch to a prepaid plan or sign a new two year contract and get a new phone at the same price any other new customer would pay, even if only 30 days into an existing contract.

This welcome window may mean a lot to customers looking for an early upgrade -and- keep Verizon’s unlimited smartphone data plan the company plans to discontinue July 7th.

With their “materially adverse” contract clause potentially exposing them to hundreds of dollars in lost cancellation fees they cannot impose, nobody said they would make it easy for you to jump free without some hassle.

When calling Verizon Wireless and requesting the “cancel service” option, expect the representative to pretend they don’t know what you are talking about, claim you still owe a penalty, or even express shock you are trying to escape them over a measly three cent rate increase.  Some may even try and credit three cents for each month remaining on your contract and claim that since you are no longer effectively paying the increased fee, you have no right to complain.

Tell them tough cookies — go and read their own contract:

Can Verizon Wireless Change This Agreement or My Service?

We may change prices or any other term of your Service or this agreement at any time,but we’ll provide notice first, including written notice if you have Postpay Service. If you use your Service after the change takes effect, that means you’re accepting the change. If you’re a Postpay customer and a change to your Plan or this agreement has a material adverse effect on you, you can cancel the line of Service that has been affected within 60 days of receiving the notice with no early termination fee.

Ask them to find the clause in their terms and conditions that says once they announce a rate change, that does not represent a change to your plan.  Then ask where it says in their agreement a subsequent credit frees them from the obligation of allowing you a penalty-free window to exit once a materially adverse change has been announced.  Let them know the only way they could have kept you from exercising your rights under the contract was if they never announced the price change impacting you in the first place.  Expect a long wait on hold.  A very long wait.

To truly escape Verizon Wireless’ contract, you will need to be prepared to say “no” to all of their counteroffers, and they will pelt you with them like an Oklahoma hail storm:

  • Reduced price phone upgrade?  No.
  • Free service for a month?  No.
  • Free accessories?  No.
  • Free texting plan?  No.
  • A free sample of their data or tethering plan?  No!
  • Cancel. Cancel. Cancel!

If they still want to argue, repeat after me:

“Despite your willingness to credit my account, once you are legally obligated, under your contract, to notify me of your intention to change my plan by raising prices that are within your control, you triggered the materially adverse clause, regardless of your subsequent attempt to credit my account.  Cancel the account immediately or I will escalate this to the same Executive Customer Service office that slapped you guys down the last time you tried this.  Once you notify us of a fee increase, the window to exit penalty-free is open, and only I can close it by agreeing to stay after 60 days.”

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shawn808
shawn808
12 years ago

It did not work for me after an hour plus on the phone…

They said that when i agreed to that contract I also agreed to any plan rate increases in the same contract.

All they would do is refund the .03 cents a month.

All I want to do is drop this crap HTC eris for an iphone that wont cost me 800 bucks….

Randy
Randy
12 years ago

Hi Phillip,

I am wanting to take this to small claims court as they basically said the same thing to me. “It is a government tax we have no control over. They are keeping my $400 deposit. Do you know what address I need to serve them court documents? I am not sure if I should use the local outlet store where I deal or a corporate address…Thanks so much.

Randy
Randy
12 years ago

Hi Phillip..thanks or taking the time to answer. I have my original contract as well as their customer agreement and in my contract it clearly states i am signing and accepting a ‘regulatory rate of $0.13’ I filed a complaint yesterday with the BBB and the FCC. I went down to the Verizon store yesterday and they said I had to dispute it with Verizon via a mediation request. All a bunch of crap. To top this all off now, they are saying I must send in my payment for my current bill even though they already have $400 of… Read more »

Bruce Berman
Bruce Berman
12 years ago

I had a cell phone family plan with Verizon for several years. I had no problem at all with the service, and I always paid my bills on time. when my wife and kids wanted iPhones, only AT&T was offering them. So, I waited until my contract ran out and cancelled with Verizon. I signed up with AT&T and we started using them immediately. somehow, my daughter’s number didn’t get cancelled, and I received an extra bill from Verizon for about $35 dollars. I called them and pointed out that the service was cancelled and that there were no calls… Read more »

Gilbert
Gilbert
12 years ago
Reply to  Bruce Berman

WOW! I had the same issue! Verizon told me verbally on the phone that my contract WAS expired. Went to ATT and ported numbers over and after that called Verizon to get final bill. To my surprise they tell me that I would be subject to early termination fees of $500 for 4 lines since I apparently had 3 months left on contract!! So went back to Verzion next morning turned in equipment to ATT but ATT failed to port over 4th line and then did it without our consent 9 days later. And I cancelled within 24 hours of… Read more »

Tatiana
Tatiana
12 years ago
Reply to  Gilbert

I’m just about to have enough with Verizon and looking for a lawyer to sue them. I had a family plan with my daughter and son.. for many years…well last yr i received a promotionall letter from vz saying that if i updated my contract for another yr with them i would get a month off so i called and spoke to someone. This person asked me if i wanted a whole month free on my total bill of 150 and i said no.. i would like to renew the contract for another yr and you can just credit my… Read more »

Tim
Tim
12 years ago

Phillip, I think you should read the last sentence of this paragraph. I put parenthesis around pertinent part. “What Charges Are Set by Verizon Wireless? (You agree to pay all access, usage and other charges) that you or the user of your wireless device incurred. For Postpay Service, our charges also include Federal Universal Service, Regulatory and Administrative Charges, and we may also include other charges related to our governmental costs. We set these charges; they aren’t taxes, they aren’t required by law, they are kept by us in whole or in part, (and the amounts and what they pay… Read more »

Alex Perrier
Alex Perrier
12 years ago

Thank you Philip for your encouraging feedback. When i signed my contract with Telus Mobility for two years, i agreed to pay 15¢ for additional sent text messages. 250 of these are included every month at no extra cost.

But Telus recently sent a bill saying that the 15¢ rate would now change to 20¢. So i plan to call them again, but if they still do nothing to help me, i will fill a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.

Again, thank you for publishing all these important news stories and comments! 🙂

Scott
Scott
12 years ago

That’s BS, by their logic they could double your plan rate and you would still be bound by contract to keep paying them.

You just got a rep or supervisor that’s trying to argue you out of your right to cancel the contract.

Matt
Matt
12 years ago

So here is my question about this whole possibility of canceling my contract. I get a discount through work for Verizon, so completely leaving them would be silly for me. I have a 4 line family plan that was in full use. I want to break them all off except for my primary line. Would I have to call and completely cancel the contract (and lose all the numbers) or will I be able to call them up and argue the cancelling of 3 lines ETF free and upgrading my current phone as an individual line? I have been on… Read more »

Matt
Matt
12 years ago

Well the issue being that 1 line is no used anymore (my mother’s phone) since she and my father are home now (retired). It is a waste to keep on paying for a line that just sits there.

So from what you recommend, canceling all 4 lines is the smartest option in this instance. I am not super verizon loyal, but having 4g lte would be nice.

Would I be able to sign a new individual contract with them (losing my old number) without any problems?

Thanks again for all your help and for the article,

-Matt

Nikeem Coleman
Nikeem Coleman
12 years ago

@phillip Dampier Hey I tried all the things you said to word for word, but was unsuccessful. First I called Big Red and got one of the regular reps. I asked to be transferred to the Retention Department, and so I was. I got another rep and she proceeded to tell me that they can only credit my account or I can cancel but still get charged with the ETF. So I told her no thank you and asked to speak to her Supervisor. The guy picks up and basically tells me that it i not materially adverse to the… Read more »

AdverselyAffected
AdverselyAffected
12 years ago

I have been at going at Verizon for two days and have run across the same things that others have encountered from the VZW reps – it is a fee imposed by the government, it is a fee that only applies to data plans, it only affects e-mail, it’s not something that VZW controls, etc. It gets very tiring to recite the Customer Agreement to these people and tell them that VZW unilaterally changed the contract, therefore I have 60 days in which to terminate the contract with no ETF. We go round and round, then it is off to… Read more »

dew
dew
12 years ago

Would the FCC be better?

AdverselyAffected
AdverselyAffected
12 years ago

Has anyone been successful in canceling thier contract with VZW and getting VZW to waive the ETF? I have spoken with VZW several times, gone up the chain, but nothing. I have seen a lot of talk on here and elsewhere, but never any recent success stories.

Michaela
Michaela
12 years ago

Phillip, HELP! Verizon has overcharged me every month for data and/or texting since Sept. 2010. They also tried to charge me for a device I sent back to them mere days after they sent it to me. Also, my July bill showed a charge for a Mobile Broadband Device I had disconnected months before, because they claimed I “suspended” the service instead of disconnecting it. They have since credited back all charges because I have complained so many times and finally reached the executive office with my complaints. I switched carriers on June 30 because I have had so many… Read more »

Michaela
Michaela
12 years ago

I have been with Verizon for 17 years. According to Verizon, two of my phones’ contracts expire at the end of this month (although, in my opinion, this is debatable, because I was certain they had already expired), one expires August 2012 and the other expires March 2013…I think. They have offered to let me come back without penalty, and offered to allow me out of my ETFs in the future if I have any further overcharges or service issues. I figure this is a pretty good deal since the new carrier overcharged on my very first bill (charging 4… Read more »

Michaela
Michaela
12 years ago

“Again, I apologize for your inconvenience and that you had to call in reference to your bill on several occasions, but I cannot promise you that you will never have another billing error and if you do, you will be allowed to get your early termination fees waived.” The above statement is a copy/past of a paragraph sent to me by Verizon. Apparenlty, I wrongly took this paragraph to mean that they cannot guarantee there will never be another error, but they are willing to wave ETF if I come back and have further billing issues. When I spoke with… Read more »

Michaela
Michaela
12 years ago

I have not filed a report with the BBB, as of yet. I filed reports with FCC and FTC. I am definitely discontinuing my service with Sprint today. There is no need to pay for phones we cannot use. I read somewhere that there are “mediators” for Verizon customers to help resolve issues, but I have not requested one. I knew about the “text spammers”, and I also knew that Verizon could pretty much block any feature on any phone that could acquire additional charges. I requested these blocks on many occasions and was assured they were in place and… Read more »

greg
greg
12 years ago

hello i tried this once before when verizion changed my contract by adding a total of 3 years to a 2 year contract that i was having overcharge issues with… when i took it to the fcc majically those additions to my contract where not there and since verizion had credited the overcharges back to me.. even tho i didnt agree to that sinece i wanted out. the fcc said there was nothing i could do… im pretty sure it will turn out the same this time and really dont have time or the patience for them… any other tips… Read more »

Lindsay
Lindsay
12 years ago

Does this apply to all verizon contracts? I don’t have data/smartphone, and I don’t remember them contacting me about a 3 cent increase… Did they mail this out to everyone or how was this communicated? Just making sure it applies to me before I call them to cancel and get proven wrong!

Lindsay
Lindsay
12 years ago

You were right, it was on my statement and my rate did go up. However, after an hour on the phone and reaching multiple supervisors, I was told that I still have to pay the ETF since it states on your original contract that the regulatory fee is subject to change. He was right – it did state that – but then it seems that they aren’t following through with other parts of their contract, those being that I have 60 days. I filed a complaint with the BBB. Is there someone else I should file a complaint with? How… Read more »

Dorie
12 years ago
Reply to  Lindsay

This piece was a liafjecket that saved me from drowning.

Michaela
Michaela
12 years ago

Today, I took Phillip’s advice and cancelled my Sprint contract (14 days into the contract, so I shouldn’t owe anything). I ported back to Verizon because I really cannot be without service, as I have elderly family members I am responsible for that need to be able to get in touch with me. Also, I don’t really have a blemished credit record and do not want one. However, I wish I had waited until AFTER the mail carrier stopped by, because Verizon just sent me a new bill that states it is PAST DUE! I don’t know how this can… Read more »

Terrie
Terrie
12 years ago

My plan is to drop Verizon and switch to Boost Mobile, but that will require buying a phone. I dont want to shell out the money for a new phone so I’ll be buying a used on one on eBay. So….this may take a couple of weeks. My question is…can I fight this out with Verizon and, if/when I get them to cancel my CONTRACT, can I continue to use their service on a month to month basis while I find a phone on eBay, have it shipped to me and get it activated? I can’t be without service. I… Read more »

Matt
Matt
12 years ago

It seems the information about having up to 60 days to contest the increase has disappeared from the Verizon website. My girlfriend has been trying to cancel for 2 days now, but they keep saying that by using the service you are agreeing, which seems like entrapment since she received no written notification about this. By offering to pay you back the 3 cents, they are admitting the issue, but still refusing to allow her out of the contract. All in all this seems really shady by them to screw the consumer and expect nothing to be said about it.… Read more »

AdverselyAffected
AdverselyAffected
12 years ago
Reply to  Matt

Here is a link to the VZW Customer Agreement.
https://www.verizonwireless.com/legal/notices/customer-agreement/

Bryan
Bryan
12 years ago

I’ve tried this twice now. Each time they’ve said we are offering you the .03 cents so it is in fact not materially adverse to you. Which is the only way to really get out of the contract. I’ve left Verizon and still called and said I’m not with you (verizon) anymore so offering me .03 cents now isnt going to do anything for me. To which they reply, “well you were offered that before you left”……………blah blah blah

BBB complaint filed

Cortney
Cortney
12 years ago

Hi, I’m thinking about trying to fight this so I can switch networks, but is it worth it or should I just wait 4 months til my contract is up? Verizon randomly put insurance on 2 of my phones and they said they couldn’t do anything about it because it’s been almost a year (last sept, I guess no one noticed). I’m eligible for an upgrade on thursday but I would like to switch to Sprint and I don’t really want to wait until November. Also, because I have insurance I decided to try and use it because my touch… Read more »

Kyle Maxson
Kyle Maxson
12 years ago

I have a HTC eris that is on it’s last leg, over two years old. I still have the unlimited data plan and I tether my phone everyday for internet on my laptop, so using a new plan is not an option as it will cost me far too much a month for same service. I am trying to get a newer smartphone that I can still tether with. My question is how can I change my phone but keep same plan and number, etc. ??

Randy
Randy
12 years ago

Hi, I have tried for 3 days to cancel my contract with them due to this regulatory charge increase. They just keep telling me over and over that it is a government imposed charge and within their contract right to increase. I have pointed out and highlighted all the points in their contract where they are breaching. I even showed them my contract where it clearly states the regulatory rate I signed for was at $0.13 and it is now $0.16 on my bill. Last answer? They are taking my full $400 deposit and I still owe them $2 (current… Read more »

Randy
Randy
12 years ago

One more thing, sorry…

Has anyone here been able to speak to someone that has canceled their contract without being charged the ETF? If so who did you go about that?

Again, thank you.

Chris
Chris
12 years ago

I have tried this over and over again today each time they say this does not put into effect the material adverse clause which BS it does. as I am out $0.03 extra (pfft not a big deal) They say that it is only effective when they change the rates on my plan wich does this not count as my plan as it is a basic charge and they say they have the right to change this with or without notice with goes against another policy that they have which states the only one they may not notify you if… Read more »

Chris
Chris
12 years ago

Oh I so wish i could get hold of my cousin he’s part of the CIA but no idea what he does there might mop the floors for all i know. But the attorney general will be my next step and I will keep annoying Verizon until their little record box is so full they cant hold any more. the supervisor i got hold of was looking for ways to get me out though I give her credit but not as to their contract as to their own service. I just hope the local news station takes the story and… Read more »

Randy
Randy
12 years ago

Chris…they boast a 40 million and growing customer base. Multiply 40 million x $0.03/month and see what their gain is each month. Not to mention all the money they pocket by adding additional bogus charges to bills each month that I have to call, without fail each month, and get them to remove and adjust my bill. We all wonder why this country is going to hell. It is because of practices like this by the ‘big guys’. They are not held accountable for their actions anymore..and people are too busy or too tired or too jaded to fight. Sure… Read more »

Chris
Chris
12 years ago
Reply to  Randy

Randy i’m about to start having fun with this fight being a broadcast major at college with contacts that spread quite far even into Hollywood I’m sure I can find a way to shame Verizon. my next thing to do tonight send a face book petition just so everyone knows verizon is a crook, a scamer, and needs to know who serves who. for without the loyalty of it’s people where is a country. same for a company without loyalty from it’s customers where will the company go? >.< i think they know. verizon has even gone to attacking straight… Read more »

Randy
Randy
12 years ago
Reply to  Chris

Chris…FANTASTIC…I did not think of facebook. I am online right now filing with my attorney general’s office for Arizona…I cannot find the Verizon corporate address anywhere online though. Would you happen to know it?

I also went to craigslist and posted this for everyone that want’s the ability to get out of their contract. I have had a couple of people email me for more information.

Maybe this can actually lead to some positive changes if enough people get on board!!

Chris
Chris
12 years ago
Reply to  Randy

I used their Customer service address here

Verizon Wireless
Customer Service Department
Post Office Box 105378
Atlanta, GA 30348

I just finished the attorney general complaint and i think i’m going to make a face book page just for this if you would like the page i’ll post it here so we can forward this whole mess across the world and even into the face of verizon. I may also see about talking to some of the criminal justice professors at my college about this. let us rise up and bring light to this

Randy
Randy
12 years ago
Reply to  Chris

Hi Chris, Well after another day and 3 more calls from Verizon, I am still no further ahead with them..but I did get the address to file a small claims court and serve them. I am really hoping others do so as well. They did say they received the BBB complaint and are declining to let me out of my contract with no early termination fee. So BBB is at least contacting them. Have not heard anything back from Attorney General or FCC. I was told to ask for a mediation form from their website yesterday and file my grievance… Read more »

Meg
Meg
12 years ago

Well, tried calling Customer Service twice last night – both times I was only offered a $.03/mo credit to “remove the material adversity.” Both times, I was escalated to a supervisor at my request, and given the same offer. My alternatives to the $.03/mo credit were to cancel service with the ETF intact, or to begin communications with their arbitration team and/or their corporate office’s contracts team. The second supervisor I spoke with actually hung up on me, too. Great job Customer Service, right? Anyway, I found this blog and this specific thread last night after calling CS twice, and… Read more »

Randy
Randy
12 years ago

Hi Meg, They will call you back, trust me. I had another call this morning from them. Not sure what they wanted this time but I did not answer. I am going to pick up the forms today for small claims court at my local office. I am filing and naming my local Verizon outlet store as the defendant. That way they have 21 days to get the paperwork to the proper department. If they do not show up for court or answer, it is automatically awarded in my favor. I am tired of asking for the correct address to… Read more »

Lindsay
Lindsay
12 years ago

I filed a claim with BBB a week ago and got a call back yesterday. I wasn’t home at the time, so I didn’t answer but they asked me to call back. Not sure what will come out of the call, but it’s worth a try!

Meg
Meg
12 years ago
Reply to  Lindsay

Thanks for the responses Randy and Lindsay! Good luck with your call!!!

Randy -Great idea naming the local store as well. I’ll be doing the same. Why exactly are you taking them to small claims?

I’ve got a feeling that’s where I’ll be headed to, and I want to make sure that I’m approaching it the right way – I’m thinking cancel the contract, pay the ETF, then take them to small claims to recover the ETF. Is that right?

NobodyImportant
NobodyImportant
12 years ago

Remember folks, during these calls, make sure you have a recorder nearby and are informing the CSRs that you are recording them if you prepare to go to small claims court with VZW. This will go miles in prosecuting them, especially when VZW just decides to handle the matter by hanging up on you.

Boris
Boris
12 years ago

How;’s the good fight going i’m also in Hollywood, CA and they are bsing me as well i am trying my best to opt out i hate verizon, i don’t get reception in my own house, since it’s 60 days theres still time, ive been trying and trying. The executive office numbers are all out of date, that;s the best way to do it imo, as ive gotten things taken care of before by calling the number. Does anyone have any current executive office number/numbers and tell me how it goes Chris, Randy and especially Phillip for all your replies… Read more »

Chris
Chris
12 years ago

I’m having issues with the face book page at the moment lol might make a website in general for it easier. but as it goes i’ve heared nothing else on the subject but i do think the attorney generals are getting enough complaints to look into this matter when I called she said is this about verizon? lol loved it filed my 2 cents just to help the cause but my next day off i’m going back to finding a way to show them out right no if ands or buts about it.

Meg
Meg
12 years ago

Here’s the rundown so far – I’ve spoken with Customer Service twice, and was knocked down both times. I filed complaints with BBB, FCC, CA Attorney General, and CA Dept of Consumer Affairs. I also fired off an email to several of their execs (emails available here: https://creditboards.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=470886). I got the call back from the executive office, as Randy promised. Get this – THEY OFFERED A $.03/MO DISCOUNT. AT THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE. THAT’S IT! The person I spoke with stated that the discount “is what they as a company decided to offer.” And they didn’t understand how offering a $.03… Read more »

ErroneousE
ErroneousE
12 years ago

It seems to me the benefit here is to call and get your 3cents back for the remainder of your term and cancel when your contract ends as expected. Then you are not affected and don’t have to deal with all of this complaint nonsense. Shove it to Verizon by leaving when you can without paying them an extra dime. All this due to their clear lack of concern and interest in the consumer. Verizon is a lot bigger than all of us little people….so give yourself a break and don’t sweat the small stuff. Life is too short. Surely… Read more »

Scott
Scott
12 years ago
Reply to  ErroneousE

Why have contracts at all then? Just let them arbitrarily increase their rates across their entire customer base raking in tens of millions of additional profit and only have to credit back a few thousand dollars after running customers through hours of hassle in phone directory hell and CSR double talk.

Chris
Chris
12 years ago

speaking of someone in the news… one of my teachers last semester was Bill Landry from the heartland series if he cant i’ll see about getting this to adrian vanderbosh over in holly wood. or to another couple of people i know who have impact on the media.

Randy
Randy
12 years ago

Just to update…still fighting….filed with small claims..waiting for that….just received an adjustment on my bill today (not asked for by me of course) for $0.60..LOLOL…that is their way of making up for the Regulatory fee increase??? Whatever…the fight goes on…everyone, keep posting updates!

Chris..others…what about a class action suit here? Anyone know any lawyers? 🙂

Bryan
Bryan
12 years ago

Havent seen many posts recently, hope everyone didn’t give up.

I received my BBB complaint response in the mail today. After several calls to Verizon customer service and finally a call back from “executive customer service” after the BBB complaint I received the letter stating exactly what they’ve been telling us over the phone forever. BBB says I have 10 days to respond via online or mail with a response or they’ll assume the matter settled.

My question is, what do I respond with????

Dan
Dan
12 years ago

This is not working for me at all. I requested the associate director (tier 3 supervisor) to no avail. I was told that I would receive a call back within 72 hours as they do not work on Saturday evenings at 8pm ET.

I gave the threat of small claims court and was told “go ahead and do that, if you want your lines canceled, I will perform that action but early termination fees would be assessed to the account.”

I need some help on where else to go or what other actions need to be taken.

Randy
Randy
12 years ago

Just checking in… I got same canned answer from BBB. Contact them directly by phone and tell them you want to pursue this. I am sending them my original contract with all my charges highlighted as well as the the Regulatory rate of $0.13 that is in my contract. I am sending them copies of my bill where the regulatory rate has increased to the $0.16. I have also found since looking at my original contract that I paid almost $300 up front for 2 years worth of fees that they then charged me monthly for. They are in a… Read more »

DJ
DJ
12 years ago

I had spoke to a few Verizon representatives and I was told that no they will not waive the fee to get out of my contract early. So I did what you had said and put in a complaint to the BBB. I got a call from Tracy with the Executive Office of Verizon within a few days. I was told by Tracy that the regulatory fee does not qualify for as an adverse effect and so she said she cannot waive the early termination fee. I noted where it says on their contract: If you’re a Postpay customer and… Read more »

Meg
Meg
12 years ago

I spoke with my county’s “Small Claims Adviser” who’s staff counsel for the county superior court. I described the scenario very much as you have, DJ. They told me that since Verizon is offering the credit which would mitigate the material adversity, it would be an uphill battle to sway a judge that the contract has been broken, and ETFs would be waived. I don’t think I made clear that I had NOT accepted their credit offer, so I’m not entirely sure my conversation is accurate and relevant, but that’s my (limited) knowledge of whether this flies in court. I’ve… Read more »

Dan
Dan
12 years ago

This isn’t going to happen. I have to imagine some idiot created this and is majorly uneducated in regards to the terms of a contract. If you read the service agreement it does say the change is in regards to service (not universal/regulatory fees) and Verizon DOES reserve the ability to offer the refund/credit of the fees charged to satisfy under the material adversity you may/may not have. This WILL NOT and DOES NOT work, don’t waste your time

DJ
DJ
12 years ago

So if there are so many of us trying to fight this individually and not getting anywhere, is there a way for us to all join together and as a group to take on Verizon? I think it would so much more powerful when you have a large group of people, verses each of us going about this individually. I truly believe that Verizon needs to add clarity into their contract as to what is allowed under an “adverse effect”.

Scott
Scott
12 years ago
Reply to  DJ

The sticking point with Verizon seems to be they feel they can violate their contract by changing increasing fee’s by a few cents since that’s not what they consider materially adverse. The issue I have with that is, so Verizon then gets to determine the amount of $$$ that’s materially adverse? Is it .50 cents, $1, $2, $5? What’s the magic number for how high they can increase your bill then before triggering and breaking the contract? Also, while another few cents a month may not be considered materially adverse for a single customer, it sure as hell is for… Read more »

Bryan
Bryan
12 years ago

So an update on my case (see above)

I checked the BBB wedsite today and on the 11th of this month my case was “sent to council for arbitration”…well find out what that means…ill keep everyone posted

Noksucow
Noksucow
12 years ago

Talked to 3 different reps, 2 of which were supervisors, and I got the same responses. No luck. It’s not looking good.

Joseph
Joseph
12 years ago

Phillip.. I really Need help asap. I called verizon like 500000 times… They all said the same thing…. I have used THERE contract AGAINST them. And It clearly Says : If there Is An Adverse Effect.. I have the RIGHT . to Cancel My Contract WITHOUT an early Termination Fee. What Can I do Exactly go get my Contract Canceled? They have changed my total amount for two months… I have the bills and Im in the 60 day time. They keep changing the subject.. and Going in Circles… What can I tell them In order to cancel My Contract… Read more »

Annette
Annette
12 years ago

Verizon has bumped contract dates on two of our phones (we have 4). One through an insurance claim, the other through a MANUFACTURE replacement. Are they allowed to do this? They also charged us for 2 media packages that we DID NOT need, nor EVER used for a year, and said the best they could give us was a 30 day credit for those packages. Does that sound right? Are they allowed to legally do all of this?

Ashley
Ashley
12 years ago

Hi Phillip! Thank you so much for educating us customers on our rights…that being said I have found a way to cut my bill ion half and get an upgraded service with a different provider. I have another year left with verizon, am I too late to cancel my service within the 60 day window of fee changes? In your article it says before 1.1.12 you can opt out of your contract due to service fees and admin fees getting changed with the new year. Which would mean I have to wait till the next change in contract….hopefully there is… Read more »

Stan Chulsky
Stan Chulsky
12 years ago

Hi Phillipp, I wanted to see what would you suggest to do in my situation. 1st I never received the notice. Looking at my charges I found that I am being charged $10 per line in addition to the $70. Per what i remember from 2 years ago, the contract was supposed to be $80 for the 1st two and then 10 for each additional line. I called and asked to have a copy of the contract I signed up for mailed to me and they told me they can’t provide it to me.While I realize I might not remember… Read more »

tricia
tricia
12 years ago

I have a verizon iphone, i cancelled my service and ported out my number to another company, but bc i did that they wont unleash my phone til end of my billing cycle! which is BS. What can i do to fix this??

Kimberly
Kimberly
12 years ago

I have the same issue with Verizon, who refuses to cancel my plan until the end of the cycle even though I was only 3 days into the cycle and ported my number out to another company. It seems ridiculous to pay for a month of not using the phone. Is there any other way to get out fee free or get them to pro-rate the cost of the plan? I have never experienced this issue with any other company before.

Mackenzie
Mackenzie
12 years ago

I have a Droid Incredible phone with the unlimited Data Plan. My husband and I are saving for a house and looking for anywhere we can save a little extra money. I like the smart phone, but I don’t really need it. My contract isn’t up until February of 2013. I’m wondering if cancelling the data plan, but keeping the Verizon phone number is still considered “breaking contract.” If so, how much would the breaking contract fee be?
Thanks.

Fred
Fred
12 years ago

So, just for the information of everyone who’d been posting here. I tried to cancel my VZW service immediately following the notice of increased regulatory fees. I spoke to about a dozen people and as many hours dealing with people. I got the same answers from everyone about the fees being government fees. After I quote the Agreement, they change the answer to giving me a credit for a few cents per month. After that, they say that they have the right to change fees. Then I say I have the right to leave without ETF. Then they say “you… Read more »

sgt
sgt
12 years ago

These companies are a perfect example of how to run a business without paying any costs yourself. By the time they’re through passing on ALL their costs to the public, they have to be making some fantastic profits.

Loons In June!
Loons In June!
12 years ago
Reply to  sgt

“These companies are a perfect example of how to run a business without paying any costs yourself. By the time they’re through passing on ALL their costs to the public, they have to be making some fantastic profits.”

Clearly you have not run a business, if you do not pass ALL your costs on to your customers, you dont have a business.

Nic
Nic
12 years ago

You guys really make no sense. You are disputing a .03 cent charge, I get that you think they could charge any amount next time and get away with it but seriously get real. Look up the definition of materially adverse. While no one can put a monetary value on it by offering a to credit your so called “materially adverse” .03 cents they are not breaking their contractual agreement. One thing you got partially right is no they are not required to charge you the regulatory fee and it is not a tax but it is imposed by the… Read more »

Rjdafoe
Rjdafoe
12 years ago

There is a big difference in what they are doing. Passing the cost is part of paying for the service. Adding bogus and semi hidden fees is not part of that. When was the last time you went to the mall, bought something and at checkout there was the cost of the item, tax, rent fee, parking fee, garbage collection fee, service fee and shelf fee added on at the register? This is effectively what they are doing. There is a cost of doing business just by being a business. Your profit should cover your costs. By hiding it in… Read more »

Nic
Nic
12 years ago

Again with the misinformation…where exactly is it semi-hidden?? I have viewed many of the comments above and many of them state it is a fee that was shown on their initial contract that they signed. I have also reviewed mine and it is listed on mine. Hidden fee or semi-hidden implies that there is a cost with no name or description associated with it. Aside from which as i said in my initial post all the fees are explained in full on their website as well as in the information brochures that were included with my paperwork at the time… Read more »

rjdafoe
rjdafoe
12 years ago
Reply to  Nic

Becuase you are being incredibly ridiculous. The name is the way it is because they now most people will assume it is a fee that the government imposes. It is done that way for a reason. An admin fee? Are you kidding me? That is like a fee for sending me a bill every month. It in no way is part of their network costs and you know it. It has nothing to do with reading the contract. All contracts state that basically, they can do whatever they want, and you have no recourse most of the time. Face it,… Read more »

Nic
Nic
12 years ago

I don’t sign a contract for cable or electric but let me assure you they tack on the same regulatory fee. You act like every company is sitting here adding this fictional cost on your bill. It’s not fiction in is a real cost of doing business and to off set some of it they bill you a whole .16 cents. On my cable bill it is almost $2. It has everything to do with reading the contract. They don’t hide a damn thing and if you bothered to read it you could question it at the time object and… Read more »

Rjdafoe
Rjdafoe
12 years ago

You don’t get it and you did not even read what I wrote.

I don’t have Verizon thanks. I don’t agree with the they do it and it is not a regulatory fee no matter what they label it. I do not care that it is in contract or not. It is they way they do it that bothers me. They take advantage plan and simple.

Nic
Nic
12 years ago

On the contrary I did read what you wrote…you didn’t read what I wrote. Look it up and stop sounding like a buffoon. A regulatory fee is a real fee assessed by the FCC on all wireless carriers. You can think it’s bull or for some other purpose but unless you wanna sit down and review all their publicly available financial records and determine that they are using it for something other than its designated purpose…deal with it. End of story…good luck taking this argument against any wireless carrier. Open your eyes bc the only way things will change is… Read more »

jon
jon
11 years ago

Im 18 and my dd is tired of paying for my part of the phone bill. is there any way he can drop me off his plan and can i get a cheaper phone without internet access and start paying the bil my self?

David
9 years ago

A petition has been started regarding this situation. If you have gone though or are currently fighting with Verizon, please sign it.

https://www.change.org/petitions/daniel-s-mead-admit-you-are-breaching-your-contract-when-you-raise-your-fees

Peyton Thackerson
Peyton Thackerson
9 years ago

Hi i have a Question about verizon internet … I have been paying full amount… of are bill but we canceled the internet and canclation fees where 300$. that time i checked i paid that and i came back 2-3 months later with 3,000$ charges…… and Im about file a complaint because i told them to cancel are internet … but apperntly they didnt like they said they would. and i called them saying that the amount not correct. and they said it was data ussage charged and we couldnt use the internet because it was being disconnecting alot and… Read more »

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