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CONSUMER AFFAIRS

unexpected blow from Verizon: thousands of Americans have reasons to be angry

Customers have discovered that in recent times there have been major errors in their bills due to unexpected charges

Verizon is once again at the center of controversy. More and more customers are expressing their anger and frustration with practices they consider to be lacking in transparency. In recent days, the story of a user who shared his bad experience with the company has gone viral; it is not an isolated case.

According to this customer, he went to a Verizon store intending to carry out a simple transaction. He wanted to add a line to his account and purchase a watch. However, he was extremely surprised when he reviewed his bill and discovered that several add-ons he never requested had been included.

Among them were a 100 GB (100 GB) Wi-Fi hotspot plan, subscriptions to entertainment services like Netflix and IMAX, and additional insurance. All of this raised his bill to $261, when he expected to pay between $170 and $180.

People walking and looking at electronic devices in a Verizon store.
Verizon charged a customer for services they had not signed up for | Grok

Complaints to Verizon are frequent

This type of complaint about Verizon is not new. In fact, numerous users have reported similar situations. Some theories suggest that certain representatives might be adding these services without consent to meet sales quotas.

Others blame a new tool the company has implemented: it is an artificial intelligence called Personal Shopper. This AI was designed to make transactions within Verizon's system easier. However, according to several employees and customers, it is causing more problems than solutions.

Some workers have even spoken out in forums and on social media. They claim that Personal Shopper can add incorrect benefits and add-ons if it is not reviewed before completing a transaction. This means that, at times, it is not even the human representative's fault, but the automated system's.

Whatever the reason, whether it is a human error or one caused by artificial intelligence, the result is the same: an unsatisfied customer and a much higher bill than expected. Trust is easily lost when users feel they must review every line of their contract for fear of unauthorized charges.

Three people walking on a sidewalk in front of a store with a visible sign.
The operator must take action immediately | Grok

Unauthorized charges can be removed

The positive side is that, if detected in time, these charges can usually be removed by contacting Verizon directly. However, the damage is already done. The negative experience affects the brand's perception and generates growing distrust among consumers.

Verizon should pay more attention to how its digital tools work. In addition, they should make sure their employees are not pressured to add unnecessary services. It would also be advisable to improve transparency and customer service, especially when it comes to unexpected charges.

➡️ Consumer Affairs

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