Hi All –

I work with a law firm that’s investigating Verizon Wireless’ practice of charging California consumers a flat $5 late fee and whether the practice violates California’s consumer rights laws.

Customers are charged a late fee if they don’t pay bills on time but according to California state law there may be some issues with charging a fixed late fee as a penalty. There may also be issues with charging all customers the same flat fee, regardless of the cost of monthly plans.

As part of the investigation, Hagens Berman wants to hear from any Verizon customer living in California who’s paid at least one late fee in the past four years.

You can contact the firm at (206) 623-7292. More information on the investigation is on the firm’s Web site, Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP - Attorneys at Law

I'm am also a lawer. Cell phone provider do an excellent job in the contracts. I do not see anyway out if there is any language indicating you owe $5.