A woman set up autopay with Verizon only to realize she had been overcharged for more than five months. In a video with over 735,000 views, TikTok user @yummiiyomi filmed a conversation between herself and a Verizon employee. In the viral clip, she confronts the employee about autopay continuing to charge her for hotspot services even after she attempted to cancel them.
The Verizon employee essentially blames @yummiiyomi for the overpayment. “That’s why I said if it’s not what it’s supposed to be, come back and see me next month,” he tells her. The TikTok user then asks whether it’s her fault as the consumer that she was overcharged for five months. She clarifies that she explicitly declined additional hotspot charges on her Verizon bill. These are charges she says the employee “swore (they) took off,” according to her testimony.
Does Verizon Deliberately Add Additional Charges to Autopay?
While it’s unclear whether Verizon deliberately adds unauthorized charges through autopay, many customers have reported a lack of transparency in their billing.
Consumers have noticed unexplained fees appearing on their accounts. In one Reddit post, a customer reported receiving a bill that was $200 higher than expected.
Other commenters on the thread discussed similar concerns about upcharges. “That’s the way this business is. Shady techniques and lies to make sales and meet quotas,” wrote user u/Happy-Mark-7649.
In a separate Reddit post, another customer reported recurring $25 monthly charges. It was listed for “Asurion Home Device Protect” for over five months, despite canceling the service. The customer noted that the HDP service showed up as “inactive” on their Verizon account. However, it continued to appear on their bill.
Companies that intentionally add unauthorized charges to customer accounts are referred to as crammers. While there isn’t specific evidence to suggest Verizon engages in cramming, accidental overcharging appears to happen to many customers.
How Does Verizon Compare With Other Companies?
In the comments of @yummiiyomi’s video, many users compared Verizon to alternative phone services like Mint Mobile and AT&T.
“Just switch to Mint Mobile! I’ve had no issues with service or connection, and my unlimited for a year is what you’re paying for a month,” wrote @QueenJaaii.
Comparisons between Mint Mobile and Verizon quickly became a trending topic in the comments section. Many urged @yummiiyomi to switch her provider.
Unlike Verizon’s long-term contracts, Mint Mobile offers short prepaid plans. This allows customers to pay for several months upfront in exchange for lower rates. Plans can be as short as three months. Verizon, by comparison, offers unlimited data plans with extended 36-month contracts that may include additional charges for various perks.
Though some commenters argued that customer service varies by location, the general consensus in @yummiiyomi’s video comments section was that simpler, more transparent plans tend to be cheaper and less stressful in the long run.
@yummiiyomi Verizon forces people to set up auto pay for “savings” then adds additional charges to your bill when you’re not looking??? it’s a scam!!! My bill went from $300 to $450 LORD FIX IT #viral #verizon ♬ original sound – Ÿummii
What Recourse Is There for Additional Charges on a Verizon Account?
While the employee gave @yummiiyomi a $20 credit, she did not receive a full refund for the additional charges withdrawn from her bank account.
Her next step could be to file a Verizon Notice of Dispute form based on her experience. Despite the employee claiming nothing could be done, @yummiiyomi may have grounds for recourse, especially since the employee acknowledged the mistake in the video.
The Mary Sue has reached out to Verizon’s local media team and @yummiiyomi for comment.
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