Verizon Charged Marine's Widow an Early Termination Fee

In a decision that was reversed as soon as someone with half a brain in their PR department learned about it, Verizon charged a widow a $350 early termination fee. After the death of her marine husband, Michaela Brummund decided to move back to her home town to be with her family. Verizon doesn't offer any coverage in the small town so Michaela tried to cancel her contract, only to be hit with an early termination fee. From the article: "'I called them to cancel. I told them the situation with my husband. I even said I would provide a death certificate,' Michaela said."

Comments

I do verizon wireless contract related work...

[Anonymous Coward]

...and if the contract holder dies, there is no early termination fee. Chances has it that after sufficient notice the bill will just be dropped.

$350 ETF means it was a 'smart phone.' I still don't get why everyone thinks the phone is free. That's an advanced chunk of technology that fits in your pocket. ETFs are there for a reason.

It seems to be more important that he's a dead marine than a dead person. I deal with this stuff all day long and people use anything to alleviate their feelings of contractual obligations. Sorry for your loss, welcome to the world of business, pay your bills.

And as soon as there's publicity...

[SanityInAnarchy]

...they break out whatever BS they think we want to hear, in the name of good publicity.

In other words, bring out the religion:

the company responded saying, " Verizon Wireless has long supported our troops.... Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Brummund and her family."

Huh. So Verizon, as a company, now has a public opinion, not only on supporting our troops, but on the effectiveness of prayer?

Am I being overly sensitive, or is that just a bit odd?

Re:Just because you've suffered some bad luck..

[mjwx]

doesn't exempt you from all commitments. I feel bad for her that she lost her husband but a contract is an obligation.

I don't know what contract law is like in the US but in Australia/UK/Canada most contracts are pretty much considered unenforceable when the contractor is deceased. Only in a few cases can the debtor chase the estate (mortgages, but this is enforced by law and not by the bank). A communications provision contract will be considered null and void when the signee shuffles off the mortal coil.