Verizon is dealing with two separate customer complaints that have recently surfaced, raising questions about how the carrier handles security and community concerns. Both situations, while different in nature, have left customers feeling frustrated with the company's response.
According to PhoneArena, a California homeowner is reporting significant financial losses after Verizon built a 200-foot cell tower just 15 feet from his property line. John Stewart, who owns a 7.9-acre parcel near Greenville in Plumas County, estimates his property value dropped between $70,000 and $100,000 when the tower went up in November.
The structure was built on timber production zone land, which allowed Verizon to bypass public meetings or neighbor notifications under county rules from 2019. Stewart says he tried to work with county officials to at least reduce the tower's visual impact, but nothing came of it. He had planned to pass the property to his family, and now feels that opportunity has been damaged.
In a separate case reported by PhoneArena, an identity theft victim is warning others about difficulties closing a fraudulent Verizon account opened in their name. The person, posting on Reddit as burning_sky12, says someone opened an account without their permission or proper ID verification. When they tried to get documents about the fake account (something they're entitled to under federal law), Verizon reportedly refused, citing privacy policies and proprietary information.
The victim had to file a police report just to get the account closed and removed from their credit report. They recommend anyone in a similar situation file a police report, submit a written request under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and document everything. If Verizon doesn't cooperate, complaints can be filed with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Federal Trade Commission, and your state Attorney General.
A former Verizon fraud department employee defended the company's position, explaining that fraudulent accounts can sometimes be approved automatically online or by phone without ID checks, and that limited information can be shared during investigations. They also pointed out that protecting your personal information is ultimately your responsibility.
While these are individual cases and could happen with any carrier, both situations highlight ongoing concerns about how wireless companies balance security, regulations, and customer relationships.
Source: PhoneArena, PhoneArena
