How a $12.99 Monthly Charge Went Unnoticed for Over a Year

We all know that sinking feeling—looking at a bill and spotting an unexpected charge. Sometimes, it's a minor mistake; other times, it’s a recurring fee that has been quietly siphoning money from your account for months, even years.

 

That’s exactly what happened when one customer decided to review their Verizon bill and discovered a surprising charge: $12.99 per month for Disney+. The problem? They never signed up for Disney+ through Verizon.

 

So, how did this happen? And more importantly, how can you prevent it from happening to you?

 

The Hidden Subscription Charge: A Costly Oversight

Like many people, this customer had multiple lines on their Verizon bill—four in total. They make it a habit to review their bills occasionally, but as they admitted, they probably should do it more often.

 

During a routine check, they noticed a Disney+ charge that had been on their bill for over a year. Curious, they asked their family if anyone had signed up for the service through Verizon. The answer was a unanimous “No.”

 

Digging deeper, they realized they had been charged twice for Disney+—once from April 2021 through May 2022 for $7.99 per month and again from May 2023 through June 2024 for $12.99 per month. The total? Over $200 in unauthorized charges.

 

When they contacted Verizon, the company had no immediate explanation but promised to remove the charge. However, getting a clear answer about how the charges appeared in the first place proved frustrating. The representative said they would investigate and call back, but no call ever came. After another 30-minute phone call, they finally uncovered the full scope of the overcharges.

 

How Common Are Billing Errors Like This?

If you think this is a rare occurrence, think again. A 2019 study by Consumer Reports found that nearly 1 in 5 Americans reported an unexpected or incorrect charge on their monthly bills. Subscription services, in particular, are a growing issue, as companies often add free trials that auto-renew or include services you may not have knowingly opted into.

 

In this case, it’s still unclear whether this Disney+ charge was a billing mistake, an auto-renewal issue, or an accidental enrollment. But one thing is certain—if it can happen to one person, it can happen to anyone.

 

How to Protect Yourself from Hidden Charges

No one wants to pay for services they don’t use or didn’t sign up for. Here are some practical steps to help you avoid unexpected charges:

 

1. Review Your Bills Regularly

  • Set a reminder to check your statements at least once a month.
  • Pay close attention to recurring charges, especially for services you don’t recognize.

2. Audit Your Subscriptions

  • Use your phone carrier’s online portal to see all active add-ons.
  • Review your bank and credit card statements for unfamiliar subscriptions.
  • Consider apps like Truebill or Rocket Money to track and cancel unwanted subscriptions.

3. Contact Customer Support When You Spot an Issue

  • If you see an unauthorized charge, call the company immediately.
  • Request a full history of when the charges started.
  • Ask for a refund if you were charged in error.

4. Keep a Record of Your Conversations

  • Take note of who you spoke with and when.
  • If a representative promises a callback, follow up if they don’t deliver.

5. Monitor Free Trials Closely

  • Many “free” trials turn into paid subscriptions if you don’t cancel.
  • Set calendar reminders to cancel trials before the renewal date.

 

The Bottom Line: Stay Vigilant

The reality is, most companies are not proactively looking out for mistaken charges on your bill—you have to be your own advocate. Whether it’s a $7.99 charge from two years ago or a $12.99 fee that’s gone unnoticed for a year, those small amounts add up over time.

 

This story is a perfect example of why it pays to check your bills. The customer ultimately saved over $200, but many people may never realize they’re being overcharged. Don’t let that be you—review your statements, ask questions, and take control of your subscriptions.

 

Have you ever found a mysterious charge on your bill? Share your experience in the comments and let’s help each other stay one step ahead of hidden fees.