Well, I wouldn't bet on them giving up on getting their $175. Back in 2000, my wife got a Verizon cell phone, with a 2-year contract. She kept it until 2004, which you'll note was 2 years past the end of the contract. She never signed anything to extend the contract, and never upgraded the plan. When she switched to T-Mobile, Verizon hit her with a $175 termination fee. They refused to explain why she owed it; they just demanded the money. She chewed out a few of them after they refused to let her talk to a superior, or just kept forwarding her around to different people (or hung up on her). Just a few days ago, we got a nasty letter from a collection agency that's trying to collect the $175. She tossed the letter, but I collected it, because I thought it might be good to add to the evidence. Also, the next day she got a call from them, leaving a message, which she refuses to answer.

The main effect so far is that we've refused to even talk to Verizon sales people, except to mention this bogus fee to make it clear that they've lost a couple of customers permanently. We also tell the story to anyone that asks us about cell phone service, and so far, every one of them has gone with a different provider.

I suppose we'll still be getting dunned for this $175 after she dies ...

(It's funny that there's a lot online about class-action settlements that can get you a refund if you paid the termination fee, but nothing about what to do if you haven't paid it. ;-)