Verizon says thousands are still using Samsung Note7, but they're about to get cut off

Despite repeated public notices from Samsung directing Galaxy Note7 users to return the recalled device, there are still large numbers of users on one of the biggest wireless carriers in the U.S. who refuse to let the beleaguered smartphone go.

According to a statement from Verizon, there are currently "thousands" of customers on the carrier's service using the Note7.

"In spite of our best efforts, there are still customers using the recalled phones who have not returned or exchanged their Note7 to the point of purchase," Verizon told Fortune on Tuesday. "The recalled Note7's pose a safety risk to our customers and those around them."

The insistence on hanging on to the device indicates that users are going to great lengths to find ways to continue to use the potentially explosive Note7. Last month, Samsung sent out a software update that was meant to act as a kill switch to stop Note7 owners from getting a full charge on the device.

And on Jan. 5, Verizon sent out an update to Note7 users that would prevent the device from charging in the hope of rendering it useless as a mobile phone. Additionally, the company sent out an update designed to prevent the Note7 from connecting to its wireless network.

Nevertheless, Verizon says that a large number of users are "still "using the Note7. It's unclear how those people are using the device -- plugged into a outlet, utilizing Wi-Fi and perhaps avoiding the device-disabling software updates? -- but they're out there.

To address these diehards, Verizon has decided to take additional measures. The company will now direct any calls from Note7 devices not made to 911 emergency services to the company's customer service line.

In the meantime, Samsung has announced the conclusion of its investigation into the cause of the Note7 explosions. Those findings are expected to be released on Jan. 23.