Summer is my favorite time of the year. Lazy days, cheap popsicles and sandy toes are all I need for a great summer.
A little extra money wouldn’t hurt, either. Summer is the perfect time to pick up a little extra spending money. Did you know there’s free cash out there waiting to be claimed from class-action settlements? It’s the easiest money you’ll make this summer.
Filing for settlements usually only takes a few minutes, and you could get a check in the mail or other compensation just by clicking on the few links below.
Some settlements have big payouts, and others pay just a few bucks. But so what if it only pays for a churro at Disneyland? At least it’s cash you didn’t realize you had coming to you.
Let’s find out what companies owe you money.
1. Instaflex Joint Support Supplement
[caption id="attachment_61122" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
Instaflex Joint Support supplements are a part of a class-action settlement for making misleading statements that violated many states' consumer protection acts. Tina Russell/The Penny Hoarder[/caption]
Did you buy Instaflex Joint Support supplements? If so, you could benefit from a $4.5 million class-action settlement.
Consumers accuse Direct Digital, the manufacturer of Instaflex Joint Support, of making misleading claims like “scientifically formulated” and “clinically tested” on its labels. The plaintiffs claim these deceptive claims violated various states’ consumer protection acts.
The Instaflex settlement will allow consumers to recover up to $15 per bottle for up to seven bottles — that’s a maximum of $105 — per household. Consumers who received a free Instaflex sample and paid for shipping can claim up to $5.
If the total claims exceed the settlement amount, then claimants will receive a prorated portion of the $15 or $5 payout.
To benefit from this settlement, consumers must file a claim form no later than Sept. 5, 2017. The settlement website does not indicate whether consumers need to submit a proof of purchase with their claim or not.
Learn more here.
2. Wells Fargo Dealer Services Unwanted Calls
[caption id="attachment_60634" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
People bank at a Wells Fargo in downtown St. Petersburg, Fla. Tina Russell/The Penny Hoarder[/caption]
If you received a call or text from Wells Fargo Dealer Services Inc. (a division of Wells Fargo Bank) between April 1, 2011 and March 30, 2016, you could get a portion of a $14.8 million class-action settlement.
Wells Fargo was accused of violating federal law by using an automatic telephone dialing system to send out robocalls and unwanted texts to consumers concerning an automobile retail installment sale contract.
A class-action lawsuit claimed Wells Fargo violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act by placing calls to consumers without their prior express written consent. Wells Fargo denied the allegations but agreed to settle the litigation by paying $14.8 million.
Class members who file a valid claim form by Sept. 20, 2017 are expected to receive a check worth somewhere between $20 and $50 from the Wells Fargo settlement.
Find out more.
3. Staples Rewards
[caption id="attachment_60632" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
Staples is involved in a class-action lawsuit for lessening the amount of Staples Rewards member points a customer receives for an entire transaction related to product-specifed coupons. Tina Russell/The Penny Hoarder[/caption]
Are you a Staples Rewards member who made a store purchase between March 24, 2009 and April 25, 2017? If so, you could get $10 in Staples Rewards from this class-action settlement.
A class-action lawsuit challenged Staples’ practice of applying product-specific coupons to the value of all items in a transaction, thereby lowering the amount of reward points a customer receives.
The plaintiff says he bought bottled water for $4.49 and two packs of sanitizing wipes for $3.99. He then used a $1.50 coupon for the water. Later, when the plaintiff logged in to check the status of his Staples Rewards points, he noticed the coupon was applied across the entire transaction. This resulted in the plaintiff receiving $7.02 in points instead of the expected $7.98.
The class-action lawsuit claimed Staples engaged in unfair business practices by not informing customers that it applies coupons across the entire transaction, lowering the amount of Staples Rewards earned.
Under the terms of the settlement, Staples has agreed to pay $500,000 to $2 million in Staples Rewards points to affected customers. Staples customers who file a claim form by July 24, 2017 are eligible to receive their $10 in Staples Rewards.
Eligible class members include all U.S. Staples Rewards members who, between March 24, 2009 through April 25, 2017, bought a Rewards-eligible product and a non-Rewards eligible product in the same transaction, used an item-specific coupon on the non-Rewards eligible product and received fewer reward points due to Staples’ pro rata coupon accounting.
Find out if you qualify here.
4. HSBC Call Recording (California Only)
[caption id="attachment_61307" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
alexey_ds/Getty Images[/caption]
California residents who received a phone call from HSBC Card Services and were not told ahead of time the call may be recorded or monitored will benefit from a $13 million class-action settlement.
The HSBC settlement resolves allegations from three separate class-action lawsuits all claiming that the banking giant violated California state law by not informing call recipients that their conversations were being recorded.
All Californians who received a recorded or monitored call from or on behalf of HSBC Card Services Inc.between March 23, 2009 and May 1, 2012 are eligible for this settlement.
If you received an email or notice regarding this settlement, there’s no need to submit a claim form. However, if you did not receive a notice by mail or email and believe you should be included in the settlement, you must submit a claim form no later than Aug. 28, 2017.
The payout each person receives from the HSBC settlement will depend on the number of recorded calls they received during the class period.
Learn more.
5. PennyMac Force-Placed Insurance
[caption id="attachment_61312" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
Heather Comparetto/The Penny Hoarder[/caption]
PennyMac customers who were charged for force-placed insurance can get a cash payment or credit toward their loan from this class-action settlement. If PennyMac charged you for a flood, wind or hazard insurance policy between Feb. 1, 2011 and Oct. 18, 2016, you can benefit from this PennyMac settlement.
Lenders can issue force-placed insurance policies if they don’t believe there’s enough coverage to protect the property. However, a class-action lawsuit claimed that PennyMac was receiving kickbacks or unauthorized benefits from the insurance company writing these lender-placed insurance policies.
PennyMac denied the allegations but agreed to settle the class-action lawsuit to avoid the expense of ongoing litigation.
Under the terms of the settlement, if PennyMac charged you for force-placed insurance from Praetorian, QBE Insurance, Balboa or Meritplan, you can receive a sum equal to 5.5% of the net premium. If PennyMac force-placed a policy from QBE Specialty, Seattle Specialty or Southwest Business Corporation, you will receive a payout equal to 10.5% of the net premium.
Class members have until July 13, 2017 to file a claim for this class-action settlement.
More information here.
Melissa LaFreniere is the news editor of TopClassActions.com. She spent her last settlement check on a churro at Disneyland. It was delicious.
This month, I’ve tracked down six settlements that are accepting claims. Three of them are from companies accused of placing unwanted phone calls to consumers, so if you get a lot of telemarketer calls, make sure you scroll through this list to find out if you qualify.
There’s a little bit of everything, so let’s jump right in and find out what companies could owe you money.
1. Real Ham Bone for Dogs
[caption id="attachment_58923" align="aligncenter" width="449"]
Better Business Bureau/bbb.org[/caption]
If you bought dog treats made by Real Ham Bone for Dogs between Jan. 1, 2011 and May 12, 2017, you could benefit from a $2.4 million class-action settlement.
A lawsuit claimed the maker of Real Ham Bone treats falsely advertised them as a safe chew products for dogs. However, plaintiffs say the bone is smoked and baked for eight hours, which causes it to become extremely brittle. When dogs chew on the brittle bone, it creates “needle-like shards” that allegedly cause internal injuries when consumed.
Class members who can prove their dog was injured or died from consuming a Real Ham Bone treat can receive up to $2,500 for documented bills.
Real Ham Bone for Dogs purchasers who did not have to pay for injuries sustained by their pet, can file a claim for $3 per bone. Individuals who submit a receipt along with their claim form, can claim up to 10 bones for a total of $30, while those who cannot provide proof of purchase can claim up to four bones for a total of $12.
The settlement also includes an injunction that prohibits the manufacturer from making or selling dog products made from pig bones until it reformulates the product so that it is “more durable than an uncooked bone” or obtains insurance coverage to compensate owners whose pets died or were injured due to consumption of the product.
The claim form deadline for this settlement is Sept. 9, 2017.
Find out more here.
2. Discover Home Loans Telemarketing Calls
[caption id="attachment_58726" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
svetikd/Getty Images[/caption]
If you received an unwanted telemarketing call from Discover Home Loans Inc. or Discover Financial Services between June 1, 2012 and July 31, 2015, you could get an estimated $25 to $50 from a class-action settlement.
Discover was accused of violating federal law to make marketing robocalls to consumers without their consent about home loan refinancing options. Under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, businesses must obtain consent before placing non-emergency automated calls. The TCPA also prohibits companies from contacting consumers registered on the National Do Not Call Registry more than once in a 12-month period.
Although Discover denied the allegations, it agreed to pay a total sum of $5 million to end the class-action lawsuit. Class members include anyone whose contact information was purchased by Discover from a third party and who:
- Received at least one non-emergency automated marketing call between June 1, 2012 and July 31, 2015, to a telephone number promoting goods or services using an automatic telephone dialing system or an artificial or prerecorded voice, OR
- Received two or more calls within any 12-month period to a cell phone or residential landline registered on the National Do Not Call Registry.
To benefit from this settlement, you need to submit a claim form by July 24, 2017. Although the claims administrator expects the settlement payout of $25 to $50 per consumer, the actual amount each person receives will depend on the total number of claims filed.
Learn more here.
3. Honeywell’s TrueSTEAM Humidifier
If you owned a Honeywell TrueSTEAM Humidifier between Jan. 1, 2008 and April 14, 2017, you could get either a new Honeywell humidifier or up to $40 cash.
According to a class-action lawsuit, Honeywell’s TrueSTEAM Humidifiers are prone to excessive mineral scale and sediment buildup and contain a defect that causes them to leak.
Under the terms of the settlement, class members can choose either a replacement humidifier or a cash payout that varies depending on the size of the Honeywell TrueSTEAM Humidifier they purchased.
Here’s how much buyers of the affected models are eligible for:
- TrueSTEAM 6-gallon Humidifier, Model HM506 — $30
- TrueSTEAM 9-gallon Humidifier, Model HM509 — $35
- TrueSTEAM 12-gallon Humidifier, Model HM512 — $40
Those who want a replacement humidifier instead of cash can choose between these models:
- Honeywell Steam Humidifier Model HM609
- Honeywell Steam Humidifier Model HM612
- Honeywell Electrode Humidifier Model HM700
Class members must submit a claim form by Nov. 6, 2017, and attach one of the following:
- A photograph of the side label on your humidifier that displays the barcode and serial number (see the diagram on the claim form)
- A receipt or invoice showing that you purchased of your humidifier
- Records of the installation, maintenance, service or repair of your humidifier that contains your name and/or address.
Find out if you qualify here.
4. Wells Fargo Student Loan Phone Calls
[caption id="attachment_58730" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
Tony Webster/Flickr[/caption]
Did you get a call from Wells Fargo about a student loan between April 21, 2011 and Dec. 19, 2015? If so, you could benefit from a $2,075,000 class-action settlement.
Class representatives claim that Wells Fargo made automated calls to consumers without getting permission from call recipients.
The Wells Fargo class-action lawsuit alleges that the calls violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.
Class counsel expects that the settlement will award each claimant between $20 and $50. To benefit, you must file a claim no later than July 31, 2017.
More information is available here.
5. Optical Disc Drive Indirect Purchaser
[caption id="attachment_58843" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
Dell/dell.com[/caption]
I mentioned the optical disc drive settlement in October, but since then, the settlement fund has grown to $180 million. If you missed it the first time, take a look to see if you qualify.
A class-action lawsuit accuses multiple electronics companies (including Sony, Panasonic, NEC, Pioneer, Hitachi-LG Data Storage and others) of a price-fixing conspiracy to artificially inflate the cost of optical disc drives.
Optical disc drives read CDs, DVDs and other computer software storage. They are installed in numerous electronic devices such as desktop and laptop computers, camcorders, game consoles, and more. ODDs can also be attached externally to a computer.
If you live in Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia or Wisconsin and purchased an internal ODD, a stand-alone ODD designed for internal use in a computer, or an ODD designed to be attached externally to a computer between April 1, 2003 and Dec. 31, 2008, you could benefit from this settlement.
Class members who file a claim for this settlement are expected to receive $10 for each drive they purchased during the class period. However, the actual cash payout could be more or less depending on the number of claims filed. No proof of purchase is necessary, and the online claim form takes only a few minutes to fill out.
The deadline to file a claim has been extended to Aug. 1, 2017.
Learn more here.
6. Real Time Resolutions TCPA
[caption id="attachment_58837" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
g-stockstudio/Getty Images[/caption]
Did you get call on your cell phone from Real Time Resolutions between Aug. 30, 2009 and April 10, 2017? If so, you could benefit from a $1.3 million class-action settlement.
According to the plaintiff, Real Time Resolutions made automated calls to consumers about their debts without first getting their permission, a violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.
Class members include anyone in the U.S. who received automated calls from Real Time Resolutions on their cell phones during the class period without their consent.
To benefit from this settlement, you must file a claim form by Aug. 23, 2017, and include the phone number that received calls from Real Time Resolutions during the class period.
The claims administrator estimates that settlement payouts will be about $25, but the actual amount could be higher or lower depending on the number of valid claims filed.
Find out more here.
Melissa LaFreniere is the news editor of TopClassActions.com. She just received an $8.50 check from the Johnson’s Bedtime Bath class-action settlement.
You know the happiness that comes with finding a bit of forgotten cash in your pocket? Well imagine having that feeling all the time.
That’s exactly the reaction that comes with finding a class-action settlement check in your mailbox. It may not always be a lot, but who doesn’t love free money?
A lot of settlements take only a few minutes to file, so take a look below and let us know which ones you end up claiming. I filed for the Similasan Homeopathic and Revlon DNA Advantage settlements in less than five minutes.
1. Drew’s All Natural Salad Dressing
[caption id="attachment_57719" align="alignnone" width="893"]
Drew's Organics/Facebook[/caption]
If you bought Drew’s All Natural Salad Dressings or Quick Marinades between June 15, 2011 and Feb. 15, 2017, you could get up to $10 from this settlement.
A class-action lawsuit accused Drew’s LLC of mislabeling certain products as all-natural when they contained synthetic ingredients. According to the plaintiff, the ingredients in question include xanthan gum and citric acid.
The settlement covers the following 12-ounce bottles of Drew’s dressings and marinades: Chipotle Ranch, Creamy Buttermilk Ranch, Greek Olive, Honey Mustard, Lemon Tahini Goddess, Poppy Seed, Raspberry, Roasted Garlic & Peppercorn, Romano Caesar, Rosemary Balsamic, Sesame Orange, Shiitake Ginger, Smoked Tomato, Soy Ginger, Thai Sesame Lime and Thousand Island.
Consumers who file a claim and include a proof of purchase can receive 50 cents for each bottle of Drew’s dressing they bought for a maximum refund of $10. Those without receipts can claim up to $1.50 worth of dressing. In addition to the refund, the Drew’s will give each claimant a coupon worth $3 off a six-bottle case of its salad dressings and marinades.
The deadline to submit a claim for this settlement is July 15, 2017.
Learn more.
2. FirstMerit Bank Overdraft Fees
[caption id="attachment_57731" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
andresr/Getty Images[/caption]
FirstMerit Bank account holders who were charged an overdraft fee between March 16, 2005 and Aug. 13, 2010 can get a portion of a $15.975 million settlement, which includes $8.975 million in cash settlements and $7 million in debt forgiveness.
According to the lawsuit, FirstMerit Bank intentionally posted debit card transactions out of order so it could charge customers more overdraft fees. The plaintiffs claimed that if FirstMerit Bank posted transactions in chronological order, many of its customers would not have been assessed these fees.
Affected account holders who submit a claim can receive an equal share of the $8.975 million settlement fund. A separate $7 million fund will forgive accounts with negative balances.
FirstMerit Bank customers do not need to file a claim for debt forgiveness, as they will automatically benefit unless they opt out of the settlement.
Those who wish to file a claim for the FirstMerit Bank overdraft fees class-action settlement must do so no later than June 19, 2017.
Find out more.
3. Sony VAIO Notebook (California, New Jersey Only)
[caption id="attachment_57725" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
Kārlis Dambrāns/Flickr[/caption]
If you bought a Sony VAIO Notebook in California or New Jersey between March 16, 2006 and Jan. 4, 2017, you could get up to $200 from this class-action settlement.
The lawsuit claimed certain VAIO laptops have a defective trackpad (also called a touchpad). The plaintiffs said this defect made the trackpad inoperable at times causing cursor issues like freezing and erratic movement.
Under the terms of the settlement, Sony will pay 65% of affected consumers’ out-of-pocket repair expenses with a maximum payout of $200 or 65% of any workaround purchase (e.g. auxiliary mouse or touchpad) with a cap of $60. Class members who cannot provide documentation that they repaired their notebook or purchased a workaround but did in fact have their touchpad fixed, can submit a claim for $25. Consumers who purchased a VAIO laptop during this class period but do not meet these criterias can submit a claim form and receive a $5 payout.
Sony VAIO laptops covered by this settlement include series SZ, FZ, NW, EB or F.
Affected VAIO owners must submit a claim form and any relevant documentation by June 5, 2017.
More info here.
4. Revlon DNA Advantage Cosmetics
[caption id="attachment_57727" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
monkeybusinessimages/Getty Images[/caption]
Did you buy Revlon DNA Advantage concealer, cream foundation or powder between April 25, 2011 and June 30, 2016? If so, you could get $3 per item from this Revlon settlement!
A class-action lawsuit brought by two consumers in 2014 claimed Revlon tricked consumers into believing “DNA Advantage” cosmetics had the ability to “reverse, minimize, slow, or otherwise ‘defy’ the process of aging.” The plaintiffs argued that reasonable consumers wouldn’t have purchased these products if they knew the term “DNA Advantage” simply meant that Revlon included ingredients that would offer users UV protection.
Revlon denied the allegations but agreed to pay $900,000 to resolve the class-action and avoid litigation.
Affected consumers can file a claim for up to three products without a receipt and get $9. To claim more than three products, you must include a proof of purchase along with your claim form.
Hurry, you have until June 5, 2017 to file a claim!
Find out more here.
5. Similasan Homeopathic Products
[caption id="attachment_57729" align="alignnone" width="827"]
SimilasanUSA/Getty Images[/caption]
If you bought Similasan homeopathic products between Feb. 10, 2008 and April 12, 2017, you can get either a full refund or cash payout from this $700,000 class-action settlement. A class-action lawsuit accused the maker of Similasan-brand products of misleading consumers into believing its homeopathic remedies could effectively treat numerous ailments.
Some of the Similasan products covered by the settlement include: Allergy Eye Relief, Baby Gas & Colic Relief Tablets, Baby Teething + Tooth Support Tablets, Dry Eye Relief, Ear Wax Relief, Hay Fever Relief, Itch Relief, Junior Cold & Mucus Relief, Junior Immune Support, Kids Allergy Eye Relief and Kids Cold & Mucus Relief.
Under the terms of the settlement, Similasan is offering customers a full refund if they can provide a proof of purchase with their claim form. Those who file a claim for the Similasan settlement without submitting a receipt will get an estimated cash payout of $5 to $10.
To benefit from this settlement, affected consumers must file a claim by Sept. 7, 2017.
Find out if you qualify.
6. BMW 6 Series Convertible Top
[caption id="attachment_57723" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
BMW/Instagram[/caption]
If you currently own, or once owned or leased a 2004 to 2010 BMW 6 Series convertible, you could benefit from a class-action settlement. The 2004 to 2010 BMW 6 Series’ convertible tops allegedly contain a defect that doesn’t allow them to fully open or close. The lawsuit claimed the faulty convertible top would also cause a “top not locked” indicator to appear on the vehicle’s dashboard.
BMW will reimburse any 6 Series owners who’ve repaired the defect. To receive reimbursement for the repairs, consumers must file a claim form and submit documentation including the vehicle identification number, an invoice describing the repairs made, and proof that payment was made for the repair.
Consumers who haven’t paid out of pocket to fix the issue can get a free software upgrade at an authorized BMW center. This update includes a four-year or 50,000-mile (whichever comes first) limited warranty from the date of the service.
To benefit from this settlement, affected owners must submit a claim form along with the required documents by June 19, 2017.
Learn more.
7. Joe’s Jeans ‘Made In USA’
[caption id="attachment_57724" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
Joe's Jeans/Facebook[/caption]
Did you buy Joe’s Jeans or Hudson Clothing items between Jan. 7, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2015? If so, you could get a free tote bag (worth $55) or t-shirt (valued at $68) as part of a $425,000 class-action settlement.
A lawsuit accused the clothing manufacturer of labeling certain products as “Made in USA” despite them including foreign parts. According to the plaintiffs, mislabeling these items as “Made in USA” when they included foreign-made components is a violation of California’s false advertising law.
To get a t-shirt or tote bag from this settlement, you must submit a claim form and information about the affected clothing, including its style number and SKU. The last day to file for this settlement is June 19, 2017.
More information is available here.
Melissa LaFreniere is the news editor of TopClassActions.com. She finds money in her jean pockets at least once a month.
Some class-action settlements offer a couple of bucks, while others pay out bigtime.
This last month, I heard from consumers who filed for a Marlboro Lights class-action settlement specifically for Arkansas smokers -- one of whom received close to $8,000!
Obviously each settlement payout is different. Some take the form of cash, while others offer gift cards and even services like credit or health monitoring.
This month I found a variety of “payouts,” so let’s jump right in!
1. Google AdWords
[caption id="attachment_56084" align="aligncenter" width="1199"]
Google/Facebook[/caption]
If you had a Google AdWords account between July 11, 2004, and March 31, 2008, you could benefit from a $22.5 million settlement.
A class-action lawsuit accused Google of not fully informing customers that their advertisements could appear on parked domains or error pages.
AdWords customers claimed they were not aware that their ads would be placed on these low-quality websites. Google denied the allegations but agreed to settle after eight years of litigation.
Class members must have spent at least $1 on a Google AdWords advertisements to benefit from this settlement. The total each consumer receives will vary depending on the amount of money they spent on advertisements placed on these low-quality websites during this time.
To benefit from this Google class-action settlement, you must submit a claim form along with your AdWords Customer ID no later than June 21, 2017.
Find out more here.
2. The Body Shop
[caption id="attachment_56044" align="alignnone" width="360"]
The Body Shop/Facebook[/caption]
If you made a purchase at The Body Shop between Feb. 12, 2011 and March 21, 2017, you could get a $12 gift card from this class-action settlement.
According to a lawsuit, the operator of The Body Shop violated federal law by printing more than the last five digits of a credit or debit card number on customers’ receipts. Specifically, the lawsuit claimed The Body Shop disregarded the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, which was enacted in part to protect shoppers from identity theft.
If you received a receipt from The Body Shop that displayed more than the last five digits of your card number during this time period, you may benefit from this settlement.
Class members who were notified about this settlement by mail or email don’t need to do anything further to receive a $12 store gift card. Those who are just now finding out about this settlement can still benefit if they submit a claim form and a copy of their The Body Shop receipt by July 12, 2017.
Learn more here.
3. Yapstone Data Breach
[caption id="attachment_56051" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
PeopleImages/Getty Images[/caption]
If your personal information was exposed through a Yapstone data incident between July 15, 2014, and Aug. 5, 2015, you could get ProtectMyID identity monitoring service from Experian for one year.
The settlement resolves allegations that Yapstone did not fully protect its users from having their personally identifiable information exposed through using unsecured web addresses. Yapstone users could have had their Social Security Numbers, bank account information, passport numbers, driver’s license numbers, names and addresses exposed in the data breach.
Class members who want to benefit from the settlement must file a claim form no later than Oct. 10, 2017.
Find out if you qualify.
4. Vital Nutrients “Made In USA”
[caption id="attachment_56079" align="aligncenter" width="948"]
Vital Nutrients/Facebook[/caption]
If you bought Vital Nutrients supplements between Aug. 1, 2012, and Feb. 27, 2017, because the vitamins were labeled as “Made In USA,” you could get up to $150 from a class-action settlement.
A lawsuit accused Vital Nutrients of falsely representing its products as “Made In USA” when they contain components sourced outside the nation. Consumers who are able to submit a receipt along with their claim form can claim up to $150 from this settlement.
Class members who file a claim form without proof of purchase will receive $6 per product, up to $30. The deadline to benefit from this class-action settlement is Nov. 27, 2017.
More info here.
5. Advance Auto Parts Employee Data Breach
[caption id="attachment_56080" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Advance Auto Parts/Facebook[/caption]
Current and former Advance Auto Parts employees who were victims of a phishing attack that occurred in March 2016 could benefit in several ways from a class action settlement.
According to a lawsuit filed by two Advance Auto Parts workers, the retailer failed to keep the personally identifiable information of its employees safe by exposing it in the cyberattack.
The settlement provides all class members with AllClear Credit Monitoring as well as partial reimbursement for losses up to $1,250.
To benefit from this settlement, current and former employees must file a claim form and provide documentation related to any identity theft claims or tax refund claims no later than June 30, 2017.
Learn more.
Your Turn: What was the biggest payout you ever received from a settlement?
Melissa LaFreniere is the news editor of TopClassActions.com. Her biggest settlement check was for $250.
It’s been a busy few weeks in the settlement world.
I love finding new settlements to share, but I also love it when I qualify as a class member!
Here are six class-action settlements accepting claims right now. I filed for two of them in less than five minutes!
This week, I found settlements involving dietary supplements, robocalls and more!
Take a minute to see if you qualify for any of the following.
[caption id="attachment_54347" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Hyland's Homeopathy/Facebook[/caption]
1. Hyland’s Homeopathic Products
Did you buy Hyland’s Homeopathic products between March 8, 2008 and March 30, 2017? If so, you could get a full refund of up to $12.99 per product under the terms of a class-action settlement!
Consumers accused Hyland’s of misleading them about the ability of the homeopathic remedies to treat certain symptoms. A class-action lawsuit challenged Hyland’s claims of providing “fast, safe and effective relief from cold and flu symptoms.”
If you purchased any of the following Hyland’s products in the past nine years, you may benefit from this settlement: Cold ‘n Cough 4 Kids, Cough Syrup with 100% Natural Honey, Sniffles ‘n Sneezes 4 Kids, Complete Flu Care 4 Kids, Baby Teething Gel, Baby Cough Syrup, Baby Gas Drops, Baby Infant Earache Drops and Baby Nighttime Tiny Cold Syrup.
If you provide a receipt along with your claim form, you will receive a full refund for all products you purchased. If you file a claim without receipt, you can get a full refund for up to two Hyland’s products.
The deadline to file a claim for this class-action settlement is June 28, 2017.
Find out more here.
[caption id="attachment_54349" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
American Eagle Outfitters/Facebook[/caption]
2. Unwanted Texts from American Eagle Outfitters
If you received unsolicited texts from American Eagle Outfitters between April 8, 2010 and Jan. 24, 2017, you could get up to $285 from this settlement!
A class-action lawsuit claims American Eagle sent texts advertising store promotions to more than 600,000 people without their consent. American Eagle denies the allegations but agreed to pay $14.5 million to end the litigation.
If you qualify and file a claim for this American Eagle settlement, you’ll receive between $142 and $285.
Act fast! The deadline to file a claim for this class-action settlement is May 24, 2017.
Learn more here.
[caption id="attachment_54350" align="aligncenter" width="1198"]
Pro Armor/Instagram[/caption]
3. Pro Armor UTV Doors
Did you buy Pro Armor doors for your utility vehicle between June 11, 2010 and June 11, 2014? If so, you could get up to a $60 gift card from a class-action settlement.
Consumers accused previous Pro Armor doors manufacturer LSI Products Inc. of falsely advertising its products as a “safety” addition to UTVs. According to the class-action lawsuit, the doors are for style purposes only.
Pro Armor UTV doors covered by the settlement include Pro Armor RZR doors, Pro Armor RZR-4 doors, Pro Armor Teryx (also known as T-Rex) doors, Pro Armor RZR-S doors, Pro Armor RZR XP 1000 doors, Pro Armor RZR XP 4 1000 doors, Pro Armor RZR XP900 doors and Pro Armor RZR XP900 4 doors.
If you bought these doors during the specified period, you can get either a $60 Pro Armor gift card with proof of purchase or a 10% discount coupon worth up to $60 without proof of purchase.
You have until June 2, 2017 to file a claim for this class-action settlement.
More information is available here.
[caption id="attachment_54351" align="aligncenter" width="967"]
Hydroxycut/Facebook[/caption]
4. Iovate Hydroxycut
If you bought Hydroxycut between May 2, 2009 and Feb. 15, 2017, you could get a full refund from this class-action settlement!
Hydroxycut manufacturer Iovate Health Services Sciences USA Inc. violated state and federal laws by misrepresenting the effectiveness of certain supplements, according to the class-action lawsuit.
If you purchased one of the 30-plus Hydroxycut products this settlement covers and have a receipt, you can get a full refund. If you don’t have a receipt, you can get a refund for up to two bottles at $14 each, or $28 total.
Iovate denies the allegations but agreed to pay $8 million to resolve the class-action lawsuit. In addition to refunding cash to customers, Iovate agreed to change its dietary supplement labels.
To benefit from this settlement, you must submit a claim by May 30, 2017.
Find out if you qualify here.
[caption id="attachment_54352" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
SuperAmerica/Facebook[/caption]
5. SuperAmerica Text Spam
Did you receive an unwanted text message from SuperAmerica between Jan. 1, 2012 and April 1, 2015? If so, you could get $50 cash and a $50 gift card from this class-action settlement!
A class-action lawsuit claims Midwestern gas station chain SuperAmerica sent text advertisements to people without their permission, which is prohibited by the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.
The per-claimant award of $50 cash and a $50 SuperAmerica gift card could increase or decrease, depending on the number of claims that are filed.
You have until June 15, 2017 to file a claim form.
Learn more about the settlement here.
[caption id="attachment_54364" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
BrainStrong/Facebook[/caption]
6. BrainStrong DHA Supplement
If you bought BrainStrong DHA supplements between Jan. 1, 2011 and March 4, 2016, you can get a full refund from this class-action settlement. This settlement includes BrainStrong Adult, BrainStrong Toddler and BrainStrong Kids.
Consumers accused BrainStrong manufacturer i-Health of mislabeling its products with the following phrases:
- “Clinically shown to improve memory.”
- “Naturally supports mental clarity.”
- “Helps protect against normal cognitive decline.”
- Able to “support brain health.”
If you attach a proof of purchase with your claim form, you will get a full cash refund. If you file a claim without a receipt, you can choose from $4 cash or a $6.50 i-Health voucher.
To benefit from the BrainStrong settlement, you must file a claim no later than June 19, 2017.
Find out more here.
Your Turn: Do any of these companies owe you money?
Melissa LaFreniere is the news editor of TopClassActions.com. This week, she filed claims for the Hydroxycut and Hyland’s settlements!
When a company settles a class-action lawsuit, it usually doesn’t mean it’s admitted fault. In fact, quite the opposite is true! Most cases reach a settlement after both sides extensively negotiate and come up with mutually satisfying result.
Those of us who were affected by the issue get to benefit from a lot of long, hard work from the lead plaintiffs who initially filed the lawsuit.
Translation: You can claim some free money!
Of course, you should only submit claims for settlements when you’re actually eligible. Read each settlement’s “Who’s Eligible” section closely before filing a claim. Filing for a class-action settlement you don’t qualify for is illegal, and can mess up the process for folks who do qualify.
This past week I tracked down five settlements; let’s see what you qualify for!
1. Sephora Beauty Insider
[caption id="attachment_52474" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
Mike Mozart/The Penny Hoarder[/caption]
Did you have a Sephora Beauty Insider account that was deactivated by the cosmetics chain in November 2014? If so, you could be a part of this $950,000 settlement and receive up to $125 in cash or $250 in store vouchers.
A class-action lawsuit accused Sephora of intentionally deactivating Asian customers’ VIB or VIB Rouge accounts on or around Nov. 6, 2014, so these consumers wouldn’t benefit from Sephora’s largest online sale event of the year.
The plaintiffs claimed Sephora shut down thousands of Beauty Insider accounts linked to China-based email accounts, including those from @qq.com, @126.com and @163.com.
The lawsuit claimed Sephora took this action “based on the ill-founded and discriminatory belief that all Chinese/Asian customers abuse discount sales to engage in bulk purchasing for re-sale.”
More than 95% of these accounts were held by customers who lived in the U.S. and were not resellers, the plaintiffs stated. However, these customers lost their VIB statuses, which left them unable to access certain benefits, including free shipping and coupons.
To benefit from this settlement, Sephora consumers must file a claim form no later than April 3, 2017.
See if you qualify.
2. GT’s Kombucha
[caption id="attachment_52462" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
GT's Kombucha/Facebook[/caption]
If you purchased GT’s Classic Kombucha, Classic Synergy, Enlightened Kombucha or Enlightened Synergy beverages between March 11, 2011 and Feb. 27, 2017, you could get up to $60 in cash or vouchers as a part of this $8.25 million settlement..
According to a class-action lawsuit, GT mislabeled its kombucha in the following ways:
- It failed to list sugar as an ingredient, even though the beverages contained added sugar.
- It labeled the products as “non-alcoholic,” when they actually contained more alcohol than that term permits.
- It included the term “antioxidant” prominently on the label, despite a lack of antioxidants in the drink.
If you qualify for this settlement, you can get vouchers for free products or $3.50 in cash for each GT’s kombucha beverage you purchased. If you claim more than $35 in purchases, you must include a proof of purchase with your claim forms. You can can receive up to $60 in cash or vouchers if you submit a receipt.
This settlement covers more than 25 varieties of GT’s kombucha. To benefit, you must file a claim form by May 30, 2017.
Learn more here.
3. Central Payment Telemarketing
[caption id="attachment_52464" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
vm/Getty Images[/caption]
If you received a telemarketing call from Central Payment in the last six years, you could get between $100 and $150 as a part of a $6.5-million settlement.
This settlement resolves allegations that Central Payment violated federal law by calling phone numbers on the national do-not-call registry and placing robocalls to cell phones without the recipient's prior express consent.
To benefit from this class-action settlement, you must submit a claim form and provide the phone number Central Payment called.
Hurry, this settlement closes on April 14, 2017.
Find out more.
4. Proactiv Auto-Renewal (California Only)
[caption id="attachment_52466" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
Proactiv/Facebook[/caption]
If you’re a California resident who ordered Proactiv online between Jan. 22, 2009, and July 8, 2014, you can get $20 to $75 in cash or receive free skin care products with a minimum value of $75 from this class-action settlement.
A class-action lawsuit filed in 2013 accused GuthyRenker LLC, manufacturer of Proactiv, of not fully disclosing the terms of its automatic renewal billing policy when customers made a purchase online.
GuthyRenker denied the allegations but agreed to pay $15.2 million to settle the litigation.
To take advantage of this class-action settlement, you must file a claim form no later than April 17, 2017.
Learn more here.
5. Kia Sorento Crankshaft Bolt
[caption id="attachment_52469" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
David Villarreal Fernández/Flickr[/caption]
If you owned or leased a 2003-2006 Kia Sorento, you could get up to $4,900 from a class-action settlement. This settlement resolves a lawsuit that claimed the manufacturer knew about a defective crankshaft pulley bolt in the crossover’s 3.5-liter engine, but it failed to notify consumers.
According to the court documents, Kia sold about 203,404 units with this potential defect, which could bring the total settlement cost up to $996.7 million.
This alleged defect could cause damage to other engine parts if the bolt broke, according to the lawsuit.
If your Kia Sorento broke down due to the alleged defect, you can get your associated out-of-pocket expenses covered, including parts, labor and even towing costs.
This settlement will close on May 17, 2017.
Find out more.
Your Turn: What did you qualify for? Let us know in the comment section below.
Melissa LaFreniere is the news editor of TopClassActions.com. In addition to reading 10+ class-action settlements each month, she also loves reading page-turning novels! She plans on finishing Big Little Lies tonight after the kids go to bed.
It’s been a full year since I began writing for Penny Hoarder, and I still get so excited when I find settlements to share with you!
There’s no real magic to finding open settlements; what it takes is lots of time and searching.
It’s all worth it, though, knowing that my fellow Penny Hoarders can simply read — and share — these settlement articles without doing a ton of research on their own.
On a personal note, this month I received a check from the TRESemme Naturals class-action settlement I told you about in September. And I also submitted claims for four others that I qualified for.
Now, it’s your turn to take a few minutes and see if these five companies owe you money as the result of the following settlements!
1. Kenmore Barbecue Grill Defects
[caption id="attachment_50696" align="alignnone" width="882"]
Kenmore/Facebook[/caption]
Do you own a Kenmore gas grill? If so, you could get up to $300 from this class-action settlement.
The lawsuit claims that 15 Kenmore barbecue models with galvanized steel firebox trays are defective and pose a safety risk.
According to the lawsuit, the firebox trays can disintegrate during normal use, exposing the propane tanks to flames from the grill.
If you own a Kenmore grill manufactured between Oct. 1, 2011 and Sept. 30, 2014, you could receive a firebox repair or reimbursement for a previous repair, a $180 Sears gift card or $125 cash. If you bought a replacement grill because of the defect, you could be reimbursed up to $300.
To receive compensation, you must file a claim form by Jan. 26, 2018, along with proof of purchase.
Click here to learn more.
2. Jimmy Choo Receipts
[caption id="attachment_50698" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
Jimmy Choo/Instagram[/caption]
If you used a credit or debit card to buy an item from a Jimmy Choo retail store in the U.S. between Oct. 27, 2013 and Nov. 2, 2015, you could get between $75 and $175!
A class-action settlement resolves allegations that the luxury boutique printed sensitive information on credit card receipts in violation of federal law.
The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act prohibits businesses from printing the expiration dates and any numbers other than the last five digits of credit and debit cards on store receipts.
According to the $2.5 million Jimmy Choo class-action lawsuit, the retailer printed expiration dates and other sensitive information, including customers’ home addresses and phone numbers, on receipts.
If Jimmy Choo printed your sensitive information on your credit card receipts, you have until March 17, 2017 to file a claim.
More information is available here.
3. Provigil Generic Delay
[caption id="attachment_50699" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
ExcaliburMedia/ Getty Images[/caption]
Did you purchase the prescription drug Provigil between June 24, 2006 and March 31, 2012? If so, you could benefit from this $35 million class-action settlement.
The lawsuit was filed by the attorneys general of 48 states and Washington, D.C., against the manufacturers of Provigil, a stimulant that’s often prescribed to treat disorders like narcolepsy and sleep apnea. The suit accuses the makers of Provigil of working to delay a low-cost generic version of the drug from entering the pharmaceutical market.
Uninsured consumers who paid for the entire price of Provigil, along with those who had insurance but made a copayment or an out-of-pocket payment because they didn’t meet their health insurance deductible are eligible for this settlement.
Individual settlement amounts will vary.
The deadline to file a claim for the Provigil class-action settlement is April 13, 2017.
Here’s how to find out if you qualify.
4. TalentBin by Monster Candidate Profiles
[caption id="attachment_50701" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
Portra / Getty Images[/caption]
Did TalentBin by Monster create a job candidate profile for you without your knowledge or consent? If so, you could get between $100 and $500 from this $1.15 million class-action settlement.
The settlement resolves allegations that the online job recruiter regularly generated profiles for individuals and sent them to potential employers “without the consumer having done anything to invite or initiate a relationship with Defendant.”
TalentBin violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act by collecting information online about potential job seekers and creating a “candidate profile” for the purpose of selling the information to recruiters or employers, according to the lawsuit.
If TalentBin created a profile for you between Oct. 2, 2013 and Aug. 8, 2016, and sent that information to a possible employer, you must file a claim and seek compensation by June 9, 2017.
Learn more here.
5. Quorn Foods Ingredients
[caption id="attachment_50702" align="alignnone" width="1200"]
Quorn / Facebook[/caption]
If you bought Quorn food products in the last four years, you could get either a full refund with proof of purchase or up to $200 without one.
A class-action lawsuit claims the vegetarian food manufacturer deceived consumers by implying it created its meatless products from mushroom-based protein. But in reality, Quorn made them from a mold-based product, according to the suit.
The settlement covers numerous products, including Quorn Classic Burgers, Quorn Nuggets, Quorn Tenders, Quorn Roasts and Quorn Turkey Burgers.
Quorn customers who made purchases between Jan. 26, 2012 and Dec. 14, 2016 must file a claim no later than June 1, 2017 to benefit from this settlement.
Here’s how to find out more.
Your Turn: Are you filing claims for any of these settlements? Let us know when you get a check in the mail!
Melissa LaFreniere is the news editor of TopClassActions.com. She just got a settlement check in the mail for $7.97! (Hey, every bit helps!)
A few years ago, I made the switch to natural household cleaners.
This came after watching my husband suffer an asthma attack in our home. I started wondering if the fumes from everyday cleaning sprays were making things worse for him.
I started looking in stores for the best chemical-free cleaners on the market. Method ended up being one of my favorite products, both for its claims of being “naturally derived” and “non-toxic,” and its price tag.
Like most customers, I rely on label claims when making purchases, and like most customers, I’ve found that I can’t always trust them.
The maker of Method is just one of the companies targeted in class-action settlements this week.
Let’s jump right in.
1. Method and Ecover “Natural” Products
[caption id="attachment_49501" align="aligncenter" width="1199"]
Method Home/Facebook[/caption]
Did you buy Method or Ecover cleaning or personal care products in the past seven years? If so, you could get $8 or more from a class-action settlement!
The class-action lawsuit filed last September challenged label claims on more than 50 Method and Ecover products.
According to the lawsuit, the manufacturer of these two brands advertised its products as “natural,” “naturally derived,” “hypo-allergenic,” “non-toxic,” “plant-derived,” “plant-based,” “mineral-based” or “bio-based,” but they actually contained synthetic ingredients.
A few of the items covered in the $2.8 million settlement include Method Laundry Detergent, Method All Purpose Cleaner Spray, Method Hand Wash and Method Hand Sanitizer.
The settlement covers purchases of Method and Ecover “natural” products made between Aug. 1, 2010, all the way until the upcoming deadline to file a claim, which is April 27, 2017. If you bought these items for household use (not for resale), or if you buy them before the deadline, you can file a claim for $1 per item for up to eight products without proof of purchase.
If you file a claim and include receipts, you can submit claims for all products you purchased.
Learn more about the settlement here.
2. Walmart and Sam’s Club Same-Sex Spouse Benefits
[caption id="attachment_49503" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Mike Mozart under Creative Commons[/caption]
If you worked at Walmart or Sam’s Club at any time between Jan. 1, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2013, and had a same-sex spouse, you could benefit from a $7.5 million class-action settlement.
A class-action lawsuit filed in July 2015 alleged the retail giant discriminated against employees by denying health care benefits to same-sex couples until a companywide policy change occurred Jan. 1, 2014.
Under the terms of the settlement, current and former Walmart employees can file either a short-form claim by March 20, 2017, or a long-form claim by April 18, 2017, to receive a portion of the settlement fund.
If you file a short form, you could get up to $5,000 per year, for a total of up to $15,000 for the affected period. This amount could vary depending on how much of the $7.5 million settlement fund is distributed to former and current employees who submit long-form claims.
If you’re filing a long-form claim, you must submit documentation with your claim that shows either the out-of-pocket health care costs your spouse incurred due to a lack of health insurance or proof of how much you paid to purchase health insurance for your spouse during the affected period. Long-form claims should result in full reimbursement.
Find out more here.
3. First Family Insurance TCPA
[caption id="attachment_49505" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
BrianAJackson/Getty Images[/caption]
Did you get a telemarketing call from First Family Insurance since Oct. 24, 2010 — even though your number was on the National Do Not Call Registry? If so, you could get between $50 and $70 from this class-action settlement.
The First Family Insurance class-action lawsuit claims the company contacted people to offer them supplemental Medicare insurance, without checking to see if their numbers were listed on the National Do Not Call Registry.
The lawsuit alleges these calls violated federal law and were a nuisance to the call recipients.
First Family Insurance denies the allegations but agreed to pay $2.9 million to avoid further litigation.
If you want to benefit from this class action settlement, you must file a claim form by March 3, 2017.
Find out if you qualify here.
4. Wells Fargo Mortgage Fee
Was your home mortgage loan serviced by Wells Fargo between May 6, 2005 and July 1, 2010? If so, you could get $113 from this class-action settlement!
According to the lawsuit, Wells Fargo charged borrowers an inflated price for broker’s price opinions to make a profit.
Lenders use BPOs to establish the value of a home based on comparable properties. While they are allowed to charge for the cost of the BPOs, they cannot mark up the price to profit off the service.
Wells Fargo claims that all of its BPO fees complied with the law but agreed to pay $50 million to settle the suit.
More information is available here.
5. Home City Packaged Ice
[caption id="attachment_49507" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Home City Packaged Ice/Facebook[/caption]
Did you buy bagged ice at any time between Jan. 1, 2001 and March 6, 2008? If so, you could get $12 or more from a $2.7 million class-action settlement.
This settlement comes after nearly 10 years of litigation that accused the makers of packaged ice of engaging in a price-fixing scheme that artificially inflated ice prices.
If you purchased ice made by The Home City Ice Co., Arctic Glacier Inc., Arctic Glacier International Inc., Arctic Glacier Income Fund, Reddy Ice Corp., Reddy Ice Holdings Inc., or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates, you may benefit from this settlement.
You can claim up to 12 bags of ice for $1 each without a receipt. If you can provide proof of purchase, you’ll get $2 for each package of ice over the initial 12.
To get a cash payment from this settlement, you must file a claim form by May 17, 2017.
Find out more here.
Your turn: Do any of these companies owe you money?
Melissa LaFreniere is the news editor of TopClassActions.com. She loves finding a good natural cleaner!
Do you sign up for text ads from your favorite companies? Me too!
I actually love the convenience of getting coupon codes delivered right to my cell phone for deals like these:
- $10 gift card with $50 grocery purchase at Target
- Free small popcorn at AMC Theatres
- 10% off my next order at Boto Sushi
But getting a text alert from a company I have no connection to is flat-out annoying!
Recently, I’ve received texts advertising random things, like cheap meds from Canada and Rack Room Shoes. I even got one from a real estate company that saw I was browsing its site.
Talk about invasive and unwanted!
The good news is there’s a federal law that protects consumers from robocalls and text spam — which brings us to the first class-action settlement in this month’s roundup.
1. GUESS Unwanted Texts
This month, as I searched for settlements to share with my fellow Penny Hoarders, I found a recent class-action lawsuit claiming clothing retailer GUESS sent texts without permission from the recipient.
If you received an unsolicited text message from GUESS between Oct. 16, 2013 and Nov. 8, 2016, you could get $15 cash or a $30 store voucher from this proposed class-action settlement!
The deadline to file a claim for the GUESS unwanted text settlement is March 10, 2017, so act fast!
2. Trump University Live Events
If you attended a Trump University Live Event between Jan. 1, 2007 and May 23, 2010, you could get a refund of approximately 50% of the seminar price.
This preliminary Trump University settlement resolves two class-action lawsuits and a civil suit filed by New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman accusing President Donald J. Trump and his now-defunct Trump University of misleading customers with false statements about Trump University’s Live Events.
According to the lawsuits, Trump University promoted seminars to prospective students by telling them they would learn how to invest in real estate and obtain financial independence using Trump’s techniques. The suits claim students were told they would learn from instructors “hand-picked” by Trump himself.
Instead, plaintiffs say they were tricked into buying access to Trump University Live Events that ran “more like an infomercial, selling non-accredited products, such as sales workshops.” The suits allege “the representations were false because Trump had no substantive involvement in the selection of the Live Events instructors or the content of the Live Events.”
You must file a claim form by March 6, 2017. Find out if you qualify here.
3. Conair Infiniti Pro Hair Dryer
Conair has agreed to pay $5.4 million to settle a class-action lawsuit that claims Infiniti Pro hair dryers spontaneously catch fire due to several design defects.
If you bought a Conair 259 or 279 Infiniti Pro 1875-watt hair dryer in California between Aug. 15, 2009 and Aug. 31, 2016, or in New York between Aug. 15, 2010 and Aug. 31, 2016, you could get either $5 in cash or a replacement hair dryer, depending on the manufacturer of your device.
This settlement does not cover personal injury or property damages. That means if you file a claim, you won’t give up your right to pursue further litigation if you were hurt or your property was damaged as a result of the alleged defects.
If you’re seeking a refund or replacement from Conair, you must file a claim form no later than March 9, 2017.
Additional details are available here.
4. Toyota Rust-Prone Truck Frame
Some Toyota Tacoma, Tundra and Sequoia owners can get a frame inspection, and possibly, a replacement worth up to $2,500 as the result of a recently settled class-action lawsuit.
According to the complaint, certain models have a defect that causes premature corrosion, leaving their frames unstable and unsafe.
If you own or lease a 2005-10 Toyota Tacoma, 2007-08 Toyota Tundra or 2005-08 Toyota Sequoia, you could receive a free replacement if your vehicle’s frame is inspected and found to be rusty once the settlement becomes final.
If you paid to replace the frame on one of these vehicles due to early signs of rust prior to Jan. 3, 2017, Toyota will reimburse you.
You must file a claim and provide supporting documents by June 26, 2017, to be part of the settlement.
More information is available here.
5. Chewable Fluoride Tablets
Did you buy chewable vitamins containing fluoride between Oct. 31, 2007 and Dec. 31, 2015? If so, you could get a share of a tentative $15.5 million class-action settlement.
Chewable vitamin brands Qualitest Pharmaceuticals, Vintage Pharmaceuticals and Physicians Total Care were allegedly mislabeled as containing more fluoride than they actually had.
The class-action lawsuit alleges the tablets were labeled as containing 1 mg, 0.5 mg or 0.25 mg doses of fluoride. However, they consistently contained less than 50% of the amount listed on the label, according to the suit.
If you purchased these chewable fluoride tablets between 2007 and 2015, you could receive a to-be-determined portion of settlement funds if you file a claim by April 17, 2017.
Proof of purchase will be required only if you’re submitting a claim for more than $250.
Learn more about the settlement here.
6. JPMorgan Chase Robocalls
If you got a robocall from JPMorgan Chase & Co. in the past few years, you could get a share of this $3.75 million settlement.
A lawsuit accuses the banking giant of violating the Telephone Consumer Protection Act by placing automated calls to cell phones without consent from recipients.
You could be eligible for a payout of $45 to $75 if you received an unwanted call from Chase between Jan. 1, 2014 and March 22, 2016.
You must submit a claim form by March 21, 2017. More information is available here.
Your Turn: Do any of these companies owe you money?
Melissa LaFreniere is the news editor of TopClassActions.com. She LOVES getting text advertisements for sushi, AMC popcorn and Target!
As a mom of a tween and teen, I feel like I’m constantly at the grocery store. They’re growing a ton and eating just as much!
One thing I always look for is the word “natural” on labels. I want my kids to eat healthy so they can be healthy! And apparently, I’m not alone. More than half of all American consumers actively seek out a “natural” label, according to Consumer Reports.
That’s why I’m always disappointed when food manufacturers use the word “natural” as a marketing scheme but don’t deliver on their promise.
This month, I found a Blue Diamond settlement that resolves allegations that Almond Breeze milk and Nut Thins snack crackers were falsely advertised as “natural” when they contained synthetic ingredients. Do you know how many gallons of Almond Breeze milk I’ve purchased? I’m definitely filing a claim!
This month, I found a variety of settlements for my fellow Penny Hoarders.
1. BetterBody Coconut Oil
[caption id="attachment_45433" align="aligncenter" width="608"]
BetterBody Foods/Facebook[/caption]
Did you buy BetterBody Extra Virgin Coconut Oil or Naturally Refined Coconut Oil in the last three years? If so, you could benefit from this class-action settlement.
The lawsuit claimed the company falsely advertised these products as “healthy,” which misled consumers.
If you purchased either of these products for household use, you can get $40 without proof of purchase or a full refund if you include a receipt with your claim.
The deadline to submit a claim for the BetterBody Coconut Oil class-action settlement is Jan. 20, 2017. So act fast!
2. Active.com Membership (California Only)
[caption id="attachment_45435" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
svetikd/Getty Images[/caption]
The Active Network agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit that accused the online sports enthusiasts website of automatically enrolling consumers in its Active Advantage program and charging their credit or debit cards accordingly.
Consumers use Active.com to sign up for recreational activities like races; for some events, it’s the only way to register. The class-action lawsuit alleged that Active.com charged consumers for an Active Advantage membership without their consent.
California residents who used Active.com and were automatically enrolled in a membership between 2010 and 2013 can get a full refund for any fees paid.
To benefit from this settlement, class members must file a claim form no later than Jan. 9, 2017.
3. Chase Credit Card Rewards Points
[caption id="attachment_45436" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Chase/Facebook[/caption]
If you held a Chase credit card at any time in the past seven years but forfeited your rewards points when you closed the account, you may benefit from this settlement!
According to the lawsuit, Chase Bank engaged in a “ubiquitous, pervasive media marketing campaign” by offering rewards points that “never expire.”
Consumers were allegedly lured into the “relentless, omnipresent media campaign” and signed up for credit cards hoping to use their rewards points.
However, plaintiffs claim that the rewards points, which weren’t supposed to expire, were forfeited once they closed the account.
The $2 million settlement will be distributed among all class members who file a valid claim by Mar. 17, 2017.
4. RCN Telecom Services Unwanted Phone Calls
[caption id="attachment_45437" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
supersizer/Getty Images[/caption]
If you received an automated call from RCN Telecom Services between April 1, 2011, and Nov. 1, 2016, you could get up to $140 from a class-action settlement.
The lawsuit claimed RCN Telecom used a predictive dialer along with an robocall system to call individuals and collect alleged debts or for other “business reasons.”
However, many individuals who received those calls weren’t RCN customers; they simply had a former customer’s old cell phone number.
Class members must file a claim no later than March 15, 2017, if they want to benefit from this settlement.
5. Pocket Hose
[caption id="attachment_45438" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Pocket Hose/Facebook[/caption]
Did you buy a Pocket Hose expandable garden hose between Jan. 31, 2014, and Nov. 4, 2016 ? If so, you may benefit from a false advertising class-action settlement.
According to the plaintiffs, Telebrands, the Pocket Hose’s manufacturer, made misleading statements about the durability of its products that were allegedly prone to leak or burst.
The settlement will pay up to $50 to consumers who submit proof of purchase. Those who file a claim no later than Feb. 10, 2017, without a receipt can get $7.
Your Turn: Will you claim any of these settlements? Let us know when you get your checks!
Melissa LaFreniere is the News Editor of TopClassActions.com
This week, I was reminded of the need for patience when it comes to class-action settlements when I opened my mailbox to find a check from a Facebook settlement I applied for three years ago!
Not all settlements take that long to pay out. Sometimes, the final approval process is quick, but other times, cases move through the courts at a snail’s pace.
But if you keep applying for all the settlements you qualify for, soon you’ll have a steady stream of checks showing up in your mailbox.
This month, I found five class-action settlements for my fellow Penny Hoarders. The only one I qualified for was the Seventh Generation settlement, and it only took me two minutes to file a claim.
Now I’ll just sit back, forget I applied for it and eventually open my mailbox to find a check waiting for me!
Let’s see which of these settlements you qualify for.
1. WEN Hair Care
[caption id="attachment_42936" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
WEN/Facebook[/caption]
Did you purchase WEN hair care products, only to suffer from scalp irritation, hair damage or hair loss after using them? If so, you could get up to $20,000 from a class-action settlement.
The class-action lawsuit claimed the defendants, Guthy-Renker LLC and WEN by Chaz Dean Inc., marketed WEN products as “gentle enough to use every day” but failed to warn consumers they could lose significant amounts of hair by using the products.
The manufacturers denied the allegations but agreed to pay more than $26 million to settle the lawsuit.
Under the terms of the settlement, eligible consumers who file a claim can get $25 without providing any proof they experienced physical injury or emotional damage from using the products.
Those who submit evidence supporting their claims of hair loss and out-of-pocket expenses can get up to $20,000.
The deadline to file a claim for the WEN class-action settlement is April 28, 2017.
2. Seventh Generation Natural Products
[caption id="attachment_42937" align="aligncenter" width="817"]
Seventh Generation/Facebook[/caption]
If you bought Seventh Generation personal care or cleaning products because they were labeled as “non-toxic,” “natural” or “hypoallergenic,” you could get a full refund of your purchase.
According to a class-action lawsuit, certain Seventh Generation products contain one or more non-natural ingredients, including benzisothiazolinone (BIT), methylisothiazolinone (MIT), laureth-6 and sodium lauryl sulfate.
Class members include anyone in the U.S. who purchased an included Seventh Generation product between Nov. 14, 2010, and Oct. 12, 2016.
If you file a valid claim and include a proof of purchase, you can get a full reimbursement. Class members who file a claim without a receipt can get 50% of the average purchase price for up to 10 items.
If you want to participate in this class-action settlement, you must file a claim no later than March 30, 2017.
3. Caribbean Cruise Line Robocall
[caption id="attachment_42941" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
Rawpixel/Getty Images[/caption]
If you remember getting a phone call from (or on behalf of) Caribbean Cruise Line where you were offered a “free cruise” in exchange for taking a survey, you may want to take a closer look at this class-action settlement.
A class-action lawsuit filed four years ago accused Caribbean Cruise Line of violating the Telephone Consumer Protection Act by robocalling millions of U.S. residents between Aug. 1, 2011, and Aug. 31, 2012.
Not only did the plaintiffs claim Caribbean Cruise Line violated federal law by making these calls, they also argued the “free” cruise offer was a scam.
The Caribbean Cruise Line class-action lawsuit alleged the survey was a marketing tool to get people on the phone and sell them a cruise.
Class members must file a valid claim no later than Feb. 1, 2017, and may be required to show documentation, such as a telephone bill, proving they received a call from the defendants.
Those who submit claims for the Caribbean Cruise Line class-action settlement will get up to $500 per call.
4. Sprint Early Termination Fee (California Only)
[caption id="attachment_42943" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
themacx/Getty Images[/caption]
Sprint customers can claim $125 for each early termination fee (ETF) they paid in the state of California between July 10, 1999, and March 18, 2007.
This class-action settlement resolves allegations that Sprint violated California law by charging consumers a flat ETF of $150 and $200 without conducting a “reasonable endeavor” to make sure the fee was an accurate assessment of harm the early termination caused the phone company.
Class members include individuals who had a Sprint wireless account with a California area code and a California billing address, and paid an ETF for terminating their contract early.
Those who file a claim for the Sprint ETF class-action settlement must provide the claim code that administrators mailed to them. Those who don’t have the claim code must give the account holder’s name, phone number and billing address, or the account holder’s name and Sprint account number associated with the fee.
The deadline to file a claim for the Sprint California ETF settlement is April 25, 2017.
5. Dun & Bradstreet Credibility Corp. TCPA
[caption id="attachment_42946" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
themacx/Getty Images[/caption]
More than one million U.S. residents qualify for this next settlement!
Plaintiffs accused Dun & Bradstreet Credibility Corp., a business credit reporting firm, of violating the Telephone Consumer Protection Act by using an autodialer to call potential customers without their prior consent.
According to the class-action lawsuit, DBCC engaged in a telemarketing campaign between April 28, 2011, and Jan. 31, 2016, that included repeatedly robocalling individuals who did not give their permission to be called or even asked the company to put their number on its “do not call” list.
Dun & Bradstreet Credibility Corp. did not admit to any wrongdoing but agreed to pay $10.5 million to resolve the allegations.
According to estimates, class members who file a claim by Feb. 6, 2017, should receive between $60 and $120.
Your Turn: Do any of these companies owe you money?
Melissa LaFreniere is the News Editor of TopClassActions.com
Whew! It’s been a busy month tracking down class-action settlements for my Penny Hoarder friends.
Do you own a Hyundai Sonata, a Kitchenaid refrigerator or Floor & Decor laminate flooring? Or maybe you’ve received an annoying phone call from Wells Fargo in the last few years?
If so, you may be able to claim some free money!
This month, a variety of companies have agreed to settle class-action lawsuits. There’s something for everyone, so be sure to look at each link and let us know what you end up qualifying for!
1. Wells Fargo Robocalls and Robotexts
[caption id="attachment_40709" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
Ben Margot/Associated Press[/caption]
Did you get a call or text from Wells Fargo regarding overdrafts anytime between 2011 and 2015? If so, you could get an estimated $25 to $70 from a class-action settlement.
According to the class-action lawsuit, the banking giant violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act by placing robocalls to cell phones without consumer consent.
Class members who want to benefit from this Wells Fargo TCPA settlement must submit a claim form no later than Jan. 16, 2017.
2. Wells Fargo TCPA Violation
Yes, another Wells Fargo settlement.
Did you get a call or text from Wells Fargo regarding a residential mortgage or home equity loan between April 14, 2011, and Feb. 29, 2016? If so, you could get between $25 and $75 from a settlement.
The class-action lawsuit accused the bank of violating the Telephone Consumer Protection Act by placing non-emergency calls and texts to cell phones in connection to mortgage loans.
Class members who want to benefit from this settlement must submit a claim form no later than Dec. 22, 2016.
3. McAfee Auto-Renewal
[caption id="attachment_40710" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
People images / Getty Images[/caption]
If you automatically renewed your license for any McAfee software, you could benefit from a settlement.
The McAfee class-action settlement resolves allegations that the company charged higher prices to customers enrolled in its “auto-renewal” program than to others for the same product.
Class members include anyone who paid for automatic renewal of a subscription license for McAfee software between Jan. 10, 2010, and Feb. 10, 2015.
Those who qualify to join this settlement can choose between $11.50 in cash or an $11.50 McAfee certificate, which they can redeem for McAfee or Intel Security products.
If you want the settlement benefit in cash, you must file a claim form by Dec. 23, 2016. Otherwise, you’ll receive a McAfee certificate.
4. Hyundai Sonata Engine Defect
[caption id="attachment_40711" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
Raptor Alpha Under Creative commons[/caption]
If you own a 2011 to 2014 Hyundai Sonata, you could get a warranty extension and compensation for repairs.
According to the lawsuit, 2011 through 2014 Sonatas with Theta II 2- or 2.4-liter gasoline direct injection engines have a defect that causes the engine to suddenly seize up or stall.
Class members can benefit in a number of ways, including reimbursement for defect-related repairs, towing or car rentals.
Those who sold or traded in their affected vehicle may also receive compensation, depending on how much, if any, this issue affected the sale or trade-in amount.
If you want to benefit from this settlement, submit a claim form no later than Jan. 26, 2017. Depending on what you’re claiming, you may also need to include repair invoices or receipts with your claim.
5. MAPCO Express Data Breach
[caption id="attachment_40713" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
Photo from Mapco/Facebook[/caption]
Did you make a purchase at a MAPCO Express convenience store using a credit or debit card in spring 2013? If so, you could get up to $500 from a settlement.
The MAPCO class-action lawsuit claimed that customers who used a credit or debit card suffered financial damages when the company’s data system was hacked.
MAPCO settlement class members include anyone who used a credit or debit card to make a purchase between March 1, 2013, and April 30, 2013.
If you experienced unreimbursed fraudulent charges or spent time dealing with issues related to the MAPCO data breach, submit a claim form by Jan. 26, 2017.
In addition to filing a claim, you will also need to provide documentation of losses you suffered.
6. Whirlpool KitchenAid Refrigerators
[caption id="attachment_40714" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
lolostock / Getty Images[/caption]
California consumers who purchased certain KitchenAid Energy Star refrigerators manufactured by Whirlpool could get $55 or a 10% rebate off the price of a new KitchenAid appliance.
If you bought or acquired a KitchenAid refrigerator model number KSRG25FV or KSRS25RV in California, you have until Feb. 23, 2017, to file a claim.
The Whirlpool settlement resolves allegations that certain KitchenAid refrigerators labeled with an Energy Star logo did not meet the program’s energy efficiency standards.
7. TimberTech Decking
[caption id="attachment_40715" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
filo / Getty Images[/caption]
Do you own TimberTech XLM decking that has started to scorch, fade or blister? If so, you may benefit from a class-action settlement.
Class members who installed XLM Mountain Cedar decking before August 2010 or XLM Desert Bronze decking before November 2011 can get a replacement product, up to $4.50 per square foot in labor reimbursement, and up to $100 for any property damage caused by the removal of the faulty decking.
Those who choose not to take the reimbursements can opt for a one-time $400 cash payment instead.
To benefit from this settlement, you must include photographs of the damage, proof that you own the property where the deck is located, and documents that show the type of deck and when it was purchase.
8. Onebox, Phone People and eVoice by j2
[caption id="attachment_40716" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
cocobende / Getty Images[/caption]
If you were charged late fees for voice services by virtual telecommunications provider j2, you could get between $10 and $25 from a class-action settlement.
The j2 lawsuit claimed the company charged customers excessive fees for late payments without notice. Under the settlement, class members who paid a late fee to j2 from Aug. 26, 2010, through Sept. 18, 2014, for Onebox or Phone People, or through April 10, 2015 for eVoice will receive either cash or credit based on the highest late fee they paid.
Consumers must file a claim form and submit proof of payment to j2 by Jan. 5, 2017.
9. Floor & Decor Laminate Flooring
[caption id="attachment_40717" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
Arthur Carlo Franco[/caption]
Do you own Chinese-made laminate flooring sold by Floor & Decor between Jan. 1, 2012 and Aug. 1, 2015? If so, you could get either a cash payment or a store credit based on the square footage of flooring you bought.
According to the class-action lawsuit, the flooring did not comply with California Air Resources Board standards for formaldehyde emissions, even though it was labeled as compliant.
Class members who file a claim form can choose between a cash payout of $1.50 per square foot or $3 per square foot in Floor & Decor store credit.
To benefit from this settlement, you need to submit a claim no later than March 7, 2017.
Your Turn: What did you qualify for? Let us know when you get your settlement checks!
Melissa LaFreniere is the News Editor of TopClassActions.com.