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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
Getting a check in the mail never gets old.
This month, I got a $16 check from a Stevia In The Raw class-action settlement, and I’m not even going to downplay my reaction -- I was thrilled!
Ok, I know what some of you are thinking.... “You got excited over $16?”
Of course! Every extra dollar helps my family budget.
To help add to your budget as well, this month I came up with six new class-action settlements for my Penny Hoarder friends. I qualified for three of them, and I’m excited to hear what you end up filing for!
Let’s jump right in.
1. Fresh Milk Products
[caption id="attachment_38877" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
seanrmcdermid / Getty Images[/caption]
If you bought milk, cream cheese, sour cream, yogurt or other fresh milk products in the past 13 years, then you could get cash from a price-fixing settlement.
The lawsuit accused the National Milk Producers Federation, as well as Dairy Farmers of America Inc., Land O’Lakes Inc. and others, of conspiring together to artificially inflate the price of milk products.
According to the class-action lawsuit, the milk producers agreed to reduce the supply of milk and thereby eliminate competition by prematurely slaughtering dairy cows in their herds.
The dairy farmers agreed to pay $52 million to settle the allegations, and the settlement administrator will disburse a share of that money to each class member who files a claim.
The actual amount that each person receives will depend on how many milk products they purchased and the total number of claim forms filed.
You don’t have to provide any receipts, but you must have purchased fresh milk products in one of the following states: Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, West Virginia or Wisconsin.
Class members are required to file a claim form no later than Jan. 31, 2017.
2. Johnson’s Bedtime Bath
[caption id="attachment_38878" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
Image from
JOHNSON'S baby/Facebook[/caption]
Did you buy any Johnson’s Bedtime Bath products from July 1, 2010, through Aug. 31, 2016? If so, you could get up to $30.
A class-action lawsuit accused the company of falsely advertised its baby bedtime products as “clinically proven” to help babies sleep better.
The plaintiffs claimed they followed “the 3-step nightly routine” recommended by Johnson & Johnson “for a period of time” with their children, but the products “did not help [their] babies sleep any better.”
Class members who file a claim form can get $3 for each Johnson’s Bedtime product they purchased.
Those who can provide a receipt with their claim form can claim up to 10 items and receive a maximum of $30. If you purchased the Johnson’s Bedtime products during the aforementioned period but cannot provide proof of purchase, you can still claim up to five items for a total of $15.
Those consumers interested in filing a claim for the Johnson’s Bedtime Bath class-action settlement must do so by April 28, 2017.
More information is available here.
3. Nvidia GTX 970 Graphics Card
[caption id="attachment_38880" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
Image from NVIDIA/Facebook[/caption]
If you purchased any Nvidia GTX 970 graphics cards from Sept. 1, 2014, through Aug. 24, 2016, you could receive $30 per unit.
The Nvidia lawsuit claimed the graphics card manufacturer falsely advertised the storage capabilities and operating performances of its GeForce GTX 970 GPU.
The plaintiffs who filed the Nvidia class-action lawsuit alleged that the GTX 970 GPU was misrepresented as being able to “(1) operate with a full 4 gigabytes of video random access memory, (2) have 64 render output processors, and (3) have an L2 cache capacity of 2 megabytes, or omitted material facts to the contrary.”
However, the plaintiffs say that instead of 4GB of video random access memory, the graphics card operated on 3.5GB with a separate 0.5GB spillover. And instead of the 56 render output processors that the GeForce GTX 970 advertised, the actual device contained 64 ROPs.
Class members will need to provide a receipt or other proof of purchase with their claim forms. However, there’s no limit to the number of claims you can submit.
To benefit from this settlement, you must submit a claim form and proof of purchase by Nov. 30, 2016.
4. Starbucks Breakfast Sandwiches
[caption id="attachment_38882" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
Image from Starbucks/Facebook[/caption]
Did you buy either a reduced-fat turkey bacon breakfast sandwich or a sausage and cheddar breakfast sandwich at a California Starbucks store last year? If so, you could get 25 cents per sandwich from this settlement.
The Starbucks class-action lawsuit accused the coffee giant of displaying the price of the reduced-fat turkey bacon sandwich as $3.45 and the sausage and cheddar sandwich as $3.25, but charging $3.75 and $3.45, respectively, at the register.
California Starbucks customers who used their Starbucks Rewards account to purchase the breakfast sandwiches will not need to submit a claim form or proof of purchase. They will automatically receive an electronic coupon code.
Those who qualify for the settlement, but didn’t use a Starbucks Rewards account to make their purchases will need to provide a receipt along with a claim form in order to receive 25 cents per item.
If you are a class member but cannot provide a receipt and did not use a Starbucks Rewards account in connection with your purchase, you can still file a claim form no later than Dec. 22, 2016, to receive one 50-cent Starbucks store credit. Hey, it’s better than nothing!
5. SiriusXM Satellite Radio
[caption id="attachment_38876" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
Image from siriusxm.com[/caption]
If you bought or leased a vehicle with a SiriusXM promotional trial and received a telemarketing call from the satellite radio company to try to get you to subscribe, you could get $5 to $15 or three months of free access to SiriusXM’s Select service.
The lawsuit against SiriusXM claimed the company used an automatic telephone-dialing system to call car buyers who had a complimentary trial of the satellite radio service, urging them to pay for a subscription. The lawsuit alleged that this violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.
Sirius agreed to pay $35 million to resolve the allegations, making it one of the largest TCPA settlements to date.
To benefit from this settlement, you must file a claim form by Nov. 26, 2016, and choose either a cash payout or free satellite radio service for three months.
Find out more information here.
6. Optical Disk Drive Indirect Purchaser
[caption id="attachment_38887" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
Image from dell.com[/caption]
Did you own a computer, game console or camcorder with an optical disk drive? If so, then you could get $10 per drive from a class-action settlement.
The optical disk drive lawsuit alleged that Sony, Hitachi-LG Data Storage, Panasonic Corp. and NEC Corp. engaged in a price-fixing conspiracy that caused consumers to pay more for the electronic devices than they should have in a competitive market.
For this settlement, class members do not have to provide any proof of purchase but they must submit a claim form no later than July 1, 2017.
Your turn: Are you filing a claim for any of these settlements?
Melissa LaFreniere is the News Editor of TopClassActions.com.
“Natural” is an increasingly overused term found on the labels of food, drinks and even hair care products.
Recently, I came across a TRESemme class-action lawsuit that accused the manufacturer of falsely labeling some of its shampoos and conditioners as “natural” when they allegedly contained several synthetic ingredients, including a chemical known to release formaldehyde. Gross!
I’ve purchased “TRESemme Naturals” shampoos and conditioners in the past, but of course I didn’t keep my receipts. That’s OK -- I can still get up to $5 without a receipt as long as I submit a claim form by Oct. 24, 2016.
And it also only takes about two minutes to fill out the claim form online!
If this one doesn’t apply to you, don’t worry. Here are five other open settlements you might be eligible for:
1. Angie’s List Membership
[caption id="attachment_35659" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
lpurple_queue/Getty Images[/caption]
If you paid for a membership to Angie’s List at any time since 2009, you could get $5, $10 or four months of free subscription to the online service from a class-action settlement.
The Angie’s List class-action lawsuit accused the subscription-based online review company of manipulating search results, contradicting its claim that “businesses do not pay” to be on “the List.”
To benefit from this settlement, you must submit a claim form no later than Nov. 15, 2016.
More information is available here.
2. Synchrony Bank TCPA
[caption id="attachment_35656" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
Koray ISIK/Getty Images[/caption]
Did Synchrony Bank call you on your cell phone without permission between 2008 and 2016? You could be entitled to a portion of this $7 million class-action settlement. The actual amount each person receives will ultimately depend on the number of valid claims filed.
Synchrony Bank (formerly known as GE Capital Retail Bank) was accused of using an automatic dialing system to place calls to U.S. residents regarding a bank account that did not belong to the call recipient.
The class-action lawsuit claimed that this act violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. Synchrony decided to settle the allegations by establishing a $7 million settlement fund.
Those who want to receive a portion of this settlement need to file a claim by Nov. 14, 2016.
3. Shell Ski Free
[caption id="attachment_35650" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
Salish Krishnamurthy under Creative Commons[/caption]
Did you loyally fill up at Shell stations due to a “Ski Free” promotion? If so, then you could get up to $40 from this class-action settlement.
According to the lawsuit, Shell gas stations in California, Michigan, Oregon and Washington falsely advertised that customers could get a “free” ski lift ticket after purchasing 10 gallons of gas.
Instead, Shell consumers said they got a coupon for a “two for one” deal, not the advertised voucher good for a free lift ticket.
You don’t have to provide a proof of purchase, but you must fill out a claim form no later than Oct. 25, 2016.
4. Citizens Bank Robocalls
[caption id="attachment_35648" align="aligncenter" width="639"]
kirsty pargeter/Getty Images[/caption]
If you received a robocall from Citizens Bank, you could get an estimated $280 from a class-action settlement.
The $4.5 million Citizens Bank settlement resolves allegations the financial institution used an automatic telephone dialing system to call consumers in violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.
U.S. residents who received an unsolicited phone call from Citizens Bank between 2009 and 2015 must filed a claim form by Oct. 27, 2016, if they want a portion of the TCPA class-action settlement.
5. BMW MINI Cooper Water Pump
[caption id="attachment_35663" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
The Pug Father under Creative Commons[/caption]
If you’ve ever owned or leased a BMW MINI Cooper, you could get up to $500 from a recently settled class-action lawsuit.
The settlement resolves claims that the water pump in certain MINI Coopers is defective and fails earlier than it should, resulting in engines overheating.
Class Members who own a MINI R55, R56, R57, R58, R59 or R60 vehicle made between October 2006 and November 2012 are included in this settlement and have until Oct. 21, 2016, to file a claim form.
BMW has agreed to pay for either the actual cost of the water pump or $500 in reimbursement.
Your turn: Let us know if you filed a claim for any of these settlements. We want to hear from you!
Melissa LaFreniere is the News Editor of TopClassActions.com
Is there anything better than making sun tea in the summertime?
It’s practically a tradition in my household. But, like a lot of people, I struggle with my weight and try stick to low-calorie beverages whenever possible.
That’s why I was excited to see Stevia in the Raw sweetener for the first time. The package stated the sugar-substitute was “100% Natural Zero Calorie Sweetener.” Sweet!
Then a few months ago, I discovered the Stevia in the Raw manufacturer decided to settle a lawsuit accusing the company of falsely labeling its product as “natural.” I immediately filed a claim form to recoup some of the money I’ve spent on the sweetener over the years.
No receipts were needed -- and filing took me less than five minutes.
The Stevia settlement is now closed, but check out these six other open class-action settlements I found for you this month!
1. Vitamin Shoppe Supplement
[caption id="attachment_32945" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
Tom Merton / Getty Images[/caption]
If you bought Vitamin Shoppe’s Reservie Trans-Resveratrol supplement, you could get up to $25 from this class-action settlement.
The false labeling lawsuit accused the manufacturer of omitting the cheaper, non-organic ingredients from the product label to trick customers into believing the dietary supplement contained organic ingredients.
No proof of purchase is necessary, but you must file a claim no later than Sept. 23, 2016, to qualify.
2. Garmin Sport Watch
[caption id="attachment_32955" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
People Images / Getty Images[/caption]
Did you buy a Garmin Forerunner 610 watch thinking it would be rain- and sweat-proof like it’s advertised? If so, you could get an extended warranty, replacement watch and/or even some cash!
The Garmin suit alleged the sport watch is defective and falls short of the advertising claims of helping runners “be the best [they] can be in preparation for a marathon.”
Class members have several options they can choose from, but need to file a claim by Sept. 28, 2016, to receive any benefits.
3. Decennial Census Background Check
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If you applied for a 2010 decennial census job, but the criminal background check prevented you from advancing, you might qualify for this settlement.
A lawsuit accused the U.S. Census Bureau of discriminating against African-American and Latino applicants by using certain background check procedures to screen job applicants, violating the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
If you file a claim for the census settlement, you can either participate in a records assistance project to help resolve issues or mistakes in your criminal background record or receive advance notice for when hiring begins for the 2020 census.
If you’re interested in either of these benefits, you have until Sept. 10, 2016, to file a claim.
4. LG Front-Loading Washer
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If you own an LG front-loading washing machine, you could qualify for either $35 in cash or a $105 washer rebate certificate from this recent settlement.
LG decided to settle an eight-year litigation battle over accusations that its front-loading washers have a design defect that causes mold and bacteria to build-up, creating noxious odors.
To benefit from this settlement, you must file a claim with either a picture of the washer’s serial number or a receipt by Oct. 10, 2016.
5. American Express Interest Rates
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American Express cardholders whose accounts’ fixed annual percentage rates either increased or changed to a variable rate between 2005 and 2010 could get $32.50 from a class-action settlement.
Credit cards issued by AmEx with a fixed interest rate were not supposed to increase or change in any way unless the account was delinquent, according to the lawsuit.
To collect your cash, all you need to do is file a claim before Aug. 30, 2016.
6. Global Marketing Research TCPA
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Did you get a call from Global Marketing Research Services without your consent? If so, you could get $15.
Global Marketing Research states that it made calls of a political nature to voters who included their phone numbers when they registered to vote, and therefore denies any laws were violated.
However, you can still claim your $15 from this settlement. Just file a claim form by Sept. 30, 2016.
Your turn: What settlements are you going to claim this month? Let us know when you get your checks!
Melissa LaFreniere is the News Editor of TopClassActions.com.