Whirlpool, BMW and Marlboro Might Owe You Money. Here’s How to Find Out

Class-action settlements
Alexander Lindquist under Creative Commons

You’ll never forget your first time. Getting a settlement check, that is.

A few years back, my husband and I read a Top Class Actions article about certain Toyota vehicles that accelerate without the intention of the driver. At the time we owned two qualifying Toyota vehicles, so we decided to file a claim.

It took a while for the checks to arrive, but when they did, it was like Christmas came early — we received $250!

Since it wasn’t money we were expecting, we decided to have fun and get something we both wanted that wasn’t in our “family budget.” That meant new pots and pans for me, and a new video game (or two) for my gaming-addict husband.

I know I’m not the only one who finds it thrilling to open the mailbox and find a check inside. So the question is, are you ready to give it a try?

This month, I’ve hunted down six new settlements for you.

1.  Moldy Whirlpool, Kenmore and Maytag Washers

Class action settlements
m01229 under Creative Commons

If your clothes smell moldy after a wash cycle in a front-loading Whirlpool washing machine, you could get up to $500 in repair reimbursements or $50 cash from a recent class-action settlement.

U.S. residents who own a Whirlpool, Maytag or Kenmore washer can claim up to $500 for out-of-pocket expenses that were made to repair machines due to a mold or odor issue.

Or, if you own one of the many washers that reek of mold within five years of the purchase date, you can get a $50 check.

To qualify, you must provide your washer’s model and serial number, as well as its purchase date, and file a claim no later than Oct. 11, 2016.

More info is available here.  

2. BMW MINI Cooper Engine Defect

Class action settlements
Halfrain under Creative Commons

Do you own or lease a BMW MINI Cooper?

If so, you could benefit from a class-action settlement alleging the car maker knew about an engine defect, but didn’t offer to reimburse owners for repairs.

If you’re a current or former owner/lessee of a MINI Cooper manufactured between 2006 and 2010, you could benefit from this settlement.

All class members will receive an automatic warranty extension on numerous automotive parts. However, those who provide a repair invoice with their claim form can get up to 100% reimbursement for all out-of-pocket expenses due to the alleged engine defect.

To benefit, you must file a claim no later than July 21 if you live in Kansas, New Hampshire, Oklahoma or Pennsylvania, or Aug. 29 if you live in Hawaii. For all other U.S. states, the claim form was due July 1, 2016.

Learn more here.

3. RushCard Prepaid Debit Card

Class action settlements
Image from Rushcard.com

If you depend on RushCard prepaid debit cards to pay for basic needs like food or rent, but weren’t able to access your funds due to an overly lengthy service disruption, you could get up to $500 from a class-action settlement.

To benefit, you must have unsuccessfully attempted to use your RushCard account between July 14, 2015 and Oct. 12, 2015.

Class members can receive up to $500 in reimbursement if they attach proof they experienced financial loss due to the service disruption.

Those who file a claim form by Aug. 30, 2016 but can’t provide documentation to show their economic losses should still receive a $100 cash payment.

Make sure you qualify here.

4. Adderall XR

Class action settlements
Tony Webster under Creative Commons

Were you prescribed Adderall XR between 2007 and 2016? You could receive up to $16 per bottle from a class-action settlement.

The drug manufacturer was accused of deliberately delaying the availability of a generic version of the medication.

Class members who bought Adderall XR don’t have to provide a proof of purchase but must submit a claim form no later than Oct. 7, 2016 to qualify for payment.

Find out more here.

5. iHeartMedia Text Spam

Class action settlements
Mike Mozart under Creative Commons

If you got an unwanted text message from iHeartMedia in the last three years, you could get an equal share of an $8.5 million settlement!

If you were sent an advertising text from the mass media company, you must file a claim form by Sept. 8, 2016 to qualify.

You don’t need to provide proof, but you must provide the cell phone number that received an iHeartMedia advertising text.

Learn more here.

6. Marlboro Lights Cigarettes

Class action settlements
Jussi under Creative Commons

Did you buy Marlboro Lights thinking they were a safer option than regular Marlboro cigarettes? If so, you could get up to $225 from a class-action settlement.

Smokers who live in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island or Vermont and regularly purchased Marlboro Lights within the state of Massachusetts between Nov. 25, 1994 and Nov. 25, 1998 could qualify.

Eligible class members have until Nov. 28, 2016 to file a claim.

More info here.

Your turn: Have you ever received a settlement check? What did you use it for?

Melissa LaFreniere is the News Editor of TopClassActions.com.