SOME Americans could be eligible for money from a recent settlement involving a prominent electronics chain.
The direct payment opportunity comes after a class action lawsuit was filed against the company over alleged “receipt” discrepancies.
An electronics retailer has agreed to a settlement worth $8.85 million (stock image)[/caption]
A class action lawsuit was filed over claims of receipt issues (stock image)[/caption]
Plaintiffs in the suit accused P.C. Richard & Son of printing the debit and credit card expiration dates of customers on receipts.
P.C. Richard & Son allegedly violated the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) as a result, per a website created for the case.
While the company denies any wrongdoing and does not admit to any violation of FACTA, it agreed to a $4.9 million settlement to resolve the claims and avoid further legal costs.
That means certain customers can get a payout from the pot so long as they meet a few crucial criteria.
ELIGIBILITY
To get money from the P.C. Richard & Son receipt settlement, customers must’ve used an American Express credit or debit card at a P.C. Richard & Son store.
The transaction using those cards must’ve also taken place between November 12, 2015, and August 18, 2016.
Third, and most importantly, customers who made those purchases within the period must have received a printed or electronic receipt with the expiration date of their American Express debit or credit card listed.
Proof of purchase via receipts with the printed expiration numbers is also required in this settlement.
Those who already met the criteria would’ve received a written notice in the mail with their claim number.
FILING A CLAIM
The notices either featured the letter “A” or the letter “P.”
Those who received the “A” class identifier do not have to file a claim form or take any further action to get a payment from the settlement.
However, those with a “P” signifier do need to file a short-form claim online through the settlement website.
Customers must simply enter the numbers that follow the letter “P” and include their last name to start.
The deadline to file a claim is set for November 26, 2024.
What’s a class-action settlement?
Class action lawsuits offer groups of people, or ‘classes,’ a way to band together in court.
These suits are often brought by one or a few people who allege a company or other entity has wronged a large group of people.
When a suit becomes a class action, it extends to all “class members,” or people who may have similar complaints to those who filed the suit.
Companies often settle class actions – offering payment to class members who typically waive their right to pursue further legal action by accepting money.
These payout agreements frequently include statements by the defendant denying wrongdoing. Companies tend to settle class actions to avoid the costs of further litigation.
Pollution, discrimination, or false advertising are a few examples of what can land a class action on a company’s doorstep.
Objection and exclusion request deadlines already passed on July 22 and July 29, 2024.
A final approval hearing was already held on August 20, 2024, so customers should see payment soon after the November 26 claim deadline.
PAYMENT
Distributions from the pot will be made on a pro-rata basis depending on the number of eligible claims filed.
No estimate has been provided other than a maximum of $1,000 per person with receipt proof at P.C. Richard & Son.
Customers should also be aware that once they receive their settlement checks, it will include an expiration date of 180 days from its issuing.
So, it’s important to cash it while you can.
Americans should also remain aware of other settlements with approaching deadlines.
Popular ice cream brand Breyers is dishing out money to certain customers in a $8.85 million settlement so long as they file by February 19, 2025.
Additionally, Clif Bar customers have until November 25 to get their share of a $12 million settlement.
