Are You Owed Money? A Roundup of Class Action Settlements You Should Know About It’s always good to be aware of your rights, and sometimes, companies make mistakes that impact consumers. Fortunately, when these happen, class action lawsuits can provide a path to compensation. Several settlements are currently accepting claims, offering potential payouts for various issues ranging from data breaches to price fixing. Let’s break down what you need to know and see if you’re eligible.

Understanding Class Action Settlements

Class action settlements occur when a group of people (the “class”) have been harmed by a company’s actions. Instead of each individual filing a separate lawsuit, a representative group sues on behalf of everyone affected. If a settlement is reached, it means the company agrees to pay a certain amount of money to compensate the class members. The key is to determine if you are part of that class – meaning, if your actions or experiences align with the lawsuit’s claims.

Recent Settlements & Eligibility

Here’s a rundown of some notable settlements currently accepting claims, with deadlines in January 2025. It’s crucial to read the full details of each settlement to confirm your eligibility and understand the claim process. Deadlines are firm, so don’t delay!

• Patreon Privacy Settlement ($7.25M): If you used Patreon and Facebook between April 1, 2016, and Sept. 23, 2024, you may be eligible. The lawsuit alleges Patreon shared user data without consent.
• Charlotte Tilbury Biometric Data Settlement ($2.925M): Did you use a virtual try-on tool on the Charlotte Tilbury website or app in Illinois between Dec. 1, 2019, and Aug. 31, 2023? You might qualify.
• Luxottica Data Breach Settlement ($250K): If your personal information was exposed in the 2020 Luxottica data breach, you could be eligible.
• PRGX Global Data Breach Settlement ($675K): Did you receive a data breach notice from PRGX Global in April 2022? Check your eligibility.
• California Gasoline Price Fixing Settlements ($50M each for residents & non-residents): Did you buy gasoline in California between Feb. 20, 2015, and Nov. 10, 2015 (residents) or Feb. 18, 2015, and May 31, 2017 (non-residents)? You may be entitled to compensation.
• Dealer Management Systems Settlement ($129.5M): Were you a vehicle seller using Reynolds or CDK Global services between Sept. 1, 2013, and Aug. 15, 2024?
• Wells Fargo COVID Forbearance Settlement ($185M): Did Wells Fargo place your mortgage into COVID forbearance without your consent between March 1, 2020, and Dec. 31, 2021?
• Visa & Mastercard ATM Fees Settlement ($197.5M): Did you pay unreimbursed ATM fees to participating banks between Oct. 1, 2007, and July 26, 2024?
• HomeAgain Membership Settlement: Did you purchase a HomeAgain premium service membership between May 19, 2016, and Sept. 12, 2024?

Boosting Your Income: Beyond Settlements

While these settlements offer a potential windfall, eligibility isn’t guaranteed. If you’re not eligible, or simply looking for extra income, there are other avenues to explore. Many online platforms offer opportunities to earn money through surveys, tasks, and other activities. Here are a few options to consider:

• InboxDollars: Earn money by completing surveys and other online tasks.
• FreeCash: Get paid for completing simple online tasks.
• GoBranded: Share your opinions and earn rewards.
• Kashkick: Try out apps and earn cash.
• Solitaire Cash: Compete against other players and win cash prizes.

Important Considerations

Before diving into any of these income-generating opportunities, be sure to research the platform and read reviews. Look for legitimate companies with transparent payment policies. Be wary of any offers that seem too good to be true, as they may be scams.

How to File a Claim

Each settlement has its own specific claim filing process. Typically, you’ll need to visit the settlement website (usually linked from the court’s website or news articles about the settlement) and complete an online form. You’ll likely need to provide information to verify your eligibility, such as dates of purchase, account details, or other relevant documentation.

Conclusion: Stay Informed and Take Action

These class action settlements and income-generating opportunities highlight the importance of staying informed about your rights and exploring various ways to improve your financial situation. Take a few minutes to investigate whether you’re eligible for any of these settlements and consider adding some of these side hustles to your routine. Even small steps can make a difference!