Calling all Trader Joe’s shoppers: The deadline to file a claim for payment from the $7.4 million class-action settlement is just days away.
The settlement stems from a 2019 lawsuit alleging that Trader Joe’s violated the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) at some of its stores. According to the filing, the grocery chain denied the lawsuit’s allegations, but agreed to settle the case earlier this year to avoid further litigation.
According to the lawsuit, plaintiff Brian Keim alleged that Trader Joe’s put customers at risk of identity theft because some stores printed transaction receipts that included the first six and last four digits of customers’ credit or debit card numbers. According to the court notice, no customers have reported identity theft based on the allegations made in the lawsuit.
Eligible claimants can receive up to $102 from the settlement, but the filing deadline is June 9.
Although both parties have agreed to the settlement, it is yet to be approved by the court. A hearing is scheduled for August.
Here’s what you need to know about the settlement, including who is eligible for the payment.
Who can receive money from Trader Joe’s Settlement?
Not all Trader Joe’s customers are eligible for settlement payments.
According to the settlement website, only customers who made a purchase at a Trader Joe’s store between March 5, 2019 and July 19, 2019 and received a receipt that displayed the first six and last four digits of their credit or debit card number are eligible for the payment.
Trader Joe’s customers who are unsure whether they are included in the settlement category can visit the settlement website or call the settlement hotline at 1-888-444-7415 for more information.
How much money can you get from Trader Joe’s Settlement?
Each Trader Joe’s customer who is eligible for a portion of the settlement will receive a portion of the settlement funds. The amount will depend on the number of valid claims submitted and the amount remaining in the fund after distribution of portions to pay attorneys, expenses, and other fees.
According to the settlement website, each eligible claimant is expected to receive approximately $102.45.
Barring any appeals, checks will be dispatched within 10 business days of final approval of settlement.
How to File a Trader Joe’s Settlement Claim
Trader Joe’s customers who think they may be eligible for money from the settlement can submit a claim until June 9. Claims can be submitted through the form on the settlement website.
What is Trader Joe’s deal about?
In July 2019, Keem made a purchase at a Trader Joe’s store in Florida using her debit card. According to the complaint, he alleged that he was given a receipt containing the first six and last four digits of his debit card, putting him at risk of identity theft.
Under FACTA, businesses are prohibited from printing more than the last five digits of a customer’s credit or debit card on receipts to prevent identity theft.
Trader Joe’s said in the settlement notice that not all stores print receipts displaying the first six and last four digits of the card number. In the stores where this happened, only a small number of transactions involved these types of receipts.
Melina Khan is USA TODAY’s national trends reporter. Keep up with her on Instagram @melinakhan and @bmelinakhan.
