AMERICANS could get up to an unbelievable $4,400 as part of a data breach settlement – and just a bank statement is needed to get the cash.
The Green Valley settlement looks to resolve claims that the pecan producer should have done more to prevent a data breach in 2022.
For those who received a data breach notification from Green Valley Pecan Company informing them they may have been impacted by a 2022 cyber attack – you’re in luck.
According to the plaintiffs, Green Valley failed to protect their information from a data breach in May 2022 that compromised their personal information.
The plaintiffs also argue that Green Valley could have prevented or mitigated the data breach by implementing reasonable cyber security measures.
The pecan producer based in Arizona hasn’t admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to pay an undisclosed sum to resolve the situation.
Under the terms of the Green Valley settlement, class members can receive up to an impressive $400 for ordinary data breach losses.
These include bank fees, phone charges, travel expenses, credit costs and up to three hours of lost time – compensated at a rate of $15 per hour.
But for those who suffered extraordinary losses – like fraud and identity theft – you can receive additional reimbursement of up to an unbelievable $4,000.
In addition to these reimbursement payments, all class members can receive two years of free credit for monitoring and identity theft protection.
But hurry if you are entitled as the deadline for exclusion and objection is November 15 2024.
You also need to submit your claim form by December 16 2024.
As proof, claimants need to provide documentation of data breach-related expenses.
These include bank statements, phone bills, postage receipts, gas receipts, invoices and credit reports.
And the final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for January 10 2025.
Meanwhile the deadline looms for Americans to claim a chunk of a $115 million payout due to privacy concerns.
It comes after a class action lawsuit was filed against cloud applications provider Oracle America, Inc. in California in 2023.
The complaint alleges that the company illegally collected personal information and sold it to third parties for advertising purposes.
“Oracle improperly captured, compiled, and sold individuals’ online
and offline data to third parties without obtaining their consent,” the class action notice claims.
Web activity, purchases made online, geolocation and other personal information were reportedly collected and sold by the company.
Oracle collaborates with the likes of Uber, AMC, and MGM Resorts.
While agreeing to a $115 million settlement, Oracle admits no wrongdoing.
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.
