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Attention Trader Joe’s shoppers: The deadline to claim your $7.4 million class action settlement is just days away.
The settlement stems from a 2019 lawsuit in which Trader Joe’s allegedly violated the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) at some of its stores. The grocery chain denied the lawsuit’s allegations, but agreed to settle the case earlier this year to avoid further litigation, according to filings.
According to the complaint, 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 digits and last four digits of customers’ credit or debit card numbers. No customers have reported identity theft based on the lawsuit’s allegations, according to the court notice.
Eligible claimants can receive up to $102 from the settlement, but the filing deadline is June 9.
Both sides have agreed to a settlement, but it must be approved by the court. A public hearing is scheduled for August.
Here’s what you need to know about the settlement, including who is eligible to receive a payout.
Who can get money from Trader Joe’s payments?
Not all Trader Joe’s customers will be eligible for settlement payments.
According to the payment 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 with the first six and last four digits of their credit or debit card number are eligible for the payment.
If you are unsure whether a Trader Joe’s customer is in a payments class, visit the payments website for more information or call the payments hotline at 1-888-444-7415.
How much money can I make from Trader Joe’s payments?
Each Trader Joe’s customer who is eligible to receive a portion of the settlement will receive a portion of the settlement. That amount depends on the number of valid claims filed and the balance in the fund after being distributed to pay attorneys, costs, and other fees.
Eligible claimants are estimated to each receive approximately $102.45, according to the settlement website.
Checks will be issued within 10 business days of final approval of the settlement, unless there is an appeal.
How to File a Claim in Trader Joe’s Settlement
Trader Joe’s customers who believe they may be eligible for settlement money have until June 9 to file a claim. Claims can be submitted through a form on the payment website.
What is the Trader Joe’s Settlement?
In July 2019, Keim used his debit card to make a purchase at a Trader Joe’s store in Florida. The complaint alleges that he was given a receipt with the first six and last four digits of his debit card, putting him at risk of identity theft.
FACTA prohibits businesses 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 its settlement letter that not all stores printed receipts that displayed the first six and last four digits of the card number. At those stores, only a small number of transactions required these types of receipts.
Melina Khan is USA TODAY’s national trends reporter. X Keep up with her at @melinakh and on Instagram @bymelinakhan.
