Americans to get one-time payment from $5 million U-Haul data breach settlement – but the deadline is fast-approaching

JUST two months remain for Americans to claim part of a massive $5 million settlement over a data breach from a popular moving and storage rental company.

The direct payment opportunity stems from a class action lawsuit filed against U-Haul, which has been accused of allowing an unauthorized third-party to gain access to private customer information.

The lawsuit claims two data breaches occurred in September 2022 and December 2023.

It claims the unauthorized third party gained access to U-Haul files that included personal state such as names and driver’s license numbers.

The rental company has denied any wrongdoing, but agreed to a $5,085,000 settlement.

Eligible U-Haul customers have a chance to score a payment of around $100 out of the payout.

To qualify for the direct payment, Americans must have resided in California between November 5, 2021 and April 5, 2022 or on around December 5, 2023 – when the data breaches occurred.

Additionally, eligible participants must have also received a Notice of Recent Security Incident letter informing them of the alleged data breaches.

Eligible members of the settlement only have until October 15 to submit their claim.

Claimants are expected to receive a payout of around $100.

However, this may increase or decrease depending on the amount remaining in the settlement fund after money is handed out for class representative service awards, attorneys’ fees, and administration expenses.

A final approval hearing for the payout has been scheduled for October 23.

Those who wish to exclude themselves from the settlement or object to any part of it have until September 16 to do so.

It is not immediately clear when the payments will hit claimants bank accounts as there may be appeals following the final hearing.

Officials have advised all individuals apart of the settlement to “be patient.”

OTHER BIG PAYOUTS

Americans have several other opportunities to get a sweet direct payment in their bank accounts in the coming months.

Costco shoppers in the state of New York have until August 9 to submit a claim for part of a settlement over “flushable” wipes.

The wholesaler has been accused of selling Kirkland brand wipes advertised as “flushable” that were not actually safe for sewer or septic systems.

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.

Shoppers could see a payment of at least $7.50 as part of the settlement, or up to $55.90 per household.

Cash App users also have a chance to claim thousands of dollars by November 18.

Until that date, consumers who experienced fraudulent transactions due to two data breaches can submit a claim for part of the $15 million settlement.

Claimants are expected to receive up to $2,500.