Americans can claim one-time payment from $2 million Costco Kirkland settlement and you don’t even need a receipt

AMERICANS can claim free money as a big-name retailer agrees to pay millions of dollars - no receipt necessary.

Costco agreed to a $2 million settlement that benefits consumers who purchased Kirkland Signature Moist Flushable Wipes during a seven-year period.

The lawsuit claimed that the Kirkland wipes were not flushable as advertised.

The settlement benefits consumers who purchased the wipes between July 1, 2011, and May 31, 2017.

Claimants must have purchased the wipes in New York.

The consumers claim that flushing the wipes caused damage to pipes, septic systems, sewage lines, and other plumbing.

Costco has denied the allegations.

Costco's Kirkland Signature brand brought in nearly $60 billion in sales during Costco's fiscal year ending August 2021 — equaling about a quarter of the business's total revenue, Yahoo! Finance reported.

That makes Kirkland America's biggest consumer packaged goods brand in terms of sales.

Costco agreed to pay $2 million to resolve the false advertising class action lawsuit.

According to the settlement, class members can receive $1.30 per purchased product.

Regardless of the number of products purchased, class members will receive a minimum of $7.50.

However, consumers can claim up to 43 products for a maximum payment of $55.90.

Proof of purchase is not required to receive these payments.

Non-Costco members must submit a claim online by August 9 or by mail so that it is received no later than August 9.

On August 30, the court will hold a hearing to determine whether to approve the settlement.

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.

The wholesale retailer has been under heat for upping its membership prices recently.

Consumers speculate that Costco raised its membership prices after some shoppers misused their membership privileges by card-sharing.

Several shoppers feel that Costco's membership might not be worth its price.

"Costco a rip off anyway," commented one Facebook user. "When’s the last time you walked out of there with the receipt being less than $400?"

However, some Costco shoppers said the price hike is reasonable.

This is the first time the retailer has increased its membership fees in seven years.

In another class action settlement, Americans have the chance to claim hundreds of dollars if they recently purchased a Bosch microwave or oven.

And lottery players have been warned about a fast-approaching deadline for a five-figure prize pot.