Hours left to claim $1,200 checks from $9.75m ‘false’ info settlement – and you only need a screenshot as proof

ELIGIBLE customers of a prominent home security company can now receive up to $1,200 from a $9.75 million class action settlement, but you need to act now.

Vivint, a prominent home security company, settled in court this month after a lawsuit claimed they improperly used data, raising concerns about privacy and the ethical handling of consumer information.

The lawsuit accused Vivint of violating the Fair Credit Reporting Act by accessing consumer credit information without proper consent, and using that data to create false accounts," according to Top Class Actions.

But you need to apply now. as eligible class members only have until June 8 to apply.

Although Vivint did not admit to any wrongdoing, the company agreed to pay nearly $10 million to settle the lawsuit.

They also agreed to alter and implement changes to its business practices with three initiatives in the future.

These steps include deleting all of the fraudulent accounts, obtaining and verifying consumer consent, and putting further safeguards in place to deter future consumer data misuse.

ELIGIBILITY AND PAYOUTS

To be eligible for a payout from the settlement, a customer must have had their credit information accessed without their consent.

That data was then used to create at least one fake account, and were the customer was subjected to collection initiatives on the false accounts.

This must have occurred between January 1, 2016, and January 16, 2024.

Eligible customers can receive up to $1,200 for each fraudulent account that was created using their information and subject to any collection initiative.

But customers can also receive $250 for any fake accounts Vivint did not attempt to make collection efforts on as well.

It is important to note that beneficiaries can receive only one type of payment per fraudulent account.

This means they will receive either $250 or $1,200 per account, not both.

However, the deadline to submit a claim form is approaching.

Eligible class members only have until June 7 to apply.

Applications do not require proof, but examples of acceptable documentation including screenshots, emails, letters, credit reports, and call records are accepted and will help determine a payout, if any.

It is also too late to raise objections or opt out of the lawsuit as a class member.

The deadline to do so was on April 15, with the final approval hearing was on April 23.

Plus, there are other opportunities to claim money from settlements as well.

Americans can claim a $275 payment from a $1 million shared information settlement – and you don’t even need to apply if you're eligible.

In Delaware, the state's rebate program is offering up to $2,500 for drivers to switch to plug-in hybrids or battery-electric vehicles through 2025.

Applications can be submitted at participating dealerships or independently with necessary documents.

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.