Americans have 6 days left to refuse $4,400 one-time payment from $1.5m pot – otherwise a receipt will get you the cash

THOUSANDS of Americans need to keep an eye on their diaries as they may need to take action in days regarding a one-time payment.

Over 279,063 individuals have been impacted by a data breach targeting CGM, a company based in Georgia that provides services to wireless and broadband telecommunications companies.

The company has agreed to a settlement of $1.5 million to resolve allegations made in a class action lawsuit claiming it failed to protect sensitive consumer data.

In agreeing to the settlement, CGM has not admitted to any wrongdoing.

A lawsuit filed in Atlanta claimed that 279,063 people had their data compromised in a cyberattack targeting CGM's systems between December 15 and December 28, 2022.

The compromised data included names, driver's license or state identification numbers as well as social security numbers.

"CGM failed to undertake adequate measures to safeguard the PII (private information) of Plaintiffs and the proposed Class Members," the lawsuit claimed.

This allegedly included "failing to implement industry standards for data security, and failing to properly train employees on cybersecurity protocols, resulting in the Data Breach."

It further claimed that the company "failed to notify and warn data breach victims of the unauthorized disclosure of their PII until June 7, 2023."

CGM discovered the breach on or around December 28, 2022, the complaint noted.

As a result of these alleged failings, victims "have suffered widespread injury and damages," according to the suit demanding financial relief and other compensation.

COMPENSATION

Following the preliminary settlement agreement that is still subject to court approval, victims of the breach can apply for a one-time payment.

Impacted individuals can receive up to $4,400 under the terms of the settlement.

Those who have documented losses related to the data breach can get up to $400 for ordinary losses as well as $20 per hour for up to four hours of lost time.

Up to $4,000 will be rewarded for extraordinary losses.

Meanwhile, those without documented losses can get a payment of around $20, though this number can vary depending on how many claims there are.

In addition to this, all victims under the settlement can get three years of credit monitoring as well as identity theft protection.

All eligible claimants should have received a notice of the December 2022 data breach from CGM stating that they may have been impacted by it.

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.

However, they must take action to claim their money or retain their legal rights.

KEY DATES

There are a few key dates that claimants need to be aware of.

Firstly, there are just six days left to object to the settlement or opt out of the payments.

This action must be taken by June 27.

Those who opt out will retain their legal rights to bring forward legal action in the future regarding the same claims from the class action lawsuit but they will forfeit the settlement payout.

All claim forms must be submitted by August 26, 2024, when a final approval hearing is scheduled for the settlement.

Claim forms can be submitted here.

Meanwhile, drivers could be eligible for a $1,300 payment from a class action settlement worth $130,000.