Americans can claim one-time payment from $850,000 dry shampoo settlement – and you don’t need any receipts

SOME Americans may qualify for cash from a recent dry shampoo settlement.

The direct payment opportunity comes after a class action lawsuit was filed against IGK, a haircare division of Luxury Brand Partners LLC.

Plaintiffs in the suit claimed that several dry shampoo sprays from IGK were contaminated with high levels of benzene, a harmful carcinogen, per a settlement website created for the case.

Benzene has been linked to certain blood cancers and leukemia.

The brand was also accused of not warning customers about the allegedly unsafe levels of benzene, as per the suit.

Luxury Brand Partners did not admit to any wrongdoing in the case.

However, it agreed to a settlement pot of $850,000 to resolve the claims and avoid further legal costs.

Select individuals could get money from the pot if they meet a few crucial criteria.

ELIGIBILITY

Those who qualify must've purchased at least one of three IGK dry shampoo products.

They include IGK Direct Flight, IGK First Class, and IGK Jet Lag.

Secondly, the dry shampoo purchases must've been made on or before April 23, 2024.

Prospective claimants who meet both requirements can file a claim through the settlement website.

FILING A CLAIM

The claim form requires basic information — including name, street, and email addresses.

Individuals must also select how they'd like to receive a payment from the $850,000 settlement pot.

They can elect direct deposit, PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, or even a pre-paid Mastercard.

Receipts verifying proof of purchase for the dry shampoo bottles can also be uploaded with the claim form.

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.

It is not required, but having the documentation would result in more money from the settlement.

PAYMENT & DEADLINES

Those who have receipts can get a refund for each product they purchased with no amount limit.

Without proof of purchase, customers can only claim up to five products at a rate of $4, meaning the maximum payout would be $20.

Payments will also be reduced on a pro-rata basis depending on the number of claims filed in the case.

Prospective claimants must act fast before time runs out.

A deadline for exclusion or objection already passed on September 6.

The deadline to file a claim is November 19, which is also the same day as the final hearing for the case.

Americans should also remain aware of other settlements with significant payout amounts.

Some could get over $10,000 from a major data breach settlement so long as they have their claim number.

Others can get up to $4,500 from another settlement without a bank statement.