CLOTHING CHAOS: Popular mall retailer will send customers direct payment from $12.5m false advertising settlement – just fill out claim
According to The Sun, Customers who frequent Hot Topic, a popular retailer in malls, may be eligible for cash distributions following a class action lawsuit concerning false advertising claims. The lawsuit alleges that the brand misrepresented discounts on certain items, leading to misleading savings for customers.
Lawsuit Overview
Plaintiffs in the case claim that Hot Topic’s advertisements inaccurately represented the actual savings available, violating advertising laws in California and Oregon. Although Hot Topic has not admitted to any wrongdoing, the company has agreed to settle for $12.5 million to resolve the claims and avoid further legal costs.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a payout from the settlement fund, affected customers must meet four key requirements:
- Purchase Source: Claimants must have purchased at least one item from Hot Topic’s website, not from brick-and-mortar locations.
- Residency: Customers must be residents of either Oregon or California.
- Purchase Dates:
- For California residents: Purchases must have occurred between March 15, 2019, and July 29, 2024.
- For Oregon residents: Purchases must have occurred between August 25, 2022, and July 29, 2024.
Filing a Claim
Hot Topic customers wishing to submit a claim do not need to provide receipts or documentation of their purchases. However, receipts can be included if desired. Claims can be filed online via the settlement website, where customers must enter their Class Member ID. Eligible individuals should have received a notice by mail or email containing their Class Member ID. If anyone has not received this information, they can reach out to the settlement administrator for assistance.
Also read: RECALL UPDATE: BrucePac Meat Recall Widens As Taco Kits Removed in 30 States
Important Deadlines
The deadline to file a claim form is October 27, 2024. Notably, the exclusion and objection deadline has already passed as of September 27.
Payment Details
Eligible claimants can expect a payment of $10 each from the Hot Topic settlement. They will have the option to receive their payment via check, electronic transfer, or store credits for Hot Topic’s website. A final hearing for the case is scheduled for November 4, with fund distributions expected shortly thereafter.
Other Retailers Facing Lawsuits
Hot Topic is not the only retailer facing legal challenges this year; Walmart has settled for $3.8 million in an overcharge lawsuit, and Costco has issued payments totaling $3.875 million in a similar case.