RAKE IT IN: Americans to get payment from $4.89m privacy settlement – and you don’t need to show paperwork to get cash
According to The SUN, Americans are poised to receive checks as part of a nearly $5 million privacy settlement concerning residents of Illinois who appeared on a reverse-search website. The site, operated by PeopleFinders, has been accused of using personal data without permission by its parent company, Confi-Chek.
Settlement Details and Eligibility
The settlement specifically affects individuals whose names were displayed on the PeopleFinders website and clicked on between November 2, 2021, and January 1, 2023. Legal documents claim that this practice violated the state’s Right of Publicity Act. While the executives at Confi-Chek have not admitted any wrongdoing, a settlement has been reached.
Eligible claimants could receive payments ranging from $89 to $178, depending on the number of applicants. Notably, individuals do not need to prove they were affected by the breach; they simply need to submit a claim form to receive their cash. Those who fail to apply will not receive any payment.
Important Deadlines
Americans are urged to act quickly, as the deadline to apply for a payment is October 7. This date also marks the last chance to opt out or object to the settlement. A final approval hearing is scheduled for November 14 in Chicago; claimants are not required to attend, although they may choose to do so.
Once the settlement becomes effective, officials state that checks will be distributed via direct deposit or mail within 28 days. However, it’s important for recipients to cash their checks within 180 days, as uncashed payments will expire.
Other Notable Settlements
This privacy settlement isn’t the only opportunity for Americans to receive compensation. Shoppers who purchased canned tuna may apply for a share of a $152.2 million settlement related to price-fixing claims. Additionally, genetics company 23andMe is paying out $30 million to settle claims stemming from a 2023 data breach.
Another ongoing case involves a $115 million privacy settlement with Oracle, which has been accused of illegally collecting personal data. Claimants have until October 17 to apply for their share of this settlement.
