The deadline to file a claim for money in a Trader Joe’s $7.4 million class-action settlement is just a month away.
Some Trader Joe’s customers could be eligible for a payout from the settlement, which the grocery chain agreed to earlier this year. It resolves a class-action lawsuit filed in 2019 that alleged Trader Joe’s violated the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) at some of its stores.
The plaintiff, Brian Keim, alleged that Trader Joe’s made some customers susceptible to identity theft because some stores printed transaction receipts that included the first six and last four digits of customers’ credit or debit card numbers, according to filings.
Trader Joe’s denied the suit’s allegations and any wrongdoing, but agreed to settle the case to avoid further litigation. No customers have reported identity theft based on the allegations in the suit, according to a court notice.
Here’s what to know about the settlement, including who’s eligible for a payout.
What Is the Trader Joe’s Class Action Settlement About?
In July 2019, Keim made a purchase using his debit card at a Trader Joe’s store in Florida. He alleged that he was given a receipt bearing the first six and last four digits of his debit card, putting him at risk for identity theft, according to the complaint.
Under FACTA, businesses are prohibited from printing more than the last five digits of a customer’s credit or debit card on receipts to prevent identity theft.
Trader Joe’s said in the settlement notice that not all stores printed receipts displaying the first six and last four digits of the card number. In those stores that did, only a small number of transactions involved these types of receipts.
Though both sides have agreed to the settlement, it still has to be approved by a court. A hearing is set for August.
Who Is Eligible for Money in the Trader Joe’s Settlement?
Only some Trader Joe’s customers are eligible for a portion of the settlement.
The settlement class only includes customers who made a purchase at a Trader Joe’s store between March 5, 2019 and July 19, 2019 using their credit or debit card and received a receipt that displayed the first six and last four digits of the card number, according to the settlement website.
Trader Joe’s customers who are not sure whether they are included in the settlement class can visit the settlement website for more information, call the settlement hotline at 1-888-444-7415 or write to the claims administrator at the following address:
Keim v. Trader Joe’s Settlement AdministratorP.O. Box 301134Los Angeles, CA 90030-1134
How Much Money Can You Get From the Trader Joe’s Settlement?
Each eligible claimant will receive a share of the settlement fund. The amount will depend on the number of valid claims submitted and the amount remaining in the fund after portions are distributed to pay attorneys, expenses and other fees.
The plaintiff estimates each eligible claimant will receive $102.45 from the settlement, according to the settlement website.
Checks will go out within 10 business days after the settlement final approval is granted, barring any appeals.
How to File a Claim in the Trader Joe’s Settlement
Trader Joe’s customers eligible for money from the settlement can submit a claim until June 9.
Claims can be submitted through the form on the settlement website.
Customers who have a Class ID number can also submit their settlement forms by mail to the same address noted above.
Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY.
