SELECT Americans could get cash from a data breach settlement soon if they take immediate action.
The direct payment opportunity comes after a class action lawsuit was filed against an accounts receivable collection services company.
Plaintiffs in the suit accused Receivables Performance Management of failing to protect clients personal details after a hacker broke through security in April 2021, per a website created for the case.
Receivables Performance Management provides services including payment monitoring, collection, and debt recovery.
The data breach incident allegedly exposed the sensitive information of several clients, per the suit.
While Receivables Performance Management didn't admit to any wrongdoing in the case, it agreed to a $5.6 million settlement to resolve the claims and avoid further legal costs.
A final approval hearing for the case is coming up on December 6, 2024, and if it's approved, qualifying Americans could get a distribution from the pot.
ELIGIBILITY
Those who are eligible for a piece of the settlement must meet a few criteria.
First, they must've been clients of Receivables Performance Management during the time of April 2021 data breach.
They must've also been notified by the company that their personal information could've been or was in fact compromised.
Clients who got that notice should've also later received a Unique Claimant ID.
FILING A CLAIM
The Unique Claimant ID can be entered on the settlement website to file a claim for a portion of the $5.6 million pot.
It can also be downloaded, printed, filled out, and sent to the settlement administrator.
Those who did not receive a Unique Claimant ID who still think they should be benefitting from the settlement can call (833) 522-1750.
The deadline to file a claim has been set for November 12, 2024.
Claimants who wish to object or exclude themselves must also submit a written notice by the same date.
PAYMENT
Distribution amounts will vary for claimants depending on several considerations.
Most will be compensated for up to four hours of lost time at an hourly rate of $25, for a total of $100.
Those who provide documentation for specific out-of-pocket losses as a result of identity theft or fraud due to the data breach can get fully reimbursed with no cap.
All qualifying claimants will also get three years of identity theft protection and credit monitoring.
Residents of California who are part of the class can get an additional $50 instead of the three-year identity theft protection.
Any excess funds remaining after the identity theft and credit monitoring offering will result in an additional $100 payment for all eligible claimants.
Americans should also remain aware of other settlements with looming claim form deadlines.
A prominent home insurance company is paying out $550 to eligible claimants in an "underpayment" settlement with a final date to file also for November 12, 2024.
Another data breach settlement is also sending out payments of up to $6,000 if qualifying candidates file a claim by November 8.