dailyloe.com – Trader Joe’s has agreed to a $7.4 million class action settlement. The settlement addresses a 2019 lawsuit over receipt printing practices. Customers who made purchases with a credit or debit card between March 5, 2019, and July 19, 2019, may be eligible for a payment. The claim submission deadline is June 6, 2026.
According to the settlement website, estimated payouts are $102.45 per person. The lawsuit was filed by plaintiff Brian Keim. Keim alleged Trader Joe’s violated the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act. The act is an amendment to the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
The 2019 complaint obtained by PEOPLE detailed the allegations. Keim claimed Trader Joe’s printed 10 digits of customers’ cards on receipts. The plaintiff argued this occurred at some of the chain’s stores. Specifically, receipts showed the first six and last four digits.
Keim claimed these receipts violated customer privacy. He also said they increased the risk of identity theft. The lawsuit was filed as a class action. It sought redress for the alleged FACTA violations.
Trader Joe’s has denied the allegations and all liability. The company stated no one reported identity theft from the receipts. It insisted only a small minority of transactions involved such receipts. The chain operates in some stores where this occurred.
On the settlement website, Trader Joe’s explained its decision. Its insurer concluded litigation would be long, expensive, and risky. Therefore, the company chose to settle the case. The court did not rule on the validity of Keim’s claims.
By settling, Trader Joe’s is not confirming the claims. The company highlighted this point in its statement. Identity theft is not required to submit a claim for payment. Eligible customers can file without proving they suffered harm.
Customers must check their eligibility for the settlement. The primary criterion is using a credit or debit card in the specified period. The claim process is managed through a dedicated settlement website. All required documentation must be submitted by the deadline.
The final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled. It will determine the distribution of the $7.4 million fund. Payout amounts are estimates and could change. The settlement resolves the 2019 class action lawsuit.[]
Source: People.com
