Apple users could be looking at a (small) payday, if they fit the requirements of an ongoing lawsuit against the major tech company.
Users who purchasd Apple gift cards are being encouraged to come forward, after complaints levelled at Apple that it was negligent with regards to the value and security of Apple gift cards.
It may not be the biggest tech settlement we've seen this year (that remains Facebook's eyewatering $775 million pay out), but if you are eligible, you could receive a check from Apple.
What is the Apple Lawsuit About?
Apple was taken to court after a class action lawsuit alleged that the company didn't do enough to safeguard its Apple gift cards, leaving buyers susceptible to loss in cases where they purchased cards that had already been redeemed.
Apple has denied these allegations, but has agreed to settle out of court, by stumping up $1.8 million for those that have been affected by this issue with its gift cards.
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Apple gift cards have long been desirable in the scamming community, due to their easy accessibility and lack of paper trail. It has been alleged in the past that scammers were able to easily note down Apple gift code numbers in-store, redeem then, and then replace the card back on the shelf, leaving the legitimate purchaser with noting more than a plastic card with zero value.
How to Cash In On Apple's $1.8 Million Settlement
Interested in claiming your entitlement? Read on to learn more about how to make a claim.
Am I eligible for Apple's settlement?
If you're a US resident that purchases an Apple gift card between March 2018 and July 2020, and your gift card had already had a redemption attempt prior to your purchase, you are eligble.
It's worth noting that if you're a resident of California, the dates are slightly different, running from May 2017 to February 2018.
How do I make a claim?
To fill out your claim online, go to the Settlement Website and click on “Submit Claim”.
You'll need to provide some information alongside the form, so make sure to have the following to hand:
What information do I need to provide?
As part of the claim process, you'll need to provide the following information:
- Your full name
- Your address
- Your email address
- Your phone number
- Date the Apple gift card was purchased
- Proof of purchase for the Apple gift card
- The payment type you'd prefer (e.g. check by mail, direct deposit etc)
What's the deadline for Apple's settlement?
The deadline to file a claim is on January 8th 2024. Claims filed after this date will not be processed.
How much money could I receive?
Usually we don't know how much to expect in a class action settlement like this one, but in this case, it's straightforward – you'll receive the value of the original Apple gift card you purchased.
There is one caveat – if the total number of claims exceeds the $1.8 million compensation pot, claimants will receive payments on a pro rata basis.
When could I receive compensation?
The final approving hearing is on January 17th, so barring any last minute issues, claimants can expect to receive their payments some time after this.
