Class action settlements: how to check that one is real
Money paid to groups of people under a settlement of a class action lawsuit. Real settlements exist, but fake notices are also used to steal personal information.
- Run by
- Private lawsuits overseen by courts; payments are handled by a court-appointed settlement administrator.
- Cost
- Filing a claim is free. PACER may charge per-page fees for documents (fee amounts not verified here).
- Deadline
- Each settlement sets its own claim deadline in the court-approved notice.
How to check and claim
Find the case name, court and case number in the notice.
Confirm the case exists in court records; for federal cases use PACER / the PACER Case Locator from the U.S. Courts.
File only through the settlement website or phone number named in the court-approved notice, and never pay a fee to receive settlement money.
Go to the official site.
Open official siteChecking is free. The FTC warns that the government will not call or text you asking you to pay to search for unclaimed money. Go to the official site yourself and never pay a "processing" fee.
Other places to check
MissingMoney.com and NAUPA state unclaimed property searchU.S. savings bonds (TreasuryDirect)IRS refunds from tax returns never filed (3-year rule)IRS undelivered or lost refund checks (Where's My Refund?)NAIC Life Insurance Policy LocatorPBGC unclaimed pension searchRetirement Savings Lost and Found Database (Department of Labor)FDIC unclaimed funds from failed banksNCUA unclaimed deposits from closed credit unionsHUD/FHA mortgage insurance premium refundsVA unclaimed life insurance fundsSEC and FTC refunds from enforcement cases