SELECT Americans will get checks worth up to $10,000 soon, but it depends on where they live.
The direct payment opportunity comes as part of a class action lawsuit filed against a city government.
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Plaintiffs in the suit accused the City of Oakland of not having adequate cybersecurity measures to prevent a data breach in 2023.
That would be Oakland, California, only 13 miles east of downtown San Francisco with a population of over 440,000 residents.
That breach exposed personal information in the City of Oakland’s systems, including Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, medical records, and more.
While the city hasn’t admitted any wrongdoing, it agreed to a settlement worth an undisclosed amount to resolve the claims and avoid further legal costs.
ELIGIBILITY
Those who qualify for a one-time distribution from the settlement pot must’ve had information stored or controlled by the City of Oakland.
They must’ve also been directly impacted by the data breach in February 2023, with their details exposed.
Those who meet those two criteria would’ve already gotten notified through a letter or form sent out by the city.
That document includes information necessary to file a claim form.
FILING A CLAIM
Candidates can file a claim form using the Unique ID and PIN on the letter or form and input it on the settlement website to log in.
From there, they can submit their claim online or download a paper version to be mailed to the claims administrator at a provided address.
Those who did not receive or can’t locate their ID and PIN can email info@OaklandDataBreachSettlement.com or call 1-866-675-2919 for assistance.
If that’s the case, they must do so quickly, as a deadline to file a claim is approaching on May 6, 2025.
The deadline for exclusion or objection is coming up in less than a month on April 6.
There’s also a final hearing is also scheduled for June 3.
What’s a class-action settlement?
Class action lawsuits offer groups of people, or ‘classes,’ a way to band together in court.
These suits are often brought by one or a few people who allege a company or other entity has wronged a large group of people.
When a suit becomes a class action, it extends to all “class members,” or people who may have similar complaints to those who filed the suit.
Companies often settle class actions – offering payment to class members who typically waive their right to pursue further legal action by accepting money.
These payout agreements frequently include statements by the defendant denying wrongdoing. Companies tend to settle class actions to avoid the costs of further litigation.
Pollution, discrimination, or false advertising are a few examples of what can land a class action on a company’s doorstep.
PAYMENT
Distribution amounts are set to vary in the City of Oakland data breach settlement depending on a few factors.
All qualifying class members will get three years of credit monitoring services for free, and documentation showing proof of unreimbursed expenses experienced as a side effect of the data breach is required.
Examples of proof could include credit reports, credit freezes, or other receipts showing costs and charges.
Ordinary losses could result in payments up to $350, along with three hours of lost time at $25 per hour.
Those who include documentation of monetary loss, fraud, or any extraordinary losses due to the breach can get up to $10,000.
Any claimants who also served as police officers for the City of Oakland will get an additional $175.
Americans should also remain aware of other settlements this month.
Some vacationers could get up to $15,000 from a $45 million “resort” data breach settlement so long as they file a claim by May 19.
Select USAA customers can also obtain funds from a $3.25 million data breach lawsuit if they file a claim by April 7.
