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Hot class actions that you can probably cash-in on right now
🕑 Added 2020-05-24 01:40:16 +0000 UTCI will make a YouTube video on TopClassActions soon because I want to introduce this website now that there are some good class actions on its roster. TopClassActions aggregates open class action settlements from which you can claim checks from any settlement for which you are entitled. Right now, there are 3 open settlements that will benefit a large proportion of people.
tl;dr: Use topclassactions.com to find and claim class action settlements. There are 3 good ones open right now that you can probably claim:
Chipotle
Ocean Spray
Califia Almond Milk
Do not claim a class action settlement you do not qualify for.
Pictured: a dank website.
What is a Class Action Lawsuit?
When someone believes a company has done something deceptive, fraudulent, or otherwise shitty, that person and a legal team can initiate a class action lawsuit. A class action lawsuit will represent everyone who has fallen victim to that company's deception, and therefore any of those individuals can benefit from a settlement.
This is very common when someone sues a company for mislabeling a product as "naturally flavored" when it contains artificial ingredients, "non-GMO" when it uses genetically-modified sweetener, or anything like that. Some cases are more serious, such as car manufacturers selling faulty components. The payouts from those settlements can be much higher.
How can I benefit from class action settlements?
You have probably been represented by a class action without knowing it. For example, if you drank Red Bull around 2010, you were represented in a class action lawsuit and could have claimed a check. You probably didn't because you didn't know about it.
All you need to do to claim your settlement compensation is provide some identifying information like your name, address, and email. You never need to give sensitive information like bank information or your social security number.
Class actions probably represent you frequently, and you've probably never claimed the money you were owed. Let's change that.
What are some good open settlements now?
There are three great ones, although you might find more if you dig.
Chipotle: Chipotle was sued for advertising their food as non-GMO when not all of it was. They settled for $6.5 million. You can claim $2/meal you had from Chipotle between April 27, 2015 and June 30, 2016. You can claim 5 meals without a receipt, or 10 meals with proof-of-purchase. I don't know anyone who kept Chipotle receipts from 2015, so your expected payout from 5 meals would be $10.
Ocean Spray: Ocean Spray got sued for claiming their products had "no artificial sweeteners" but included an ingredient derived from petrochemicals. They settled for $5.4 million. You can claim $1/bottle you purchased between Jan. 1, 2011 and Jan. 31, 2020, up to a maximum of 20 bottles for $20 without proof of purchase.
Califia Farms: Califia Farms got sued for claiming their products used "vanilla," but were actually using a vanilla-like tree bark. They settled for $3 million. You can claim $0.50 for each bottle of their most popular products that you bought between Aug. 7, 2014 and March 20, 2020, up to 10 bottles for $5. You can claim a lot more with proof of purchase, but I can't imagine you have receipts.
Any tips for making a bunch more on class actions?
- California residents often have many more class actions open to them than many states. Poke around the website and see if you qualify for anything else. Use the search term "California" and you'll see a bunch that only CA residents can claim.
- If you need proof of purchase for a big settlement, you probably won't have receipts. However, credit card statements will usually work if the product came directly from a single vendor (like Chipotle) but likely won't cut it for a purchase at a food store.
- Set up a PayPal to get paid quicker. Some settlements will mail checks 12 weeks after the end of the settlement date. If you have PayPal, many settlements will send the money much faster digitally.
- You generally will not need to worry about tax on settlements. But if you do receive more than $600 from a settlement, you might need to apply it to your taxes, according to Margarian Law Firm. Ask an adult if you're not sure.
What are the risks?
The risks are minimal.
- You generally need to only provide your name, address, and email. If something asks you for your SSN or bank information, it is probably a scam. Do not proceed, and tell topclassactions.com that there is a scam on their website.
- Your largest risk will be the temptation to commit perjury. Please do not lie about your eligibility for a settlement to try to claim money you are not entitled to. Doing so is a crime, and even though you probably won't get caught, the punishments can be severe. Also, you're taking money from someone who is actually entitled to it. Don't be that guy.
Disclaimer
Mikey provides this information so that you can familiarize yourself with topclassactions.com and determine what you are eligible for. You may not be eligible for the products in the links, so do not claim them if you are not. Consult a tax professional if you are concerned about tax implications of any settlements you claim.
