Data Breach Class Actions: Real vs. Scam

After suffering a data breach, some companies are sued by customers for failing to protect their sensitive information. Often, potential victims who may be eligible to join a class action lawsuit or receive part of a settlement are notified through official channels. However, scammers trick consumers into giving out their personal information by sending notifications of non-existent class actions, or providing fake sign-up details about real class actions.

A real class action notice will contain detailed information about the lawsuit, a description of who is affected, instructions on how to either make a claim or opt-out and file an individual suit, and contact information such as the class action’s official website and a phone number or email address for the law firm or case administrator.

Scammers know this and create fake letters, emails, and even online ads about class actions. Their fake notices may include vague or sensational language, typos and poor grammar, requests for upfront fees in exchange for joining the class action or collecting settlement payments, fake contact info, a link to a scam website, or a fraudulent check.

Conversely, a fake notice might not include contact information, an official website link, specific information about the case, or details on who is eligible to join the action. It can be difficult to tell the difference between a real notice and a convincing, well-crafted fake. No legitimate class action lawsuit will require consumers to provide their Social Security number or bank account information, pay upfront fees, or download a file.

To verify if a class action notice is real, consumers should take several steps:

· Verify that the case really exists by searching the internet for more information.

· Confirm that the class action notice came from a legitimate entity by finding the the law firm’s official website and verifying its authenticity with multiple sources.

o If there is an official website specifically for the class action, the law firm’s site should either have a link or contact information that consumers can reach out for more info.

o Check if verified website link/contact information found online is the same as what is included in the class action notice.