Apple $35,000,000 iTunes Gift Card Scam Settlement

Update: The online claim portal is now live.

If you purchased an App Store & iTunes Gift Card between January 2015 and July 2020 and provided the redemption code to someone unknown to you who sought the code under false pretenses, you may be eligible to claim a refund from a class action settlement.

Apple Inc. has agreed to pay $35,000,000 to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged failure to provide refunds to consumers in connection with a certain type of gift card scam conducted by third-party fraudsters.

Can I Claim an Award?

Class Members include meet all of the following criterea:

• Individuals who purchased an App Store & iTunes Gift Card between January 2015 and July 2020
• Those who provided the redemption code to a third party under false pretenses
• Individuals who did not receive a full refund or compensation for their losses
• Purchased in the United States

What Awards Can Class Members Claim?

If you are eligible, you may receive an amount equal to the face value of the App Store & iTunes Gift Card(s) you purchased, less any amounts you have already been refunded, cashed out, or received in compensation from any source in connection with your purchase of the gift card(s).

For example, if you purchased a $50 gift card and have not received any refunds or compensation, you may claim the full $50. If you received a partial refund of $20, you may claim the remaining $30.

If the total value of payments to eligible Class Members exceeds the remaining Settlement Amount after all notice and administration expenses, attorneys’ fees and costs, and Service Awards are paid, the payments of all eligible Class Members shall be reduced pro rata.

Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?

Yes, proof is required to claim the reward. Claimants need to provide specific documentation to support their claim.

The required proof includes:

• Your name, address, telephone number, and email address.
• Any necessary information to complete payment via your payment method of choice (e.g., check or ACH transfer).
• An attestation that you purchased the gift card(s) during the Class Period, provided the redemption code to a third party under false pretenses, and your claim excludes any amounts already refunded or compensated.
• Proof of purchase, such as a sales receipt, evidence of a report to a law enforcement or government agency, or a contemporaneous report to a gift card retailer, integrator, bank, credit card company, or the AARP.
• Proof that you provided the redemption code to someone unknown to you who sought the code under false pretenses, such as a report to law enforcement or a contemporaneous report to a relevant entity.

How to Claim an Award

To claim your award, you must submit a Claim Package by October 15, 2024. You can file a claim online or by mail. To file a claim online, visit the official settlement website and complete the online claim form.

To submit a claim by mail, send your completed Claim Package to:

Barrett v. Apple Settlement Administrator

P.O. Box 301172

Los Angeles, CA 90030-1172

Payment Options

Class Members can choose to receive their payment via ACH transfer or by check. Ensure you provide the necessary information for your preferred payment method when submitting your claim.

$35,000,000 Settlement Fund Breakdown

The total settlement amount is $35 million. This amount will be used to compensate Class Members, cover notice and administration expenses, and pay attorneys' fees and costs, as well as Service Awards to the Class Representatives.

• Total Settlement Amount: $35,000,000
• Attorneys' Fees: Up to one-third of the settlement amount
• Costs: Not to exceed $700,000
• Service Awards: Not to exceed $10,000 per Plaintiff
• Remaining Amount: Available to be distributed to eligible Class Members

Important Dates

• Claim Filing Deadline: 10/15/2024
• Exclusion Deadline: 10/15/2024
• Final Approval Hearing: 12/12/2024

When will Awards be Paid?

Awards will be paid as soon as possible after the Court grants final approval of the Settlement and any objections are overruled with finality.

Why is There a Class Action Settlement?

The settlement was reached to resolve claims that Apple did not provide refunds to consumers in connection with a certain type of gift card scam conducted by third-party fraudsters. By settling, the parties avoid the cost, burden, and uncertainty of a trial, and Class Members can receive compensation for their losses.

What Happens Next?

The Court will hold a Final Approval Hearing on December 12, 2024, to decide whether to approve the Settlement. If approved, the Settlement Administrator will begin processing claims and distributing payments to eligible Class Members.