Confi-Chek $4.9M Right of Publicity Settlement (Illinois)

If you live in Illinois and had your name displayed and clicked on PeopleFinders.com between November 2, 2021, and January 1, 2023, you may be eligible to claim between $89 to $178 from a class action settlement.

Confi-Chek, Inc. has agreed to pay $4,896,540 to settle a class action lawsuit for allegedly using individuals' names and other identifying information to advertise or promote subscriptions to its people search website without consent.

Who can submit a claim?

To be a Settlement Class Member, you must meet the following criteria:

• Have an Illinois residential address
• Your name was displayed on the PeopleFinders.com website and clicked on between November 2, 2021, and January 1, 2023
• Received a notice of the Settlement by email or in the mail

How much can class members get?

Those who submit a valid claim will receive a pro rata share of a $4,896,540 fund, after all notice and administration costs, an incentive award, and attorneys’ fees have been paid.

Individual payments are estimated to be from $89 to $178, but the Settlement payments could be more or less depending on the number of valid claims submitted.

The calculation for the award is based on the net settlement fund. For example, if the net settlement fund is $3,000,000 and there are 20,000 valid claims, each claimant would receive $150. If there are 40,000 valid claims, each claimant would receive $75.

Is proof required to submit a claim?

Yes, claimants must provide their Notice ID and PIN. If you don't have your ID and PIN, you can confirm your eligibility on the official settlement website.

How to claim an award

To claim an award, you must complete and submit a valid Claim Form by October 7, 2024. You can file a claim online by visiting the online claim form.

How do I get paid?

Class Members can choose to receive their payment via Venmo, Zelle, or check.

If you select payment via check and your Claim Form is approved, you will receive a check in the mail at the address you provided.

$4,896,540 Settlement Fund

The settlement fund of $4,896,540 will cover:

• Payments to Settlement Class Members who submit valid claims.
• Notice and administration costs.
• An incentive award of $1,000 for the Class Representative.
• Attorneys’ fees of up to 35% of the Settlement Fund, plus expenses.

Important dates

• Claim Deadline: October 7, 2024
• Opt-Out Deadline: October 7, 2024
• Final Approval Hearing: November 14, 2024

When is the Confi-Chek Settlement payout date?

If the Court approves the Settlement, Class Members whose claims were approved by the Settlement will be issued a check or electronic payment within 28 days after the Settlement Effective Date.

Why is there a class action settlement?

Confi-Chek runs a website called PeopleFinders.com that provides directory services, including various information about people. It’s free to search any person’s first and last name, which results in a free preview of the information potentially related to the person searched.

The lawsuit claims that Confi-Chek, Inc. violated the Illinois Right of Publicity Act by allegedly using individuals' names and other identifying information to advertise or promote subscriptions to its people search website without consent.

What happens next?

The Court will hold a Final Approval Hearing on November 14, 2024, to determine whether the Settlement is fair, reasonable, adequate, and in the best interests of the Settlement Class. If approved, payments will be issued within 28 days after the Settlement Effective Date.