Hot Topic Deceptive Advertising Settlement: Claim $10

Hot Topic, Inc.

If you made one or more purchases from Hottopic.com while residing in California or Oregon, you may be eligible to claim $10 from a class action settlement.

Hot Topic, Inc. has agreed to pay up to $12,500,000 to settle a class action lawsuit due to allegations of deceptive advertising practices on its website.

Who can file a claim?

To qualify as a class member, you must meet one of the following criteria:

You purchased one or more products from Hottopic.com while residing in California between March 15, 2019, and July 29, 2024.
You purchased one or more products from Hottopic.com while residing in Oregon between August 25, 2022, and July 29, 2024.

How much can class members get?

Each class member is entitled to a $10 settlement benefit.

The payment can be claimed in one of two ways:

Cash Benefit: A $10 payment by check or electronic payment, requiring a valid claim form with proof of purchase.
Credit Benefit: A $10 store credit for use on Hottopic.com, automatically provided if no claim form is submitted.

What proof is required to file a claim?

Yes, proof is required to claim the cash benefit. Class members must provide proof of purchase showing that the purchase was subject to an advertised sitewide percentage-off discount. Acceptable proof includes:

A screenshot or PDF of an email receipt or Hot Topic app screenshot.
The document must identify the purchaser, indicate the purchase date, include a billing or shipping address in California or Oregon, show the order number, and display the discount.

How to claim an award

To claim a cash benefit, class members must submit a claim form by October 27, 2024. The form can be submitted online or by mail to:

Zuccaro, et al. v. Hot Topic, Inc.

c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC

PO Box 225391

New York, NY 10150-5391

Ensure that proof of purchase is included with the claim form.

Claim instructions

To submit a claim, follow these steps:

Gather your proof of purchase, ensuring it meets the specified criteria.
Complete the claim form, available online or by mail.
Submit the form and proof of purchase by the deadline of October 27, 2024.

What are the payment options?

Cash Benefit: Paid by check or electronic payment.
Credit Benefit: Store credit for use on Hottopic.com.

How is the $12,500,000 settlement distributed?

Settlement benefits to more than one million class members
Notice and administration costs
Incentive awards of up to $2,500 for each class representative
Attorneys' fees and expenses up to $2,000,000

When is the Hot Topic Settlement payout date?

The final approval date is on November 5, 2024. Payments will be distributed after the settlement is finally approved and all appeals, if any, are resolved.

What happens next?

The court will hold a final approval hearing on November 5, 2024, to decide whether to approve the settlement. If approved, the settlement benefits will be distributed to class members.

Why was there a class action settlement?

The lawsuit alleged that Hot Topic, Inc. deceptively advertised discounts on its website, violating California and Oregon consumer protection laws. The parties settled to avoid the risks and costs of a trial.