Stratford University $580,000 Data Breach Settlement

If you were sent a direct notice of the data incidents by Stratford University in January 2023, you may be eligible to claim up to $5,000 from a class action settlement.

Stratford University has agreed to pay $580,000 to settle a class action lawsuit for allegedly failing to adequately protect personal information and provide adequate notice following data security incidents.

Who can file a claim?

To be eligible as a class member, you must be a U.S. resident who received a direct notice from Stratford University about the data incidents in January 2023.

If you received a notice, you should have a Unique ID number provided in the notice.

If you did not receive a Unique ID but believe you are a class member, you must provide reasonable documentation confirming your status.

Class members are those who were students, employees, or otherwise affiliated with Stratford University at the time of the data incidents.

How much are the payouts?

Class members can claim one of:

• Credit Monitoring Services: Two years of one bureau credit monitoring, including dark web scanning, identity theft insurance, real-time credit monitoring, and access to fraud resolution agents.
• Out-of-Pocket Losses: Reimbursement for unreimbursed losses related to identity theft and fraud, including costs for credit reports, professional fees, and up to 5 hours of lost time.
• Alternative Cash Payment: A flat fee of up to $100, subject to pro rata adjustments if the settlement fund is exhausted.

How to claim an award

To claim an award, you must complete and submit a claim form by April 14, 2025. You can file a claim online or download the PDF claim form and mail it to the settlement administrator.

Settlement Administrator's mailing address: Stratford Claims Administrator, 1650 Arch Street, Suite 2210, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Claimants need to provide documentation for some claims:

• For out-of-pocket losses, provide receipts or other reasonable documentation.
• For lost time claims, an attestation of time spent is required.

Claim instructions

1. Visit the settlement website and access the claim form.
2. Fill out the form with your personal information and claim details.
3. Attach any required documentation if claiming out-of-pocket losses.
4. Submit the form online or mail it to the settlement administrator.

Payout options

• PayPal
• Venmo
• Zelle
• Virtual Prepaid Card
• Physical Check

$580,000 Settlement fund

The settlement fund of $580,000 will cover various expenses and payments:

• Settlement administration costs: Amount not specified
• Attorneys' fees: Up to 33% of the settlement fund
• Service awards to class representatives: Up to $2,000
• Payments to class members: Remaining balance after other expenses

Important dates

• Deadline to File a Claim: April 14, 2025
• Final Approval Hearing: May 30, 2025

When is the Stratford University Data Incident payout date?

The awards will be paid after the final approval of the settlement, which is expected to occur following the hearing on May 30, 2025.

Why is there a class action settlement?

This settlement arises from allegations that Stratford University failed to adequately protect personal information during data security incidents in April and August 2022. The parties agreed to settle to avoid the risks and costs of continued litigation.