Washington College Data Breach Class Action Settlement

If you previously received notice of the February 2023 cybersecurity incident affecting Washington College and reside in the United States, you may be eligible to claim up to $5,000 from a class action settlement.

Washington College has agreed to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged mishandling of personal information during a data security incident.

Who are eligible for benefits?

The settlement class is eligible for benefits and includes those who meet the following criteria:

• Reside in the United States
• Received notice of the February 2023 cybersecurity incident involving Washington College

If you meet these criteria, you are considered a settlement class member and can submit claims for compensation. The settlement aims to provide relief to those affected by the data breach, ensuring that they receive appropriate compensation for any losses incurred.

What benefits are available?

• Credit Monitoring Services: Three years of credit monitoring services with identity protection and $1 million in identity theft insurance.
• Ordinary Losses: Up to $500 per claimant for out-of-pocket expenses incurred due to the security incident. This includes unreimbursed bank fees, phone charges, and costs for credit monitoring services.
• Lost Time Compensation: $25 per hour for up to 3 hours, totaling $75, subject to the $500 cap on ordinary loss claims.
• Extraordinary Losses: Up to $5,000 per claimant for documented identity theft losses directly linked to the security incident.
• Alternative Cash Payment: A $50 cash payment in lieu of other claims.

The aggregate cap on claims for lost time and alternative cash payment is $100,000. If the total approved claims exceed this amount, each claim will be reduced proportionally. For example, if the total claims amount to $150,000, each claimant would receive two-thirds of their entitled amount.

How to claim benefits

Class members can file a claim online or download the PDF claim form and mail it to the Settlement Administrator at: Washington Data Settlement, PO Box 25043, Santa Ana, CA 92799.

Claimants must provide documentation to support their claims for:

• Ordinary Losses: Documentation of out-of-pocket expenses.
• Extraordinary Losses: Proof of identity theft and unreimbursed monetary loss.

Claim instructions

1. Visit the settlement website and access the claim form.
2. Complete the form with your personal information and claim details.
3. Attach any required documentation to support your claim.
4. Submit the form online or mail it to the provided address.

Payout methods

Class members can choose from several payment options:

• PayPal
• Venmo
• Zelle
• Virtual prepaid card
• Physical check

Settlement fund expenses

• Payments to class members for valid claims.
• Attorneys' fees and litigation costs, not to exceed $180,000.
• Service awards for class representatives, up to $2,000 each.

Important dates

• Deadline to File a Claim: March 22, 2025
• Final Approval Hearing: May 21, 2025

When is the Washington College Data Settlement payout date?

The court will hold a final approval hearing on May 21, 2025. If the settlement is approved and no appeals are filed, payments will be distributed to eligible claimants.