Citibank has agreed to pay a whopping $29.5 million to settle a class action lawsuit that accused the bank of violating the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). The lawsuit claims that Citibank made unsolicited robocalls to individuals who weren’t even their customers, urging them to settle overdue credit card debts. These robocalls were made without the necessary consent, and that’s where Citibank allegedly crossed the line.
In the settlement, Citibank has agreed to compensate those who were impacted by these calls. The amount of compensation varies, and depending on how many people file valid claims, payouts could range between $350 and $850 per person. However, the final payout will depend on how many valid claims are submitted before the deadline.
What is the TCPA, and Why is Citibank Being Sued?
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) was established in 1991 to protect consumers from unwanted phone calls. The law prevents companies from making automated calls to consumers without their explicit consent. This law was created to reduce the number of annoying robocalls and telemarketing messages that people receive.
In this case, Citibank allegedly violated the TCPA by calling individuals who were not even their customers. The calls were about unpaid credit card bills, but the issue is that these calls were automated, and the individuals receiving them had never given their consent for such calls. While Citibank didn’t admit to any wrongdoing, they agreed to settle the case to avoid the time, cost, and uncertainty that comes with going to trial.
Who is Eligible for the Settlement?
To qualify for compensation from the class action settlement, you must meet the following criteria:
- Received Robocalls: You must have received an automated call from Citibank between August 15, 2014, and July 31, 2024.
- Non-Citibank Customer: You should have been a non-Citibank customer when the calls were made.
- Call Content: The call should have been related to unpaid credit card accounts, urging you to pay off the overdue balance.
How Much Will You Get?
The total settlement amount is $29.5 million, and compensation will range between $350 and $850. The actual amount you receive will depend on how many valid claims are filed, as the final payout is calculated based on the number of claims submitted. So, if fewer people file, the payout could be higher.
To make sure you don’t miss out, you must submit your claim by the deadline of December 20, 2024. After that, a final approval hearing is set for January 14, 2025, where the court will decide whether to approve the settlement and release the funds.
How to File a Claim
If you believe you qualify for compensation, here’s how to submit your claim:
- Visit the official Citibank TCPA settlement website to access the claim form.
- Complete the form with personal information, such as name and phone number.
- Provide any necessary supporting information, like phone records, if required.
- Review the form for accuracy, then submit it through the website.
- After submitting, expect a confirmation notice.
- Monitor the progress for updates.
- Ensure the claim is submitted by December 20, 2024, to be considered.
Be sure to submit your claim before the December 20, 2024 deadline. Starting early is always a good idea to avoid last-minute rush and to ensure that you’re part of the settlement.
What Happens After You File Your Claim?
Once the court gives the final approval to the settlement, those who filed valid claims will receive compensation. The exact amount will depend on the total number of claims submitted. If fewer claims are made, each individual may receive up to $850. But don’t wait until the last minute. Make sure to file your claim by the December 20th deadline to secure your share of the settlement.
Why You Should Act Quickly
The clock is ticking, and the deadline to submit a claim is fast approaching. As the settlement amount is distributed based on the number of claims filed, acting quickly could help ensure you receive your fair share of the $29.5 million fund.
Remember, if you received an unsolicited robocall from Citibank between August 2014 and July 2024, you may be entitled to compensation. So, check if you qualify and submit your claim as soon as possible!
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Premlata is a seasoned finance writer with a keen eye for unraveling complex global financial systems. From government benefits to energy rebates and recruitment trends, she empowers readers with actionable insights and clarity. When she’s not crafting impactful articles, you can find her sharing her expertise on LinkedIn or connecting via email at biswaspremlata@gmail.com.
