Thousands of Iowans got notices in the mail this week telling them they’re eligible for cash refunds from a lawsuit — and many are wondering if it’s a scam. Consumer protection experts always warn us, if it looks to good to be true, it’s likely a rip-off, but not this mailing from the U.S. District Court in Philadelphia.
It offers refunds of up to 25-dollars for most people, perhaps more for people who traveled outside the country frequently during the past decade. The refunds are the result of a class-action lawsuit involving fees charged by several credit card companies. The total proposed settlement is for 336-million dollars. Bob Brammer, spokesman for the Iowa Attorney General’s office, says, "We’re getting lots and lots of calls asking if this is a scam, trying to get your personal information, but no, it’s not."
Brammer says in this case, the mailing is legit. "It’s a class-action notice to people that they can either apply for a refund in a certain case, and one of the options is a quote ‘easy refund’ of 25 bucks, or there’s a couple other options, but also, as in most class actions, people can opt out and pursue their own litigation, if they want to do that, "Brammer explains, "that’s pretty typical of class action (cases) but it is not a scam."
Brammer applauds Iowans for being skeptical and calling about the notice. He says in many instances, such notices that come through the mail are on the up-and-up, while he says Iowans should steer clear of others. "Where we really caution people is if you get some kind of notice on your e-mail, over the Internet, that you can collect this refund or prize and all you have to do is give some of your financial information. We call that ‘phishing,’ they’re fishing for your personal financial information. Be extremely skeptical and don’t provide any of that."
For more information about this latest, legitimate case, see the website: www.ccfsettlement.com .