Have you been getting annoying text messages from Cash App even though you never signed up for them? You’re not alone, and there’s good news – you might be entitled to compensation.
Cash App recently agreed to pay $12.4 million to settle a lawsuit about sending unwanted promotional texts. If you received these messages between 2018 and 2023, you could get up to $146. Let’s break down everything you need to know about this settlement in simple terms.
What Actually Happened with Cash App?
Between 2018 and 2023, Cash App was sending promotional and referral text messages to people’s phones without getting permission first. The crazy part? Many people who received these messages had never even downloaded the app or shown any interest in using it.
This wasn’t just annoying – it was illegal. The company violated something called the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), which is a federal law that protects consumers from unwanted commercial messages.
When enough people complained and filed a class action lawsuit, Cash App decided to settle rather than fight it out in court. They agreed to pay $12.4 million without admitting they did anything wrong, but the settlement speaks for itself.
Why This Matters to Regular People
This case is bigger than just one company sending spam texts. It’s about your right to control what messages you receive and who can contact you. Every day, we’re bombarded with digital communications, and companies need to respect boundaries.
Are You Eligible for the $146 Payment?
You might be wondering if you can claim part of this settlement. Here’s who qualifies:
You’re eligible if:
- You received text messages from Cash App or their agents between 2018 and 2023
- You never gave permission for these messages
- You didn’t download or register for Cash App but still got referral texts
- You were a U.S. resident when you received the messages
The key thing to remember is that you don’t need to have been a Cash App user to qualify. In fact, many eligible people never even had the app installed on their phones.
What About International Users?
Unfortunately, this settlement only applies to people who were living in the United States during the time period in question. If you’re in Canada, the UK, Australia, or anywhere else, you won’t be able to claim compensation through this particular settlement.
How to Claim Your Settlement Money
Getting your share of the settlement is actually pretty straightforward. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Visit the Official Settlement Website Go to the official Cash App settlement page where you’ll find the claim form.
Step 2: Fill Out Your Information You’ll need to provide:
- Your full name
- The phone number that received the messages
- Information about when you received the texts
- Details about whether you ever used Cash App
Step 3: Upload Proof (If You Have It) Screenshots of the unwanted messages can help your claim, but they’re not absolutely required. If you have them, definitely include them.
Step 4: Choose How You Want to Get Paid You can select either direct deposit to your bank account or receive a physical check in the mail.
Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline Make sure you submit your claim form on time. Late submissions typically won’t be accepted.
How Much Will You Actually Receive?
The maximum payment is $146 per person, but the actual amount you receive depends on how many people file valid claims. The settlement fund has to cover legal fees and administrative costs first, then the remaining money gets divided among all eligible claimants.
If fewer people claim, individual payments will be higher. If more people claim, the payments will be smaller, but everyone still gets something.
Understanding Class Action Lawsuits
If you’ve never been part of a class action lawsuit before, don’t worry – it’s simpler than it sounds. A class action happens when one person or a small group files a lawsuit that represents thousands of other people who faced the same problem.
Benefits of class actions:
- You don’t have to hire your own lawyer
- You can get justice alongside thousands of others
- Companies face more pressure to change their behavior
- The legal process is more efficient than individual lawsuits
In this case, people who received unwanted Cash App texts banded together to hold the company accountable. Now everyone who was affected can benefit from the settlement.
What This Means for Digital Privacy
This settlement sends a clear message to all companies: you can’t just send promotional messages to whoever you want. Digital consent matters, and there are real consequences for violating it.
As consumers, we need to stay alert about our digital rights. Companies should only contact us if we’ve given clear permission, and we have the right to say no to marketing messages.
Tips for Protecting Yourself from Unwanted Messages
While you’re dealing with this Cash App situation, here are some ways to protect yourself from similar problems in the future:
Be Careful with Your Phone Number
- Only give your number to companies you trust
- Read the fine print before signing up for anything
- Opt out of marketing communications when possible
Know Your Rights
- You can always unsubscribe from marketing messages
- Companies must honor opt-out requests
- Report persistent spam to the FTC
Keep Records
- Screenshot unwanted messages
- Note the date and time you received them
- Save any correspondence about opting out
The Bigger Picture
This Cash App settlement is part of a larger trend of companies being held accountable for digital privacy violations. Similar cases have involved other major tech companies, and we’re likely to see more as consumers become more aware of their rights.
The fact that Cash App agreed to pay $12.4 million shows how seriously courts take these violations. It’s not just about the money – it’s about setting standards for how companies should treat consumer data and communications.
What Happens Next?
Once you file your claim, you’ll need to wait for the settlement to be finalized. The court has to approve the final agreement, and then payments will be processed. This can take several months, so don’t expect immediate payment.
You should receive updates about the settlement’s progress via email or mail. Keep your contact information up to date so you don’t miss important notices.
Getting compensation for unwanted text messages might seem like a small victory, but it’s actually part of a much bigger fight for digital privacy rights. Every time consumers stand up to companies that violate their privacy, it makes the digital world a little bit safer for everyone.
If you’re eligible for this Cash App settlement, definitely file your claim. You deserve compensation for having your privacy violated, and claiming it helps send a message that this behavior isn’t acceptable.
Remember, you don’t need to be a legal expert to participate in this settlement. The process is designed to be accessible to regular people who just want their rights respected. Your phone number is yours to control, and companies need to ask permission before using it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a lawyer to file a claim for the Cash App settlement? A: No, you don’t need a lawyer. The claim process is designed for individuals to complete on their own. You just need to fill out the form on the settlement website with your basic information and details about the unwanted messages you received.
Q: What if I deleted the spam texts from Cash App? Can I still file a claim? A: Yes, you can still file a claim even if you don’t have the original messages. While having screenshots or other proof can help support your claim, it’s not absolutely required. You can file based on your memory of receiving the unwanted messages.
Q: How long will it take to receive my settlement payment after filing a claim? A: Settlement payments typically take several months to process after the claim deadline passes. The court needs to approve the final settlement, and then administrators need time to review all claims and calculate individual payment amounts. You’ll receive updates about the timeline via email or mail.
