TIME is running out to claim your share of a $1.5 million settlement.
Hope College, a private liberal arts college in Michigan, has agreed to resolve allegations that it failed to adequately prevent a data breach in 2022.
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The breach compromised student information such as social security numbers, dates of birth, identification numbers and more.
Personal information was compromised in the Hope College data breach discovered on September 27, 2022.
Despite agreeing to a $1.5 million payment, Hope College did not admit any wrongdoing.
You will only be eligible if your personal information was compromised on September 27, 2022.
To receive payment, students must submit a valid document complaint form until May 7, 2024.
MY OPTIONS
Under the terms of the settlement, class members can choose from three options.
They can get a year of credit monitoring services, reimbursement of up to $5,000 for data breach expenses, or a prorated cash payment.
Account statements, receipts, invoices, police reports, tax documents, and other documentation of data breach-related losses
Those who choose credit monitoring services will get 12 months of coverage, three-agency credit monitoring, plus up to $1 million in identity theft insurance.
Class members can also claim up to $5,000 in documented expenses related to the data breach.
The agreement covers a variety of expenses and losses, such as bank fees, credit costs, identification expenses, professional services, travel expenses, communication charges, and damages for fraud or identity theft.
Lastly, members can choose a pro rata cash payment.
Just note that this amount will vary depending on the number of valid claims filed and the amount remaining in settlement after credit monitoring and refund requests are paid.
MORE MONEY
Hope College isn’t the only one spending a lot of money.
A class action lawsuit in Pennsylvania is awarding a $4 million payout following a data breach by Connexin Software.
Connexin Software is a provider of electronic health record software and operates under the name Office Practicum.
What is a class action settlement?
Class action lawsuits offer groups of people, or “classes,” a way to come together in court.
These lawsuits are often filed by one or a few people who allege that a company or other entity has harmed a large group of people.
When a lawsuit becomes a class action, it extends to all “class members,” or people who may have similar claims to those who filed the lawsuit.
Companies often settle class actions – offering payment to class members who typically waive their right to pursue legal action by accepting money.
These payment agreements often include statements from the defendant denying wrongdoing. Companies tend to settle class actions to avoid the costs of further litigation.
Pollution, discrimination or false advertising are some examples of what can lead to a class action lawsuit at a company’s door.
Personal information, including Social Security numbers and health data, was compromised in August 2022.
Those affected must choose between free fraud monitoring for three years or a one-off cash payment.
Eligible members received notices in December 2022 and can claim a payment of up to $7,500 based on proven losses.
The last day to submit a claim form via the settlement website is July 25th.
Americans may also receive a one-time payment of $1.1 million thanks to Covid closures.
Plus, Walmart will pay Americans up to $500 in $45 million shopping deals and you don’t have to show your receipt.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
