A grocery store settlement over alleged surcharges may leave some customers wondering if they lost their $200 windfall.
Grocery store WinCo is now facing music over Portland prices for non-grocery items.
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WinCo, a major supermarket chain with locations across the country, including Portland, Oregonagreed to settle a class action lawsuit regarding alleged illegal surcharges on non-food items, according to Superior Class Shares.
The settlement, totaling $3.365 million, seeks to resolve allegations that WinCo applied unauthorized surcharges to certain non-grocery purchases made at its Portland stores between June 1, 2019 and May 8, 2022.
The lawsuit, filed by plaintiffs who argued that these surcharges violated Portland laws prohibiting such fees, does not require WinCo to admit any wrongdoing.
However, the company chose to resolve the issue by offering compensation to affected consumers.
Under the terms of the settlement, eligible class members may receive payments of up to $200, with actual amounts varying based on the number of valid claims submitted.
To qualify for a payment, individuals must submit a claim form valid by July 9, 2024.
This deadline also applies to any objections or requests to exclude from the agreement.
The final approval hearing for the agreement is scheduled for August 8, 2024.
Until then, WinCo customers who believe they are eligible are encouraged to review the terms of the agreement.
They should also consider filing a complaint to potentially receive compensation for the alleged surcharges applied to their non-food purchases.
This agreement highlights the importance of consumer protection laws and serves as a reminder for retailers to comply with local regulations regarding pricing practices.
For consumers affected by WinCo’s surcharge practices during the specified period, this agreement provides an opportunity to seek restitution for any alleged surcharges.
FILING YOUR CLAIM
To request payment, those affected can file a complaint at the settlement headquarters website.
The first of three parts of the application includes filling out a form with your personal information such as name, address, phone number and email.
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.
Second, you will need to detail the WinCo location where you “purchased at least one particular non-commercial item” and “paid a surcharge at least once on a particular non-commercial item.”
You will need to provide your WinCo address, city, state, and zip code, as well as the items you purchased and the date they were purchased.
Next, you’ll need to select your preferred payment method: Prepaid MasterCard, PayPal, Venmo, Direct Deposit, Zelle, or paper check in the mail.
Finally, you will have to attest under penalty of perjury.
All you need to do is sign your name and submit the complaint.
Meanwhile, customers who participated in driving lessons at a driving school are eligible to receive a $400,000 payout.
And Costco is facing a $2 million class action lawsuit alleging false advertising of one of its products.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
