Shoppers could be eligible for up to $5,500 after data breach—here’s how to file a claim
- Replies 0
If you’ve ever made a purchase at a Goodwill store, you could be owed money—and not just a few dollars.
A recent class action settlement linked to a 2023 data breach offers up to $5,500 in compensation for affected shoppers—though eligibility depends on where and when you shopped.
Whether you experienced financial losses or simply want to take advantage of free credit monitoring, this settlement offers something for everyone whose information was compromised.
If you're unsure whether you're eligible, it may be worth checking—especially since the process is relatively simple and comes with built-in consumer protections.
Here’s what happened, who qualifies, and how to claim your benefits before the deadline.
In March 2023, MERS Missouri Goodwill Industries, a nonprofit that operates Goodwill stores in Missouri and Illinois, experienced a data breach that exposed sensitive personal information.
While the organization has not admitted wrongdoing, it has agreed to settle a class action lawsuit by offering compensation and services to affected customers.
The breach reportedly compromised data such as Social Security numbers and other personal details.
Customers whose information was exposed were notified last year, so check your past emails or mail if you think you may have been affected.
If your personal data was involved in the breach, you may be eligible for the following:
To take part in the settlement, here are the dates you need to know:
You’ll need to complete a claim form and provide any supporting documents by the deadline.
Even if you’re unsure whether your information was affected, you can visit the official settlement website or contact the claims administrator for details.
Data breaches are increasingly common, and legal settlements like this one are one way for affected individuals to recover costs or take steps to protect their credit.
Even if you haven’t experienced direct financial harm, many settlements offer services like free credit monitoring, which can help you detect problems early.
Cybercriminals often target businesses of all sizes, so it's worth taking a few extra steps to keep your personal data safe:
If you think you’re eligible for this settlement, now’s the time to act.
A little time spent gathering your documents could lead to meaningful compensation—and added peace of mind!
Read next: Your email could be hacked! Find out how to protect yourself from this new FBI warning!
Have you ever filed a claim after a data breach? Was the process easy—or frustrating? Share your experience in the comments. Your insight could help others navigate the process with more confidence!
A recent class action settlement linked to a 2023 data breach offers up to $5,500 in compensation for affected shoppers—though eligibility depends on where and when you shopped.
Whether you experienced financial losses or simply want to take advantage of free credit monitoring, this settlement offers something for everyone whose information was compromised.
If you're unsure whether you're eligible, it may be worth checking—especially since the process is relatively simple and comes with built-in consumer protections.
Here’s what happened, who qualifies, and how to claim your benefits before the deadline.
A new data breach settlement is offering compensation and credit monitoring to affected shoppers, depending on eligibility. Image Source: YouTube /
WSET ABC 13.
WSET ABC 13.
What happened?
In March 2023, MERS Missouri Goodwill Industries, a nonprofit that operates Goodwill stores in Missouri and Illinois, experienced a data breach that exposed sensitive personal information.
While the organization has not admitted wrongdoing, it has agreed to settle a class action lawsuit by offering compensation and services to affected customers.
The breach reportedly compromised data such as Social Security numbers and other personal details.
Customers whose information was exposed were notified last year, so check your past emails or mail if you think you may have been affected.
Also read: This man bought a $5 plate and you won't believe its shocking true value!
Who qualifies—and what can you claim?
If your personal data was involved in the breach, you may be eligible for the following:
- Ordinary losses (up to $500): This includes out-of-pocket expenses such as unreimbursed fraud or identity theft losses, professional service fees, and credit monitoring costs. Up to four hours of lost time—valued at $25/hour—can also be included as part of the $500 limit.
- Extraordinary losses (up to $5,000): For more severe, unreimbursed losses resulting directly from the breach. Receipts or documentation are required.
- $50 alternative payment: If you didn’t incur losses or don’t have receipts, you can opt for a flat $50 cash payment.
- Free credit monitoring: All class members are entitled to two years of credit monitoring and identity theft protection services—regardless of whether they claim any financial compensation.
A 2023 data breach at a regional Goodwill organization triggered a class action settlement—affected shoppers may now be eligible for compensation. Image Source: Pexels / Mikhail Nilov.
Also read: Heads up! This retail giant is sending out checks after major breach
Key deadlines to remember
To take part in the settlement, here are the dates you need to know:
- File your claim by: July 7, 2025
- Deadline to exclude yourself or object: June 6, 2025
- Final approval hearing: July 10, 2025
You’ll need to complete a claim form and provide any supporting documents by the deadline.
Even if you’re unsure whether your information was affected, you can visit the official settlement website or contact the claims administrator for details.
Also read: Urgent: Critical updates needed to protect your device from security threats!
Why these settlements matter
Data breaches are increasingly common, and legal settlements like this one are one way for affected individuals to recover costs or take steps to protect their credit.
Even if you haven’t experienced direct financial harm, many settlements offer services like free credit monitoring, which can help you detect problems early.
Tips for protecting your information
Cybercriminals often target businesses of all sizes, so it's worth taking a few extra steps to keep your personal data safe:
- Use strong, unique passwords for each online account
- Be cautious of suspicious emails or messages requesting personal information
- Check your credit report regularly for unfamiliar activity
- Consider enrolling in credit monitoring, especially if you’ve been notified of a breach
If you think you’re eligible for this settlement, now’s the time to act.
A little time spent gathering your documents could lead to meaningful compensation—and added peace of mind!
Read next: Your email could be hacked! Find out how to protect yourself from this new FBI warning!
Have you ever filed a claim after a data breach? Was the process easy—or frustrating? Share your experience in the comments. Your insight could help others navigate the process with more confidence!
