Trader Joe’s has agreed to a $7.4 million settlement in a class action lawsuit originally filed in 2019 over alleged violations of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA). Plaintiffs alleged that some store receipts printed between March 5, 2019, and July 19, 2019 showed the first 6 and last 4 digits of customers’ credit or debit card numbers, in violation of federal law, which allows merchants to print only the last 5 digits. The issue may have increased the risk of identity theft.
- Who is eligible: Customers who used a credit or debit card at Trader Joe’s during the period above and received a receipt showing the first 6 and last 4 digits of the card number. Trader Joe’s denies any wrongdoing and says it has not received reports of actual identity theft.
- Estimated payment: Each valid claimant is expected to receive about $102.45. The actual amount will depend on the total number of valid claims and the remaining settlement funds after attorneys’ fees and other costs are deducted.
- How to file a claim: Submit a claim form through the settlement website or by mail to the designated address by June 9, 2026. The final approval hearing is scheduled for August, and checks will be mailed within 10 business days after approval. Checks will remain valid for 180 days.
Claim link:
1. Do you need to provide proof of purchase, such as receipts or transaction records?
- Officially, proof of purchase is not required at the time of filing. The notice does not say that you must upload or mail receipts, bank statements, or similar documents as evidence.
- However, keep in mind that the Settlement Administrator has the right to request additional information to verify a claim. The notice specifically states: “The Settlement Administrator may seek additional information from persons who submit Claim Forms to validate claims.”
- Suggestion: If you still have Trader Joe’s receipts, bank statements, or credit card statements from March through July 2019, it is a good idea to keep them as backup. If the administrator later contacts you and asks for documentation, you can respond promptly. But if you cannot find them, you can still submit a claim first. In many similar settlements, claimants only need to certify that they made a card purchase during the relevant period.
2. Do you need a Claim Number or Class ID?
- No. It is not required. The notice says: “If you have a Class ID number, Claim Forms may be submitted by mail...” This means having an ID number is simply a convenient option, usually included in a mailed notice, but you can still file a claim without one.
- If you did not receive a mailed notice and therefore do not have a Class ID, you can still:
- Complete the claim form online through the settlement website
- Call 1-888-444-7415 for assistance
- Or mail in a paper claim form without an ID number
Summary:
- You do not need to proactively submit receipts, but it is smart to keep them in case they are requested later
- You do not need a Class ID and can file directly on the settlement website
- Key deadline: June 9, 2026
- Fill out the claim form honestly; false claims can carry legal risk