Walmart customers might find themselves in for a pleasant surprise of cash as a result of a recent settlement in a class-action lawsuit.
If you bought weighted items or bagged citrus from October 2018 to January 2024, you may be entitled to receive a compensation check. Curious to find out if you meet the criteria? Here's a comprehensive guide to help you determine your eligibility.
What does the lawsuit say?
The class-action lawsuit alleges that Walmart patrons were charged higher prices than the lowest in-store advertised rates for the following products:
- Goods sold by weight, such as meat, poultry, pork, and seafood.
- Specific organic oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, and navel oranges sold in bulk within plastic or mesh bags, referred to as "Bagged Citrus."
According to the lawsuit obtained by YEPPOST.com, Walmart is accused of implementing an "allegedly deceptive pricing scheme" through four methods. The lawsuit asserts that the retailer "falsely inflates the product weight" for items sold by weight and "mislabels the weight of bagged products."
For clearance items sold by weight, "the total amount charged at the Point of Sale exceeds the advertised unit price multiplied by the weight of the product."
Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that the unit price indicated on the sticker of seafood products sold by weight is "significantly lower than the unit price charged to consumers at the register."
How has Walmart responded to the lawsuit?
A spokesperson from Walmart provided the following statement to YEPPOST.com: "We remain committed to offering our customers everyday low prices to assist them in saving money on the products they desire and require. While we maintain our denial of the allegations, we believe that reaching a settlement is beneficial for both parties involved."
Who is eligible for a cash payment from the settlement?
Walmart has agreed to allocate $45 million to compensate customers, with certain shoppers potentially receiving up to $500.
Any Walmart customers who purchased weighted goods and/or bagged citrus in-person at a Walmart store, Supercenter, or Neighborhood Market in the U.S. or Puerto Rico between Oct. 19, 2018, and Jan. 19, 2024 (the Settlement Class Period) may qualify for a cash payment.
How much money will you receive?
"The payment amounts are contingent upon the items purchased during the Settlement Class Period.
Furthermore, the compensation a Settlement Class Member will receive is contingent upon the quantity of individuals who submit valid Claim Forms, as all sums are subject to a potential pro rata adjustment and supplementary distribution," states the settlement website.
Here are the potential cash payment amounts:
- $10: If you lack proof of purchase but affirm that you purchased up to 50 weighted goods and/or bagged citrus items in-person during the Settlement Class Period.
- $15: If you lack proof of purchase but affirm to purchasing 51-75 weighted goods and/or bagged citrus items in-person during the Settlement Class Period.
- $20: If you lack proof of purchase but affirm to purchasing 76-100 weighted goods and/or bagged citrus items in-person during the Settlement Class Period.
- $25: If you lack proof of purchase but affirm to purchasing 101 or more weighted goods and/or bagged citrus items in-person during the Settlement Class Period.
- Up to $500: If you possess proof of purchase for each weighted good and/or bagged citrus item that you bought in-person during the Settlement Class Period and have the amount you paid for each item, you will receive 2% of "the total cost of the substantiated Weighted Goods and Bagged Citrus Purchased," capped at $500.
If you don't have your receipts handy, you might be able to retrieve them from Walmart's website.
How to file a claim
If you qualify, you have the option to submit a claim form either online or via mail. The form must be postmarked or submitted online by June 5, 2024.
Payments will be issued electronically through Venmo, Zelle, ACH, or a virtual prepaid MasterCard. Individuals who prefer a paper check or are unable to receive electronic payment can request one.