Walmart has been ordered to pay out nearly $4 million in compensation to customers who were victims of a gift card scam. The United States Department of Justice secured the remission of the funds, which were frozen by Walmart after the fraudulent scheme came to light between 2016 and 2017. The scammers behind the scheme had instructed victims to buy Walmart gift cards worth between $500 and $1,000.
Trying to stop this, Walmart froze the balances on cards that were suspected to be part of the scam and subsequently sought to reimburse customers who had been affected. The Department of Justice then filed a lawsuit to secure the frozen funds, which will now be used to compensate those who were impacted by the scam.
How to claim your part of the $4 million compensation plan of this massive scam to Walmart costumers
If you purchased a Walmart gift card between April 1, 2016 and July 31, 2017, you could be eligible for compensation. To receive a payment, you will need to submit a claim form and provide evidence of your purchase. The deadline for submissions is July 14, 2023. The referral program will offer payments to customers based on the amount they loaded onto their gift cards. However, any payments received from banks or other sources may reduce the amount of compensation. Unfortunately, the funds will not cover any collateral expenses related to the scheme.
This is a positive outcome for those who were targeted by the scam but, sadly, not everyone will be eligible for compensation. If you did not purchase a Walmart gift card between April 1, 2016, and July 31, 2017, or if you cannot provide evidence of your purchase, you will not be able to make a claim. It’s also worth considering how scams like this can be prevented in the future. As a costumer using electronic payment methods, you gotta be cautious when receiving unexpected requests for payment or personal information. If you’re unsure about the legitimacy of a request, it’s a good idea to do some research or seek advice from a trusted source.
How to avoid falling victim to credit card scammers
These days, scammers are getting more and more clever, and it can be tough to stay on top of all the different ways they try to con you out of your hard-earned cash. Only use your credit card at reputable establishments, and avoid giving out your card information over the phone or through email. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Keep a close eye on your statements and report any suspicious activity right away.
Some banks and credit card companies have fraud alerts you can subscribe to. This way, they can notify you of any unusual purchases or activity on your account. And speaking of your own safety methods, make sure you have a strong password and enable two-factor authentication if it’s available.
Lastly, don’t forget to shred any documents containing sensitive information like your credit card number or social security number. And if you do fall victim to a scam, don’t be embarrassed – it can happen to anyone. Just report it to your bank and the authorities right away so they can take action.
What is the deadline to submit a claim for compensation in The United States
The deadline to submit a claim for compensation in the United States varies depending on the type of compensation being sought. Here are some examples from the provided context:
- Complaints to United Airlines: states that United Airlines has a commitment to acknowledge written complaints within 30 days and to provide a “substantive written response” within 60 days. However, there is no mention of a specific deadline for submitting a complaint.
- Workers’ compensation medical expenses in Kentucky: the deadline for submission of medical expenses by a claimant only applies post-award. The 60-day deadline for submission of medical expenses by a claimant appears in the administrative regulations, 803 KAR 25:096 §11(2), and not in the statute, KRS 342.020.
- Mt Gox Bitcoin compensation claim: notes that creditors have until September 15th to make or transfer a claim. After that date, claims and transfers will not be allowed to be processed by the rehabilitation system, and may result in delays or loss of funds.
It is important to note that deadlines and regulations may vary depending on the type of compensation, the state, and other factors. It is always recommended to consult with a legal professional or the relevant authorities for specific information and guidance.
Protect your personal information: is the Walmart gift card class action a scam?
Avoiding scams should be everyone’s priority, especially when it comes to safeguarding personal information like your Social Security number. However, victims of the Walmart gift card scam find themselves in an unusual predicament. They are being asked to provide their Social Security number, a vital piece of personal information, in order to recoup the money they lost. Let’s delve into the details and discover how you can file for a remission payment to reclaim your funds.
Unfortunate individuals fell victim to fraudulent activities related to Walmart gift cards, leading to substantial losses. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has taken action against this scam, resulting in the freezing of approximately $4 million in gift card balances.
In a recent notice, the DOJ revealed that two individuals pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud charges associated with the Walmart gift card schemes. These schemes targeted numerous victims across the United States, causing financial distress and emotional turmoil.