Apple consumers who purchased gift cards from the company over a two-year period may be eligible for a full refund thanks to a $1.8 million class-action settlement.
The technology company agreed to the settlement to resolve claims that it misrepresented the security and value of the Apple gift cards after unauthorized third parties redeemed them.
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Plaintiffs in the class-action lawsuit against Apple argued the company failed to secure its gift cards and misrepresented the cards' security by failing to warn customers that they could be stolen. Apple has denied wrongdoing but agreed to the $1.8 million settlement.
The settlement benefits consumers who purchased Apple gift cards between March 2018 and July 2020 and whose gift cards were redeemed by a third party before they could redeem them themselves. Eligible consumers include those who were not offered a refund or replacement.
A subclass of consumers are also eligible to benefit from the settlement, particularly California residents who purchased gift cards between May 2017 and February 2018 and had the redemption by a third party without a refund or replacement.
Class members can receive up to a 100% refund of their purchased gift cards. If the number of claims exceeds the settlement fund of $1.8 million, then payments will be reduced proportionally, according to the settlement terms.
The deadline for exclusion and objection is Jan. 8, 2024. To receive benefits from the settlement, eligible Apple customers must submit a valid claim by Jan. 17, 2024. A final approval hearing is scheduled for Jan. 17.
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To be eligible, customers must show proof of purchase in the form of a sales receipt that includes the purchase date, original purchase price, and the gift card number or numbers. Any other information necessary to complete a payment, such as a physical check or ACH transfer, should be included as well.
Apple gift cards can be used to purchase Apple products, apps, music, and other products at various online stores.