Walmart to Pay $45 Million in Settlement Over Alleged Overcharging, Customers Could Receive Up to $500
Walmart has agreed to pay $45 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging that the retail giant overcharged customers for certain sold-by-weight items and bagged fruits at its stores across the United States and Puerto Rico. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in October 2022, claimed that Walmart engaged in a “deceptively pricing scheme” by charging more than the lowest advertised per unit price for products such as meat, poultry, pork, seafood, and organic citrus fruits.
Walmart Denies Wrongdoing but Settles to Resolve Allegations
While Walmart denies any wrongdoing, the company has settled the matter to resolve the allegations. The lawsuit alleged that Walmart executed an “allegedly deceptive pricing scheme” by “falsely inflating the product weight” on weighed products and mislabeling the weight of bagged products. Additionally, the lawsuit claimed that clearance sold-by-weight products, including seafood, were sold at the cash register for more than the advertised price.
In a statement, Walmart said, “We will continue providing our customers low prices daily to help them save money on the products they want and need. We still deny the allegations. However, we believe a settlement is in the best interest of both parties.”
The settlement is currently awaiting final approval at a hearing scheduled for June 12, 2024. Customers who wish to be excluded from the settlement have until May 22, 2024, to opt-out.
Eligible Customers Can Claim Compensation
As part of the settlement, eligible customers who made purchases between October 19, 2018, and January 19, 2024, may qualify for compensation ranging from $10 to $500, depending on factors such as proof of purchase. Customers who have receipts for their purchases can claim 2% of the total cost for each eligible product, up to a maximum of $500.
Those without receipts can still receive payments based on the number of weighted goods or bagged citrus products they claim to have purchased, with amounts varying from $10 for 50 items to $25 for 101 or more items. Eligible products include sold-by-weight meat, poultry, pork, and seafood, as well as select organic oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, and navel oranges that were sold in bulk in plastic or mesh bags.
To participate in the settlement, customers must submit a claim form online or by mail, postmarked or submitted by June 5, 2024. The settlement administrator will review the claims and determine the appropriate compensation for each eligible customer.
How to Submit a Claim and Receive Payment
Customers who wish to participate in the settlement can submit a claim form online or via mail. The claim must be postmarked or submitted by June 5, 2024. To submit a claim, customers should visit the settlement website and provide the necessary information, including proof of purchase if available.
Payments will be made electronically through Venmo, Zelle, ACH, or a virtual pre-paid MasterCard, with the option to request a paper check. The amount received will depend on a variety of factors, including whether a customer has proof of purchase and the number of eligible items purchased.
Customers should carefully review the settlement website and follow the instructions provided to ensure their claim is submitted correctly and on time. Those who have questions or need assistance with the claim process can contact the settlement administrator for guidance.
Settlement Awaits Final Approval
