Walmart is facing a $45 million lawsuit, and you could be eligible to receive a $500 million payout as part of the settlement.
Payday for Some Walmart Customers
You could be entitled to a $500 payout as part of a massive lawsuit settlement paid by retail giant Walmart after accusations of overcharging customers.
Walmart Overcharging Customers?
A lawsuit was filed against the retail company in late 2022, later amended in 2023, claiming that Walmart stores had inflated prices on sold-by-weight and bulk produce.
False Advertising
The lawsuit included claims that the chain had falsely advertised the weight of certain items, such as oranges and grapefruits, thus overcharging customers by applying the heavier and inaccurate weight to the items.
Customers Mislead Into Paying More
It also claimed that customers had been misled into thinking they were paying “lowered” prices for products that had not been lowered, such as seafood, meat, and poultry.
Deceptive Business Practises
In short, customers were found to be paying “more than the lowest in-store advertised price” for these products.”
The lawsuit stated that these customers were “subjected to the following three systemic unfair and deceptive business practices.”
The Big Three
These practices include: “Falsely Inflating Product Weight,” “Mislabeling Weight of Bagged Produce,” and “Overcharging of Sold-by-Weight Clearance Products.”
$45 Million Settlement
A settlement has since been reached, wherein Walmart agreed to cough up a $45 million payout to affected customers.
From 2018 to 2024
The terms of the settlement specify that any customer who purchased these weighted or bagged goods from a Walmart store between October 19, 2018, through January 19, 2024, could qualify for up to $500 in compensation.
U.S. and Puerto Rico
These include individual stores, supercenters, and market stores located in the United States or Puerto Rico.
How Much Will You Get?
Payout amounts vary between $10 and $500, depending on how much produce they purchased and whether or not they can provide a receipt or any other proof of purchase.
Claims Without Receipts
$10 to $25 payouts will apply to customers who attest to buying between 50 to 100 separate weighted or bagged items during the settlement period.
Claims With Receipts
Customers who can provide proof of their purchases during the settlement period can claim 2% of “the total cost of the substantiated Weighted Goods and Bagged Citrus Purchased,” with compensation capped at $500 per person.
Depends On How Many Apply
Despite these “official” tiers of compensation, the Frequently Asked Questions page on the settlement website has specified that the amounts each person will receive depend on how many claims are successfully made.
“Subjected to a Pro-Rata Increase or Decrease”
The valid claims will be measured against the $45 million settlement amount. This means that “all amounts are subject to a potential pro-rata increase or decrease and to a supplemental distribution,” according to the website.
How to File Your Claim
If you believe you are entitled to compensation from Walmart due to relevant purchases during this period, you can file a claim online or via post.
Find Receipts Online
Customers who have not retained receipts or any other proof of purchase listing these specific items can potentially find receipts through Walmart’s official website.
Walmart Denies the Claims
Despite agreeing to such a hefty lawsuit settlement, Walmart has always officially denied the allegations and continues to deny any wrongdoing during this period.
“In the Best Interests of Both Parties”
“We will continue providing our customers everyday low prices 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,” a spokesperson for the company declared in an official statement.
June 5 Deadline
To successfully claim compensation through the settlement, all claims must be filed before the June 5 deadline.
Electronic or Paper Payouts
Most payouts will be sent electronically, via Venmo, Zelle, ACH, or a pre-paid MasterCard. Applicants who can’t receive electronic payments can request payment via paper check.
Remote No More: 19 Companies Returning to the Office
As the pandemic wanes, companies are recalling remote workers back to the office, sparking debates on fairness, costs, and convenience. However, there are also notable productivity, coworking, and mental health benefits to consider. Feeling the effects of these changes? Remote No More: 19 Companies Returning to the Office
8 Costco Must Buys and 8 to Leave Behind
Ever wandered Costco’s aisles, questioning if that giant jar of pickles is a real bargain? Or debated buying tires where you get your rotisserie chicken? Welcome to the definitive guide to Costco shopping—a journey to save money, prevent regrets, and offer quirky insights into bulk buying. 8 Costco Must Buys and 8 to Leave Behind
23 Reasons Texas Is the Next Big Thing
Texas is becoming a beacon of opportunity, blending cultural heritage with economic growth. From its landscapes to its industries, the Lone Star State offers a dynamic lifestyle. Here are 23 reasons why Texas stands out, attracting entrepreneurs, artists, tech professionals, and families seeking new beginnings. 23 Reasons Texas Is the Next Big Thing
15 Top Sites to Sell Your Unwanted Goods Besides Craigslist
Selling your unwanted items can declutter your space and boost your income. While Craigslist is popular, there are many alternatives with unique features and wider audiences. Explore these 15 Craigslist alternatives for selling everything from furniture to electronics, finding the perfect platform to turn clutter into cash. 15 Top Sites to Sell Your Unwanted Goods Besides Craigslist
Work from Anywhere: 19 Companies Still Supporting Remote Work
Tired of commuting and craving work flexibility? You’re not alone. Many companies now offer remote work, benefiting both employees and employers. Ever wondered how this shift could enhance your work-life balance? Work from Anywhere: 19 Companies Still Supporting Remote Work
The post Big Win for Shoppers as Walmart’s $45M Settlement Set to Pay $500 Each first appeared on Liberty & Wealth.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ken Wolter.
The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional financial advice.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
