Discover Financial $1M Settlement: TCPA Lawsuit

In a significant development, Discover Financial Services has reached a settlement in a class action lawsuit, agreeing to create a $1,000,000 fund for eligible claimants. This settlement addresses allegations that Discover made unauthorized artificial or prerecorded voice calls to individuals about credit card accounts that were not theirs. If you believe you've been affected by these calls, you may be entitled to a cash award. Here's what you need to know.

Who Benefits?: Individuals who received calls from Discover between August 25, 2017, and February 7, 2023, concerning a credit card account they did not own.

How much can I get?: Eligible claimants can expect an estimated payout of $40-$110 per claim.

Important Dates

• Fairness Hearing: Scheduled for July 25, 2023, this hearing will determine the settlement's fairness.
• Deadline to File a Claim: Claims must be submitted by June 7, 2023.

Eligibility Criteria for Settlement Class Members

If you received an artificial or prerecorded voice call from Discover targeting a phone number assigned to a cellular telephone service, regarding a Discover credit card account, between the specified dates, and you were not a Discover customer, you might be a Settlement Class Member. This includes those who never provided their cell phone number to Discover.

Exclusions apply to those who request to be excluded by June 7, 2023.

Understanding Your Potential Award

The settlement fund is designed to compensate eligible class members who file a valid and timely claim. The amount you receive will depend on the total number of valid claims submitted.

• Estimated Award Range: $40-$110 per valid claim.

The Calls in Question

The lawsuit pertains to calls made by Discover using an artificial or prerecorded voice to individuals' cellular phones regarding a Discover credit card account that did not belong to the recipient.

Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?

Claimants will need to affirm their eligibility as members of the Settlement Class as defined by the settlement agreement. The official settlement website provides details on the required proof.

How to Claim Your Award

To claim your award, submit a Claim Form by June 7, 2023. You can submit your claim online or mail it to the Settlement Administrator. Ensure the claim is complete, accurate, and timely for validity.

Analyzing the Settlement Fund

The $1,000,000 settlement fund will cover cash awards to class members, attorneys' fees, administration costs, and any other related expenses. The fund will not return to Discover under any circumstances.

The Reason Behind the Settlement

The settlement resolves allegations that Discover violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act by making unwanted calls using an artificial or prerecorded voice. Discover denies any wrongdoing, but the settlement prevents the risk and costs associated with a trial.

The next steps include the Final Approval Hearing on July 25, 2023, and, if approved, the distribution of settlement awards.

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