Scammers know that class action settlement emails look like free money — which makes them perfect bait. Millions of fake settlement notices get sent every year. Here's how to protect yourself.
Red flag #1: They ask you to pay a fee
Legitimate class action settlements never charge you to file a claim. Ever. If a notice says you need to pay a "processing fee," "filing fee," or "tax deposit" to receive your settlement money, it's a scam. Delete it immediately.
Red flag #2: They ask for sensitive financial info
Real claim forms ask for your name, address, and email. Some may ask for the last 4 digits of your SSN for identity verification. But no legitimate settlement will ask for your full Social Security number, bank login credentials, or credit card number on a claim form.
Red flag #3: The urgency feels artificial
"Claim your $5,000 in the next 24 hours or lose it forever!" Real settlements have deadlines, but they're typically weeks or months away, and they're clearly stated on the official website. If a notice pressures you to act immediately with extreme urgency, be suspicious.
Red flag #4: You can't find the settlement anywhere else
Every legitimate class action settlement is a matter of public record. You should be able to find it on legal databases, in news articles, or on the court's website. If the only place this settlement exists is the email you received, it's not real.
Red flag #5: The website looks off
Official settlement websites are hosted on dedicated domains (usually ending in "settlement.com" or similar) and look professional — because they're court-approved. Scam sites often have misspellings, broken links, no legal disclaimers, or generic templates.
How to verify any settlement
- Search the case name on Google along with "class action settlement"
- Check the court docket — legitimate settlements are filed with a federal or state court
- Look it up on sites like classaction.org, topclassactions.com, or the FTC's refund page
- Verify the settlement administrator — companies like Epiq, JND Legal, and KCC are well-known administrators
- Contact the law firm listed in the notice and ask if the settlement is real
When in doubt, don't click links in the email. Instead, search for the settlement independently and file through the official website.