Common Mistakes When Filing a Class Action Claim
Most lost settlement payments come down to a handful of avoidable mistakes. Here's what they are and how to avoid each one.
The most common mistakes when filing a class action claim are filing too late, misreading the class definition, entering wrong payment or contact details, ignoring deficiency notices, filing duplicates and filing on a fake website. Each one can cost you your payment, and each is easy to avoid with a few minutes of care.
1. Waiting until the deadline
Settlement websites can slow down near deadlines, and life gets in the way. If you file at the last minute, you also have no time to respond if something goes wrong. File as soon as you know you qualify. Our guide to tracking settlement deadlines covers simple systems.
2. Not reading the class definition
The class definition decides who qualifies. It usually names a product or service, a time period and sometimes a location. People often assume they qualify because they used the brand, when the settlement only covers a specific product line, a specific state or a specific date range. Read the definition on the official site before filing.
3. Typos in payment details
Electronic payments go wherever you tell them to. A mistyped email or phone number for PayPal, Venmo or Zelle can mean your payment fails or goes to the wrong account. A wrong mailing address means your check goes astray. Double-check these fields before submitting.
4. Using contact details you won't keep
Payments can come many months after you file. If you use a work email, a temporary address or a phone number you're about to change, you may miss updates or payment. If you move after filing, update your address with the administrator. See how to update your address on a claim.
5. Ignoring a deficiency notice
If something is missing or unclear, the administrator may send a deficiency notice asking you to fix it by a set date. These often land in spam. If you don't respond in time, your claim can be denied. Check your email, including spam, for a few weeks after filing.
The deadline to cure a deficiency is separate from the claim deadline and can be short. Respond as soon as you see the notice, with exactly the information it asks for.
6. Filing more than once
Submitting the same claim twice, perhaps because you weren't sure the first one went through, can get both flagged as duplicates. If you're unsure whether your claim was received, check your confirmation email or contact the administrator instead of filing again.
7. Filing on a fake or unofficial site
Scam sites copy settlement names to collect personal information or charge fees. Real claims are filed on the official administrator's site, and filing is free. Find the official site from a trustworthy source, and be cautious with links in unexpected texts.
8. Choosing the wrong tier
Many settlements offer a basic no-proof tier and a higher documented tier. People with receipts or records sometimes choose the basic tier out of habit and leave money behind. Others choose the documented tier without attaching documents and get bumped down or rejected. Pick the tier that matches what you can actually show.
9. Overstating the claim
Inflating purchases or losses isn't just a mistake, it's a false statement under penalty of perjury, and administrators screen for it. Give honest, good-faith estimates. See what happens if you lie on a claim form.
10. Not saving the confirmation
Without your claim ID or confirmation, it's much harder to check your status or fix a problem later. Screenshot or save the confirmation page and keep the email.
11. Letting the check expire
Settlement checks often expire after a set period printed on the check. If you set it aside and forget, the money may be redistributed or sent elsewhere. Deposit checks as soon as they arrive. Our guide on cashing a settlement check has tips.
A quick pre-submit check
- ✓I'm on the official settlement website.
- ✓I fit the class definition and the class period.
- ✓My name, address, email and payment details are correct.
- ✓I chose the tier that matches my documents.
- ✓I saved the confirmation and claim ID.
Many of these mistakes come from rushing at the last minute. SettleScout gives you a head start by flagging settlements that match the brands you use as soon as they open and reminding you well before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common reason claims are denied?
Common reasons include not fitting the class definition, missing information, unanswered deficiency notices, duplicate claims and claims flagged for fraud. Reading the notice carefully and checking your details prevents most of them.
What should I do if I made a mistake on my claim?
Contact the settlement administrator through the official website or phone line. Many administrators let you correct or update a claim before payments go out.
Can I resubmit a claim if I'm unsure the first one went through?
Check your confirmation email or contact the administrator first. Submitting a second claim can get both flagged as duplicates.
See every settlement you qualify for
Tell SettleScout which brands you use. It finds your matches, estimates your payouts and reminds you before deadlines.
Free to download