Trader Joe's Reaches $7.4 Million Settlement Over Receipt Privacy Practices

Trader Joe's has reached a tentative $7.4 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit concerning its receipt printing practices. The lawsuit, filed in 2019, alleged that some receipts displayed the first six and last four digits of customers' credit card numbers, potentially increasing the risk of identity theft.

The settlement does not include an admission of wrongdoing by the company. The case originated with a complaint filed by shopper Brian Keim in Florida after a purchase at a Trader Joe's store in Palm Beach Gardens. It was later transferred to the Central District of California, where Trader Joe's is headquartered in Monrovia, Los Angeles County.

The federal Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act prohibits businesses from printing more than the last five digits of a card number on receipts.

February, Trader Joe's and the plaintiff agreed to the settlement, which is subject to final court approval at a fairness hearing scheduled for August. The $7.4 million fund will cover payments to eligible class members, attorneys' fees, and other costs.

Trader Joe's stated it was unaware of any identity theft resulting from the receipts and settled to avoid further litigation. Eligible individuals are those who shopped at Trader Joe's stores between March 5, 2019, and July 19, 2019, and who submit valid claim forms.

Not all stores printed the receipts in question, and only a minority of transactions were affected. The company operates stores in 42 states and Washington, D.C., with most in California.

payments are $102.45 per valid claim, depending on the number of claims submitted. com, by mail, or by calling 888-444-7415, even without physical receipts. The deadline to submit claims is June 9. Those who receive an email or postcard notice with a claim identification number are identified as class members.

Others can contact the claims administrator via the website for more information.