Business
Are You A Cash App User? You May Be Eligible For A Piece Of This $15 Million Settlement
NEW YORK — Current and past Cash App users may be eligible for a sizable portion of a proposed class-action settlement from the popular online payment service.
Earlier this year, Cash App Investing and its parent company, Block Inc., agreed to pay $15 million to settle a lawsuit alleging a “failure to exercise reasonable care” in protecting user information prior to and following recent data breaches. The class-action complaint described two occurrences in which access to some account data was hacked, resulting in multiple unauthorized charges for Cash App subscribers.
These consumers can now file a claim for a settlement payout, which could include up to $2,500 in out-of-pocket costs, prior to final approval. Here’s what you should know.
Are You A Cash App User? You May Be Eligible For A Piece Of This $15 Million Settlement
Why was Cash App sued?
Cash App and Block, based in Oakland, California, were sued for their response to recent security breaches and charges that they failed to install adequate security measures to protect its consumers.
The class action cited a 2021 event, which the business reported in 2022, in which a former employee downloaded reports for some US users without permission. It also mentioned another breach in 2023, when an unauthorized individual accessed several Cash App accounts via phone numbers that were tied to them.
Cash App and Block have denied all wrongdoing. However, they agreed to pay $15 million to resolve the lawsuit. Aside from attorneys’ fees and administration charges, the money will be distributed to impacted consumers who file qualified claims.
Cash App and Block both agreed to take steps to improve data security as part of the settlement. When The Associated Press contacted the company on Friday, it declined to comment further.
How may I receive a settlement payment?
You must claim the official settlement administrator’s website to receive a payment. The current deadline for submitting a claim is November 18, with the settlement’s final approval hearing scheduled for December 16.
Those eligible are current or former Cash App customers affected by unauthorised access to their personal information or fraudulent withdrawals between August 23, 2018 and August 20, 2019. You may have received a personalized letter alerting you of your eligibility for the settlement via mail or email; however, if you still need to, you can enter information about your position manually online.
How much money may I receive?
Settlement payouts will vary depending on qualified losses and the number of people filing claims.
Class members could be compensated for three claims: out-of-pocket losses, lost time, and transaction losses. With proper paperwork, you may be eligible for compensation of up to $2,500 in out-of-pocket losses, $25 per hour for missed time (limited to three hours), and additional relief for transaction losses.
According to the settlement administrator’s website, payouts may be decreased if insufficient money in the net settlement fund covers every authorized claim. If that is the case, payouts will be correspondingly reduced based on the percentage of each class member’s claim.
What other choices do I have?
Class members can “opt out” of the settlement before November 1. This allows you to sue or participate in a future relevant case against the defendants. You may also object to the settlement agreement by writing to the court before November 1.
Finally, you can decide to do nothing. However, if you choose not to take action, you will not get any money and may lose the ability to sue again for claims covered by the settlement.
How can I continue to protect my data?
Avoiding data breaches totally can be difficult in today’s ever-digitized world, but consumers can take certain precautions to safeguard themselves in the future.
Are You A Cash App User? You May Be Eligible For A Piece Of This $15 Million Settlement
The fundamentals include setting difficult-to-guess passwords and utilizing multifactor authentication whenever possible. If you receive a breach notification, you should change your password and watch account activity for any unusual activities. It would help if you also looked for reliable contact information on a company’s official website, as scammers may try to gain your trust through look-alike phishing emails or phone calls in response to news about data breaches.
Furthermore, the Federal Trade Commission emphasises that nationwide credit agencies, such as Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, provide free credit freezes and fraud alerts that customers can put up to help protect themselves from identity theft and other fraudulent conduct.
The American Bankers Association and others also advise caution while utilising payment apps such as Cash App, Zelle, and Venmo. It’s best to double-check that you know who you’re sending money to, and avoid clicking on links in unexpected emails, texts, or messages.
SOURCE | AP
Business
Sonic the Hedgehog Dominates Christmas Wish Lists
Sonic the Hedgehog is dominating Christmas wish lists this year. The lovable blue hedgehog is back in the spotlight, from sonic the hedgehog toys and games to sonic the hedgehog coloring pages and movie hype.
Sonic-themed holiday merchandise is on fire, from quirky sweaters to action figures flying off shelves. Sonic the Hedgehog Christmas outfits for kids are selling out fast, making them a go-to gift option for festive fun.
Retailers have been quick to recognize Sonic’s holiday appeal. Special promotions and exclusive items, like the Sonic holiday t-shirts, are everywhere.
Everyone’s stocking up on Sonic merchandise, from big-box stores to boutique retailers.
Online shopping platforms are seeing a surge in searches for Sonic items. Whether it’s Sonic Christmas-themed tops or Sonic the Hedgehog coloring pages, Sonic the Hedgehog toys or Sonic and the Hedgehog 3, the demand is skyrocketing.
Retailers who tap into this trend are sure to see strong holiday sales.
Sonic has been around since the early 90s, but his popularity never wanes. With the release of Sonic 3, fans are more excited than ever.
Sonic the Hedgehog 4
Meanwhile, Paramount Pictures is preparing “Sonic the Hedgehog 4,” with the newest addition in the family-friendly genre set for a spring 2027 release.
The announcement comes as “Sonic 3” opens in theatres on Friday, estimated to gross $55 million to $60 million from 3,800 North American locations.
The sequel is shaping up to be a good holiday season blockbuster for Paramount, which explains the desire in future “Sonic” adventures. On the international front, the film will be released on Christmas Day in 52 markets.
On Rotten Tomatoes, critics gave “Sonic 3” an outstanding 87% fresh score.
The first two films grossed a total of $725.2 million at the global box office and generated over $180 million in global consumer expenditure through home entertainment rentals and digital purchases.
They also inspired a spinoff Paramount+ series, “Knuckles,” which premiered earlier this year.
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Business
Amazon Strike Called By Teamsters Union 10,000 Walkout
An Amazon strike has hit facilities in the United States in an effort by the Teamsters union to pressure the corporation for a labour agreement during a peak shopping season.
The Teamsters union told the Associated Press that Amazon delivery drivers at seven facilities in the United States walked off the job on Thursday after the firm failed to discuss a labour contract.
According to the union, Amazon employees in Teamsters union jackets were protesting at “hundreds” of additional Amazon facilities, which the union billed as the “largest strike” in US history involving the company.
The corporation, which employs over 800,000 people in its US delivery network, stated that its services will be unaffected.
It was unclear how many people, including members of Germany’s United Services Union, participated in Thursday’s demonstration. The Teamsters union reported that thousands of Amazon employees were implicated in the United States.
Amazon Strike at 10 Locations
Overall, the group claims to represent “nearly 10,000” Amazon strikers, having signed up thousands of people at roughly ten locations across the country, many of whom have joined in recent months.
The organization has claimed recognition from Amazon going on strike, claiming the firm illegally neglected its obligation to bargain collectively over salary and working conditions.
The Teamsters is a long-standing US union with nearly one million members. It is well-known for securing lucrative contracts for its members at companies like delivery behemoth UPS.
Most of the Teamsters’ Amazon campaigns have concerned drivers working for third-party delivery companies that partner with the tech behemoth.
Amazon denies that it is liable as an employer in those circumstances, which is a point of legal contention. In at least one case, labour officials have taken a preliminary stance in favour of the union.
Stalled Contract Negotiations
Amazon employees at a major warehouse on Staten Island in New York have also chosen to join the Teamsters. Their warehouse is the only Amazon facility in the United States where labour officials have formally recognized a union win.
However, the Amazon strike is because contract negotiations have not progressed since the 2022 vote. It was not one of the areas scheduled to go on strike on Thursday.
Amazon, one of the largest employers in the United States, has long received criticism for its working conditions and has been the target of activists seeking to gain traction among its employees.
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Business
Amazon Encounters Numerous Strikes As Unions Aim At The Holiday Shopping Surge.
(VOR News) – Thousands of Amazon employees at various sites across the country were scheduled to go on strike on Thursday in an effort by the Teamsters union to pressure the retail behemoth to acknowledge its unionised workers in the United States.
The walkout is expected to concentrate on seven Amazon locations across the country during the holiday purchasing surge and may be the most significant union action against Amazon in the nation’s history.
The business announced on Thursday morning that there had been no effect on operations. It also stated that it is “continuing to concentrate on fulfilling customers’ holiday orders.”
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters maintains that it represents more than 10,000 Amazon employees and contractors in aviation centres, warehouses, and delivery centres.
Amazon has refused to acknowledge the union for many years.
The retail giant, which employs approximately 1.5 million individuals, excludes contractors and part-timers. A strike has been initiated by delivery couriers and warehouse employees at seven distinct locations in order to exert pressure on the company to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement that would encompass modifications to compensation, amenities, and working conditions.
Picketing was intended for New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Skokie, Illinois.
Also, the Teamsters assert that they are establishing picket lines at “hundreds” of additional warehouses and delivery centres by encouraging non-unionized workers to picket under U.S. labour law, which protects workers’ ability to take collective action to further their interests.
“Amazon workers are exercising their power,” Randy Korgan stated to NPR.
“They now realise there is a pathway to take on a corporate giant like this – and that they hold the power.” Amazon responds by accusing the Teamsters of fabricating information regarding the strikes, asserting that the participants are “entirely” outsiders rather than employees or subcontractors of the corporation.
Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel stated that “the reality is that they were unable to secure sufficient support from our employees and partners and have invited external parties to harass and intimidate our team.” For more than a year, the Teamsters have been intentionally misleading the public by claiming to represent “thousands of employees and drivers.” They do not.
The Teamsters did not provide a specific duration for the strike; however, they informed NPR that it would extend beyond one day. Workers would receive $1,000 per week in strike money, as per the union.
Teamsters President Sean O’Brien issued a statement in which he stated, “If your package is delayed during the holidays, you can attribute it to Amazon’s insatiable greed.” We established a firm deadline for Amazon to attend the meeting and treat our members equitably. They disregarded it.
The Teamsters granted until December 15 to convene with its unionised employees and develop a collective bargaining agreement.
Amazon has opposed all unionisation efforts in court, asserting that unions were not advantageous to its employees and emphasising the compensation and benefits that the organisation currently provides.
Amazon has been accused of discriminatory labour practices on numerous occasions, including the termination of labour organisers. Furthermore, it has disputed its official status as a contract employer.
Teamsters organize Amazon delivery couriers and other employees.
In June, Amazon established its first unionised warehouse in Staten Island, New York, two years after making history by voting to join the fledgling Amazon Labour Union, which is also affiliated with the Teamsters.
The union is one of the most influential in the United States and Canada, with 1.3 million members. On Thursday, the German United Services Union declared that Amazon employees in Germany would participate in a strike in conjunction with their American counterparts.
In the past, Amazon has experienced demonstrations in Germany and Spain that were related to the holiday season in order to advocate for improved wages and working conditions.
“The holiday season has arrived.” Delivery is anticipated. Patricia Campos-Medina, the executive director of Cornell University’s Worker Institute, asserts that “this is the moment in which workers have control over the supply chain.”
The Teamsters have reported that Amazon’s profits have increased both during and after the pandemic. The corporation is currently valued at over $2.3 trillion, with net income of $15 billion in the most recent quarter alone. It is the second-largest private employer in the United States, following Walmart.
SOURCE: NPR
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