Citibank Class Action Settlement 2024 Over Robocalls, Check If You Are Eligible to Claim

Citibank has agreed to a $29.5 million class-action settlement following allegations of violating the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). The lawsuit accused the financial institution of making unauthorized robocalls to individuals who were not customers, urging them to resolve past-due credit card balances without obtaining prior consent. While Citibank denies any wrongdoing, the settlement aims to resolve the claims and compensate affected individuals.

Here’s what you need to know about the settlement, eligibility, and how to file a claim.

What is the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)?

The TCPA, enacted in 1991, protects consumers from unwanted telemarketing calls, robocalls, and spam text messages. Under this law, companies cannot use automated dialing systems or prerecorded messages to contact individuals without their explicit consent. Violations can lead to significant financial penalties.

How Did Citibank Allegedly Violate the TCPA?

The lawsuit claims that Citibank:

• Used automated dialing systems to contact individuals.
• Targeted non-customers without obtaining prior consent.
• Focused on resolving overdue credit card accounts through these unsolicited calls.

The plaintiffs argued that these practices violated the TCPA, prompting the class-action lawsuit. While Citibank denies these allegations, they chose to settle to avoid the costs and uncertainties of a trial.

Who is Eligible for the Settlement?

To qualify for compensation under this settlement, individuals must meet the following criteria:

1. Timeframe: Received an automated call from Citibank between August 15, 2014, and July 31, 2024.
2. Non-Customer Status: Must not have been a Citibank customer at the time of the call.
3. Call Purpose: The call must have been related to past-due credit card accounts.

Settlement Details

Total Settlement Amount

The settlement provides a total of $29.5 million to compensate affected individuals.

Individual Compensation

Eligible claimants can receive between $350 and $850, depending on the number of valid claims submitted. If fewer claims are filed, each individual could receive a higher payout.

Deadlines and Important Dates

• Claim Submission Deadline: December 20, 2024.
• Final Approval Hearing: January 14, 2025, where the court will decide whether to finalize the settlement and distribute funds.

How to File a Claim

Eligible individuals can follow these steps to file a claim:

1. Visit the Settlement Website: Access the official Citibank TCPA settlement website for detailed instructions and the claim form.
2. Complete the Claim Form: Provide accurate personal details, including your name and phone number.
3. Include Supporting Evidence (if required): This could involve phone records or other proof showing you received robocalls during the specified timeframe.
4. Review and Submit: Check the form for accuracy and submit it online. You should receive a confirmation notice upon successful submission.
5. Monitor Updates: Stay informed about the status of your claim and potential payout.

Note: Claims must be submitted by December 20, 2024, to be eligible for compensation.

What Happens Next?

Once the court grants final approval, compensation will be distributed to individuals with valid claims. The exact payout will depend on the total number of claims submitted:

• If many claims are filed, payouts will lean toward the lower end of the range ($350).
• If fewer claims are submitted, individuals could receive as much as $850.

To ensure eligibility, claimants are encouraged to file as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)