Last Call for ParkMobile Data Breach Settlement Claims: Act Now!
Time is running out for individuals affected by the 2021 ParkMobile data breach to file a claim for compensation. Wednesday marks the final deadline to submit your claim and potentially receive a portion of the $32.8 million settlement reached between the digital parking app and a class of affected users.
The settlement stems from a data breach that occurred in March 2021, exposing the personal information of approximately 20 million ParkMobile users. This breach triggered a class action lawsuit filed in Georgia federal court by Tyler Baker, representing himself and all others similarly impacted.
While ParkMobile’s agreement to the settlement doesn’t constitute an admission of guilt or wrongdoing, it signifies a mutual decision to avoid the complexities and costs associated with a prolonged trial. This outcome allows affected individuals to seek compensation for the potential harm caused by the data breach.
Understanding the ParkMobile Data Breach and Lawsuit
ParkMobile, renowned for its convenience as a digital parking solution, allows users to pay for parking on-demand or reserve spots in advance through its mobile app. Functioning as a virtual parking meter, the app streamlines the parking process by eliminating the need for physical coins or meters.
However, the convenience of this technology was compromised in March 2021 when a significant data breach occurred, exposing the personal information of millions of ParkMobile users. The lawsuit alleged that ParkMobile failed to adequately protect user data, leading to the potential for identity theft, fraud, and other related issues.
Tyler Baker, the lead plaintiff in the class action lawsuit, claimed that he experienced unusual activity in his PayPal account linked to ParkMobile following the data breach. This incident forced him to spend considerable time mitigating the situation, including changing passwords and monitoring his account.
The lawsuit argued that ParkMobile’s negligence in securing user data had long-term consequences for affected consumers, exposing them to financial risks and requiring them to take precautionary measures to protect their accounts.
The $32.8 Million Settlement: A Breakdown
The total settlement amount of $32.8 million is allocated across several categories to address the various aspects of the data breach and compensate affected users.
- $9 Million for Cash Payments: A significant portion of the settlement, $9 million, is designated for cash payments to class members who file valid claims. This provides direct financial compensation to individuals who experienced harm or potential risk due to the data breach.
- $300,000 for Administration Fees: The settlement also includes $300,000 to cover the administrative costs associated with processing claims, notifying class members, and managing the overall settlement process.
- $21 Million for In-App Credits: To offer an alternative form of compensation, $21 million has been allocated for in-app credits for ParkMobile users who choose not to file a claim for a cash payment. These credits can be used to pay for parking through the ParkMobile app.
- $2.5 Million for Enhanced Security Measures: Recognizing the importance of preventing future data breaches, $2.5 million has been allocated for ParkMobile to implement improved security measures to protect user data and enhance its cybersecurity infrastructure.
Who is Eligible to File a Claim?
You are considered a settlement class member and eligible to file a claim if you received a notification from ParkMobile regarding the 2021 Data Security Incident. This notification would have been sent via email, informing you of the data breach and the class action settlement.
If you received such a notice, you are automatically considered a class member and have the right to participate in the settlement. Even if you did not experience direct financial losses as a result of the data breach, you are still eligible to file a claim for compensation.
How to File a Claim
To receive a cash payment from the settlement, eligible members must submit a claim form. The claim form can be accessed and submitted online, offering a convenient and efficient way to participate in the settlement. Alternatively, a physical copy of the claim form can be downloaded, completed, and submitted via mail.
Important Deadlines
It is crucial to adhere to the following deadlines when filing a claim:
- Electronic Claims: Electronic claim forms must be submitted online by March 5, 2025.
- Physical Mail Claims: Physical claim forms submitted via mail must be postmarked on or before March 5, 2025.
Failure to submit a claim form by the specified deadline will result in the forfeiture of your right to receive a cash payment from the settlement.
The Maximum Payment Amount
The maximum amount that each eligible member can receive from the settlement is capped at $25. This amount is intended to compensate for the potential harm and inconvenience caused by the data breach.
What Happens if You Do Nothing?
If you are an eligible class member and choose not to file a claim, you will automatically receive a code from ParkMobile for a $1.00 credit in the ParkMobile app. This credit is valid for up to one year and can be used to pay for parking through the app.
However, if you believe that you suffered significant financial losses or other damages as a result of the data breach, filing a claim for a cash payment is likely the more beneficial option.
Opting Out of the Settlement
The deadline to opt out of the settlement has already passed. To be excluded from the settlement, members would have needed to send a letter by mail before February 3, 2025, stating their desire to be excluded from the settlement in the case of Baker, et al. v. ParkMobile, LLC, Case No. 1:21-cv-02182-SCJ.
Final Approval Hearing
A final approval hearing is scheduled to take place on March 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. This hearing will determine whether the court will officially approve the settlement agreement. If the court approves the settlement, the distribution of payments to eligible class members will commence.
Don’t Delay: File Your Claim Today!
If you were affected by the 2021 ParkMobile data breach, time is of the essence. Act now to file your claim and potentially receive compensation for the harm you may have experienced.
Wednesday is the last day to submit your claim. Don’t miss this opportunity to exercise your rights and seek redress for the potential damages caused by the data breach.
Visit the settlement website or contact the settlement administrator for more information and to access the claim form.
Ensure that you submit your claim form electronically or postmark your mailed claim form by the deadline of March 5, 2025. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Take action today to secure your potential compensation from the ParkMobile data breach settlement.
