Thousands of Americans Could Receive Up to $5,000 in Data Breach Settlement: Are You Eligible?

In a major settlement following a data breach, staffing agency Automation Personnel Services (APS) has agreed to pay nearly $1.4 million to resolve claims of negligence after a 2020 cyberattack exposed sensitive information.

What Happened?

A lawsuit filed in 2021 alleged that APS failed to adequately protect personal data, allowing hackers to access information such as:

  • Social Security numbers
  • Bank account details
  • Driver’s license numbers
  • Email addresses and phone numbers

The breach occurred in November 2020 but was disclosed by APS in March 2021.

Who Can File a Claim?

Anyone whose personal information was potentially compromised in this breach can file a claim. Eligible individuals may receive:

  1. Up to $5,000 Reimbursement: For financial losses directly related to the breach, including fraudulent charges, bank fees, or credit monitoring costs.
  2. Lost Time Compensation: Up to four hours of time lost dealing with the aftermath of the breach, reimbursed at $20/hour.

To qualify, claimants must provide documentation, such as receipts or bank statements, to support their claims.

Additional Benefits

All class members, regardless of financial losses, will receive:

  • One Year of Free Credit Monitoring through Identity Theft Guard Solutions.

Important Deadlines

  • Claim Filing Deadline: December 24, 2024
  • Final Approval Hearing: February 6, 2025

Claims must be submitted under penalty of perjury, ensuring only eligible individuals file. Filing false claims can harm other legitimate claimants.

Background of the Lawsuit

The class action lawsuit was brought by Tereas Madkin, who accused APS of negligence for failing to protect sensitive data. Filed in July 2021 in the Circuit Court for Jefferson County, Alabama, the lawsuit highlighted the risks associated with APS’s storage of personal information, including Social Security numbers and banking details.

APS, which operates over 40 locations and employs 37,000 people, has not admitted wrongdoing but agreed to settle for $1.375 million.

Take Action Today

If you were affected by this breach, don’t miss your opportunity to file a claim and receive compensation. Protect your financial future and take advantage of the free credit monitoring offered as part of the settlement.

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