Why Do I Keep Getting Settlement Checks?

December 17, 2025 — You open your mailbox and there's a check for $47.63 from a company you've never heard of. A few months later, another one shows up — this time for $12.80. What's going on?

Chances are, you're getting paid from class action settlements. Here's why these random checks keep appearing and what you should do with them.

Why You're Getting These Checks

At some point, you probably:

• Bought a product that was defective or mislabeled
• Used a service that overcharged you
• Had your data exposed in a breach
• Were affected by a company's shady business practices

Someone filed a class action lawsuit. The company settled. And because you were a customer or user during the relevant time period, you automatically became part of the settlement class.

Some settlements require you to file a claim. Others — called "direct payment" settlements — automatically send checks to everyone the company has records for. No action needed.

Why You Don't Remember Signing Up

You didn't. That's the point of class actions.

When a company wrongs thousands or millions of people, it's not practical for everyone to file individual lawsuits. So the court allows one lawsuit to represent everyone. If you meet the criteria (bought the product, used the service, etc.), you're automatically included unless you opt out.

You might have received a notice at some point — an email or postcard explaining your rights — but most people ignore those or assume they're junk mail.

Is This Check Real?

Probably yes. Settlement checks often look suspicious because:

• The company name is unfamiliar (it's usually the settlement administrator, not the company that paid)
• The amount is random and small
• It comes out of nowhere

But they're almost always legit. To verify:

• Google the case name printed on the check
• Look up the settlement administrator
• Check if there's news coverage of the settlement

Should You Cash It?

Yes. Cash it immediately.

These checks typically expire in 90-180 days. If you don't cash it in time, the money goes back to the settlement fund (or worse, back to the company). There's no downside to cashing a legitimate settlement check.

What If You Want More of These?

Most settlements aren't automatic — you have to file a claim to get paid. The people who actually file claims often get bigger payouts because so few people bother.

To find settlements you qualify for:

• Search your email for "class action" or "settlement notice"
• Check databases like ClassyAction, Top Class Actions, or ClassAction.org
• Pay attention to news about companies you've done business with

Common Sources of Settlement Checks

If you're suddenly getting checks, you might have been a customer of:

• Banks or credit card companies (fee overcharges, data breaches)
• Tech companies (privacy violations, data collection)
• Retailers (false advertising, mislabeled products)
• Phone carriers (cramming charges, data breaches)
• Food companies (misleading health claims)

Bottom Line

Those random checks aren't scams — they're money you're owed. Cash them. And if you want more, start paying attention to class action settlements before the deadlines pass.

Download ClassyAction to find settlements you qualify for and stop leaving money on the table.