Who paid what—and why? In The Tab, we spotlight the dollars and cents of consumer protection, including major verdicts, settlements, and the real cost of bad business.
08/07/25 - J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. has agreed to pay $5 million to resolve a class action lawsuit alleging violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The crux of the claim is that the company took adverse actions—such as denying employment—based on background reports without providing applicants or employees a copy of the report or informing them of their FCRA rights beforehand.
To be part of the settlement, individuals must:
Eligible class members may receive approximately $100 to $400 each, depending on the number of claims filed and the final administrative calculations.
Important Dates & Next Steps
The FCRA is designed to protect individuals' rights when background checks are used in employment decisions. Employers must:
This settlement underscores the importance of those protections—and reminds employers of the serious legal and financial consequences that come with non‑compliance.
The underlying case against J.B. Hunt raises broader legal, ethical, and systemic concerns surrounding the use of background checks in employment. At its core, the case is about more than one company’s misstep—it highlights persistent tensions between privacy rights, fairness in hiring, and employer risk management.
What the J.B. Hunt Case Shows:
Broader Issues:
What the Case Shows:
Broader Issues:
Context:
Broader Issue:
What the Case Shows:
Broader Issue:
What May Be at Play:
Broader Issue:
Key Insight:
Broader Issue:
The J.B. Hunt settlement isn’t just a corporate misstep—it is a flashpoint in the ongoing debate about fairness, privacy, and equity in hiring. It brings attention to how hiring practices—especially those involving criminal and credit background checks—can reinforce systemic biases unless carefully regulated and transparently administered.
08/05/25 - In a major win for everyday consumers, a Washington federal judge has given the green light to a $12.5 million settlement that will put money directly back into the hands of people targeted with unwanted text messages from Cash App’s parent company, Block Inc.
The preliminary approval is the first step toward compensating potentially millions of Washington residents who say they were bombarded with “annoying and harassing” marketing messages they never agreed to receive.
The lawsuit began when Kimberly Bottoms, a Washington resident, stepped forward to challenge Cash App’s “Invite Friends” referral feature, which sent texts encouraging people to sign up for the service.
Bottoms alleged these texts were sent without the recipients’ permission, violating WA’s Commercial Electronic Mail Act (CEMA) and Consumer Protection Act (CPA)—two of the strongest consumer‑protection laws in the country.
Rather than risk a trial, Block Inc. agreed to settle the case for $12.5 million—without admitting wrongdoing—marking one of the largest state‑level anti‑spam settlements in recent memory.
This settlement could mean real cash in your pocket if you qualify:
That’s money for your time, your phone’s storage, and your peace of mind—compensating you for the irritation and intrusion of unwanted texts.
You may be part of the settlement if:
Bottom line: This settlement is more than just a payout—it’s a clear message that consumer rights matter. If you’ve been spammed without your consent, you’re not powerless. And in Washington, the law is firmly on your side.
Date: July 16, 2025
Between 2014 and 2019, Credit One Bank (and related affiliates) allegedly used automated dialing systems and prerecorded messages to call individuals without prior express consent, in violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)—a federal law that prohibits unsolicited marketing or debt-collection calls made via robocall technology.
These calls reportedly targeted both existing customers and non-customers whose phone numbers were mistakenly or erroneously contacted. Some recipients even reported that the calls continued after they asked to stop.
Credit One does not admit liability, but opted for the settlement to avoid protracted litigation
Claimants will receive notices via mail or email, often including a Claim ID, and can choose payment via direct deposit, check, PayPal, etc.
A similar case against Citibank also revolved around TCPA violations and resulted in payouts up to $850, demonstrating the law’s powerful reach
You're likely eligible if:
No Credit One account is required—many notifications went to You're likely eligible if:
If you received unauthorized robocalls from Credit One Bank between 2014–2019, you may qualify for a TCPA settlement payout—typically $100–$1,000. With a $14 million fund, this settlement emphasizes your legal rights and reflects growing enforcement of consumer privacy protections.
Stay alert and prepared—your claim could help hold big financial institutions accountable.
Date: July 15, 2025
Looks like Cash App just got a taste of its own surcharge./
The popular mobile payment service has agreed to a $12.5 million class action settlement over allegations it sent unsolicited marketing texts to consumers—without consent. Yep, those “security alerts,” “money requests,” and “You’ve got Cash!” pings may have cost them a lot more than a standard data plan.
Under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), that kind of behavior isn’t just annoying—it’s potentially illegal.
Let’s break it down—Straight Up style.
Cash App was accused of:
That’s a classic TCPA no-no. The TCPA requires express written consent for marketing texts, and consumers have the right to opt out at any time.
The class action lawsuit, filed in federal court, alleged that Cash App's texting habits:
Rather than duke it out in court, Cash App agreed to a $12.5 million settlement fund—not an admission of wrongdoing, but a clear sign they were ready to pour a lid on this mess.
If you received one of these texts, you may be entitled to a payout—without lifting more than a thumb.
Consumers who:
…could qualify for a share of the settlement once claims open.
📝 Pro tip: Save those texts, timestamps, and opt-out screenshots. Even a single unwanted message could be worth $500–$1,500 under TCPA standards.
This case is part of a much bigger trend: companies abusing text marketing and brushing off consent like it’s optional.
Newsflash: It’s not. Text spam is one of the most common TCPA violations, and more consumers are fighting back—with class actions like this leading the charge.
Cash App may have thought they were being helpful. But when “helpful” comes in the form of unsolicited, automated texts, consumers don’t get convenience—they get violated rights and vibrating phones at midnight.
This $12.5 million settlement is a reminder to big brands:
If you text consumers without permission, it’s not marketing—it’s a mess.
💬 Think you’ve been spammed by a brand without consent? Slide into Ask the Bartender. We’ve got TCPA knowledge and a twist of sass—ready to serve.
Because at The Consumer Bar, we believe justice should always be opt-in only.