💰 Let’s talk damages, settlements, and receipts.
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.
The $28 Million SiriusXM Telemarketing Settlement
Know Your Rights Under the TCPA: How the SiriusXM Settlement Highlights Consumer Protections Against Telemarketing Calls
2/11/26 - Unwanted telemarketing calls are more than just annoying — in many cases, they may be illegal. Consumers across the country are overwhelmed with repeated sales calls, robocalls, and aggressive marketing campaigns that continue even after they ask the company to stop. Fortunately, federal law provides strong protections.
One of the most powerful consumer protection laws in this area is the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) — and a recent major settlement involving SiriusXM shows just how serious these violations can be.
The TCPA: A Powerful Consumer Protection Law
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) is a federal law designed to limit intrusive and abusive telemarketing practices. It restricts how businesses may contact consumers and gives individuals the right to seek financial damages when companies break the rules.
In plain terms: you do not have to tolerate repeated unwanted calls.
Depending on the facts, the TCPA may apply to:
- Telemarketing calls
- Robocalls and prerecorded messages
- Calls to numbers listed on the National Do Not Call Registry
- Calls made after a consumer asks to stop
- Automated dialing systems and mass calling campaigns
A Real Example: The $28 Million SiriusXM Telemarketing Settlement
In January 2026, SiriusXM agreed to pay $28 million to settle a nationwide class action lawsuit alleging violations of federal “Do Not Call” rules. The lawsuit claimed that SiriusXM (or telemarketers calling on its behalf) made repeated sales calls to consumers — including individuals who had registered their phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry or who had requested to be placed on SiriusXM’s internal “do not call” list. These repeated sales calls were alleged to be made to landlines and mobile phones — sometimes multiple times within a year — even after consumers took steps to stop those calls. According to the complaint, some consumers were not subscribers at all, while others had expressly requested that SiriusXM stop contacting them.
The TCPA strictly limits when and how companies may contact consumers by phone. Among other things, the law prohibits telemarketing calls to:
- Numbers listed on the National Do Not Call Registry, and
- Consumers who have asked a company to place them on its internal do-not-call list
Although SiriusXM denied wrongdoing, it agreed to the settlement to avoid continued litigation. Under the proposed settlement, eligible consumers may receive a pro rata payment of up to approximately $1,500, depending on the number of valid claims submitted. This settlement is an important reminder: companies can be held accountable when they ignore consumer rights.
Who May Be Eligible for Compensation
Under the proposed settlement, U.S. residents may be eligible for compensation if they meet certain criteria. You may qualify if you:
- Are a natural person residing in the United States
- Received more than one telemarketing call from SiriusXM (or on its behalf) within any 12-month period
- Received those calls between April 27, 2019 and October 31, 202
- Were not a self-paying SiriusXM subscriber at the time of the first call or before the second call
- Either:
- Received calls more than 31 days after registering your number on the National Do Not Call Registry, o
- Received calls after asking SiriusXM to stop calling you
Each eligible individual may submit a separate claim, even if multiple people in the same household qualify.
How Much Could You Receive?
How Much Could You Receive?
Settlement payments will be made on a pro rata basis, meaning the amount each person receives depends on how many valid claims are submitted and how much money remains after administrative and legal costs.
Class members could receive up to approximately $1,500, although the final amount will be determined after the claims process closes.
Payments are expected to be issued about 30 days after final court approval, assuming there are no delays or appeals.
How to File a Claim
To receive payment, eligible consumers must submit a claim form by the deadline. Key details include:
- Claim deadline: March 21, 2026
- Claims may be filed online or by mail
- Claimants will need to provide basic information, including the phone number that received the calls
The settlement administrator will provide additional information through the official settlement website, including payment options such as check, PayPal, or Venmo.
What Rights Do Consumers Have Under the TCPA?
Many consumers assume they have no choice but to block numbers and ignore calls. In reality, the TCPA gives consumers enforceable rights, including the right to sue for monetary damages. Depending on the situation, consumers may be entitled to:
- $500 per illegal call or tex
- Up to $1,500 per call or text if the violation is found to be willful or knowing
That means repeated calls can quickly add up to significant liability for the caller.
The National Do Not Call Registry Matters
Consumers can register their number with the National Do Not Call Registry, which restricts most telemarketing calls. Once your number has been on the registry for more than 31 days, telemarketers may be violating federal law if they continue calling you for sales purposes. The SiriusXM lawsuit specifically involved allegations that consumers were contacted despite Do Not Call protections.
You Also Have the Right to Tell a Company to Stop Calling
Even if your number is not on the National Do Not Call Registry, you still have rights. If you tell a company:
- “Stop calling me,"
- “Remove me from your list,” or
- “Do not contact this number again,”
…they are generally required to place you on an internal “do not call” list.
Continuing to call after a consumer makes that request can lead to liability under the TCPA and other consumer protection laws.
The National Do Not Call Registry Matters
Consumers can register their number with the National Do Not Call Registry, which restricts most telemarketing calls. Once your number has been on the registry for more than 31 days, telemarketers may be violating federal law if they continue calling you for sales purposes.
The SiriusXM lawsuit specifically involved allegations that consumers were contacted despite Do Not Call protections.
Register and Verify Your Registration HERE.
You Also Have the Right to Tell a Company to Stop Calling
Even if your number is not on the National Do Not Call Registry, you still have rights. If you tell a company:
- “Stop calling me,"
- “Remove me from your list,” or
- “Do not contact this number again,”
…they are generally required to place you on an internal “do not call” list.
Continuing to call after a consumer makes that request can lead to liability under the TCPA and other consumer protection laws.
Common TCPA Violations Consumers Experience
Some of the most common TCPA-related complaints include:
- Robocalls with prerecorded messages
- Calls made using automated dialing systems
- Telemarketing calls after a consumer opted out
- Calls to numbers on the Do Not Call Registry
- Repeated calls from the same company or its affiliates
- Calls made through third-party telemarketers “on behalf of” a brand
Consumers are often surprised to learn that companies can still be held responsible even when they hire outside marketing firms.
How to Protect Yourself (and Strengthen a TCPA Claim)
If you are receiving repeated telemarketing calls, there are steps you can take right away that may help protect your rights:
- Keep a log of the calls (dates, times, numbers)
- Save voicemail
- Take screenshots of missed call
- Save text messages
- Tell the caller clearly: “Stop calling me.”
- Ask for the name of the company and reason for the call
Documentation matters, and repeated calls over time may establish a pattern of unlawful conduct.
Why Settlements Like SiriusXM’s Are Important
The SiriusXM settlement demonstrates that consumers are not powerless.
When companies ignore do-not-call requests or continue telemarketing campaigns despite legal restrictions, they may face large financial exposure — especially when thousands of consumers are affected.
TCPA lawsuits not only compensate consumers, but also help discourage illegal telemarketing practices that harm the public.
When to Speak With a Consumer Rights Attorney
If you have been receiving repeated calls, robocalls, or telemarketing messages — especially after opting out — you may have a valid TCPA claim.
You should consider speaking with an attorney if:
- You receive multiple calls from the same company in a short time
- You are on the Do Not Call Registry and still receiving solicitations
- You asked the company to stop calling and they continued
- You are receiving prerecorded or automated calls on your cell phone
In many TCPA cases, consumers may be entitled to damages without paying out-of-pocket legal fees, depending on the circumstances.
The Bottom Line
Unwanted telemarketing calls are not just a nuisance — they may be a violation of federal law. The TCPA gives consumers powerful tools to fight back, and the SiriusXM $28 million settlement is a reminder that companies can be held accountable when they ignore consumer protections. If you believe your rights have been violated, you may have legal options.
J.B. Hunt to Pay $5 Million in FCRA Settlement
What Job Applicants and Employees Should Know
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.
Victory for Consumers: Cash App to Pay $12.5M for spam texts
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 Backstory: Standing Up to Spam
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.
💰 What Consumers Stand to Gain
This settlement could mean real cash in your pocket if you qualify:
- Payouts estimated between $88 and $147 per person—depending on the number of claims submitted.
- No proof of purchase needed—if your phone number appears in Cash App’s records and meets the criteria, you’re in.
- Millions of Washington residents are potentially eligible.
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.
🏆 Why This Matters
- Sets a precedent: The case shows that even big‑name tech and finance companies must follow strict consumer consent laws.
- Empowers consumers: Washington’s strong anti‑spam laws give residents more power to fight back than federal rules alone.
- Deters future spam: Companies will think twice before pushing out mass text campaigns without clear permission.
📋 Who’s Eligible?
You may be part of the settlement if:
- You lived in Washington between November 14, 2019, and a yet‑to‑be‑determined date in 2025.
- You received a Cash App referral/invite text during that time.
- You did not consent to receiving marketing messages from Cash App.
🗓 What Happens Next
- Official notices will go out soon via mail and email.
- Claim forms will be made available on the settlement website—expected to go live shortly after final court approval.
- Class members will have about 90 days from the notice date to file claims.
✅ Take Action
- Watch your mail and email for settlement notices.
- File your claim as soon as the form is available.
- Choose your preferred payment method—check, PayPal, Venmo, etc.—to receive your share.
📌 Quick Facts
- Total Settlement - $12.5 million
- Estimated Payout - $88–$147 per claimant
- Class Size - Approx. 2 million phone numbers in Washington
- Laws Invoked - Washington CEMA & Consumer Protection Act
- Status - Preliminary approval granted; final approval pending
Bottom Line
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.
📲 Cash App’s “Final Notification” Texts Just Got Expensive
💰 $12.5 Million Settlement Over Spam Messages Shakes Things Up
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.
⚖️ What Happened?
Cash App was accused of:
- Sending automated promotional texts
- To people who never signed up
- Including some who replied STOP and still kept getting messages
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 Lawsuit
The class action lawsuit, filed in federal court, alleged that Cash App's texting habits:
- Violated the TCPA
- Ignored opt-out requests
- Targeted consumers who were on the National Do Not Call Registry
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.
💸 What It Means for Consumers
If you received one of these texts, you may be entitled to a payout—without lifting more than a thumb.
Consumers who:
- Received Cash App texts between specific dates (details to come in the official notice)
- Didn’t consent to receive them
- Or opted out but kept getting messages
…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.
📵 The Bigger Issue: Texts You Didn’t Ask For
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.
🥃 Final Sip
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.