A major class-action lawsuit against Cash App’s parent company, Block Inc., could result in payments between $88 and $147 for eligible residents of Washington state. The case involves unsolicited referral text messages sent without consent—alleged violations of state consumer protection laws.
If you’ve ever received a Cash App referral message and live in Washington, here’s how this settlement may affect you.
The Allegations: What Sparked the Lawsuit?
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, was brought forward by plaintiff Kimberly Bottoms. It claims that Cash App’s “Invite Friends” feature sent text messages to individuals without their permission, violating:
- The Washington Consumer Electronic Mail Act
- The Washington Consumer Protection Act
Although Block Inc. denies all allegations, the company has agreed to a $12.5 million settlement to resolve the matter out of court.
Settlement Overview: How Much Money Is Involved?
The total settlement fund stands at $12.5 million, which will be distributed to eligible class members after deducting:
- Legal fees
- Administrative expenses
- A service award for the lead plaintiff
What remains will be divided pro rata, meaning all valid claimants will receive an equal share of the remaining pool.
Estimated Payout: What Can You Expect?
Each eligible person can expect a payout between $88 and $147, depending on how many people file valid claims.
Fewer claims mean higher payouts, while more claims reduce the individual amount.
Payments will be sent through your preferred method, which you’ll choose when filing: check, Venmo, or PayPal.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can File a Claim?
You are likely eligible for compensation if you meet all three of the following conditions:
- Lived in Washington state at any point between November 14, 2019, and a yet-to-be-determined date
- Received a Cash App referral text message during this timeframe
- Had a Washington state phone number
According to court documents, up to 2 million phone numbers could be part of this class.
What Is a Pro Rata Payment?
In this case, a pro rata payout means the settlement fund is divided equally among everyone who submits a valid claim. Your exact payment depends on:
- Total number of claimants
- Administrative and legal deductions
- Whether you opt for digital or paper payment
How and When to File Your Claim
The official claims website has not yet launched, but once it’s live, here’s how the process will work:
- Visit the official settlement site (URL to be confirmed)
- Enter your information to confirm eligibility (phone number, email, etc.)
- Select your payment method (check, PayPal, or Venmo)
- Submit the form before the deadline (TBD)
Tip: Stay updated by subscribing to email alerts from trusted legal news sources or class-action settlement trackers.
How Will You Receive Your Payment?
Claimants can choose to be paid via:
- Paper Check
- PayPal
- Venmo
Make sure your contact and payment info are accurate and up-to-date to avoid delays.
Why This Matters: Legal and Consumer Impacts
This is not the first time Block Inc. has faced legal action. Here’s a brief look at other related cases:
- January 2024: Ordered by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to pay $175 million over poor customer service and fraud protection failures
- 2023: Settled a data breach case for $15 million
These repeated legal issues highlight increasing concerns about digital privacy, data handling, and consumer rights within financial tech platforms.
What You Should Do Now
If you think you might be eligible:
- Verify if you received a Cash App referral message
- Ensure you were a resident of Washington during the relevant period
- Check for updates on the official settlement site
- Subscribe to reliable legal update services like FourCornersLearning.org
You may not need documentation, as verification will largely rely on message logs and phone numbers.
FAQs
Q1. What is this Cash App class action settlement about?
The lawsuit claims Cash App sent referral text messages without consent, violating Washington state laws.
Q2. How much money can I get?
Between $88 and $147, depending on the number of valid claims submitted.
Q3. Who is eligible?
Residents of Washington state who received a Cash App referral text message between Nov. 14, 2019, and a TBD end date.
Q4. When and how do I file a claim?
Once the claims portal is live, you can file online, selecting your preferred payment method.
Q5. Will I need proof?
In most cases, your phone number and message logs will be sufficient. Documentation is helpful but not mandatory.