Why did Arco send out so many settlement checks?
The mass mailing of settlement checks is the result of a class action lawsuit known as Scharfstein v. BP West Coast Products LLC. The suit was brought against ARCO’s owner BP West Coast Products, on behalf of people who used a debit card to buy gas at Oregon ARCO and am/pm gas stations between January 1, 2011, and August 30, 2013.
Did Arco put a 35-cent fee on your card?
Arco gas stations and am/pm convenience stores tacked on a 35-cent debit card fee to purchases without appropriate notice. Mark Graves/The Oregonian Nearly 2 million Oregonians began receiving checks in the mail last week for $91.94. And they’ll get a similar check this time next year. For many, the money came out of the blue.
What are some common questions about the BP case?
Here are answers to some common questions about the checks: What did BP do wrong? The jury found Arco and am/pm tacked on a 35-cent debit card fee without giving customers appropriate notice, in violation of Oregon’s Unlawful Trade Practices Act.
Where did the money from the BP lawsuit come from?
Some weren’t sure what they’d done to receive the money or what to do if they didn’t get their checks. The money came from a class-action judgment against BP in a case titled Scharfstein v. BP West Coast Products. That company owns the Arco gas station chain and the affiliated am/pm convenience stores.
Who is the parent company of Arco?
Years ago, Portland attorney David Sugerman filed the original complaint in Multnomah County circuit court against ARCO's parent company, BP West Coast Products, on behalf of drivers who filled up at ARCO stations between January 2011 and August 2013. The following year (in 2014), a jury determined the oil company failed to properly disclose its 35-cent debit card fee in violation of Oregon's unlawful trade practices law. The jury verdict resulted in a penalty of $409 million.
How many people got a $91.94 check?
If you were among the 1.7 million people who got a mysterious, unbidden $91.94 check in the mail recently, you may wonder if it is legitimate. It is. And the best news may be that recipients will get a similar check next summer.
What happens if you get a check that you threw away instead of depositing?
What happens if people who got checks threw them away instead of depositing? If that's you, you can ask for a replacement check to be mailed by contacting the claims administrator.
Is the settlement check a scam?
The windfall came as a surprise to many because their eligibility was determined automatically without any need for consumers to opt in. A call to the settlement administrator line confirms this is not a scam.
Where did the money come from in the Arco case?
The money came from a class-action judgment against BP in a case titled Scharfstein v. BP West Coast Products. That company owns the Arco gas station chain and the affiliated am/pm convenience stores. A Multnomah County jury found more than five years ago that they had overcharged customers who paid with their debit cards and the judge in the case ordered BP to pay $409 million.
How much does BP pay to legal aid?
Additionally, under a 2015 Oregon law, BP will pay $36 million to Legal Aid Services of Oregon and another $36 million to establish a new nonprofit, called Oregon Consumer Justice, dedicated to consumer education and protection.
Can you email Epiq?
People can write to those addresses above with additional questions. But Epiq says it will provide no responses by email.
Do you have to take action to take advantage of the Epiq settlement?
Epiq indicated “The vast majority of class members” have received or will automatically receive payment: “You do not need to take any action to take advantage of this settlement.”
Who maintains the Epiq database?
Epiq says it checked addresses with the National Change of Address database maintained by the U.S. Postal Service.
Do affiliate links earn commission?
Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission.
Is the BP judgment unconstitutional?
BP maintains that the judgment is unconstitutional but agreed to settle the case after losing an appeal in state court.
How do I participate in the Settlement?
To make a claim and receive a payment, you must file a claim form online or by mail postmarked by November 5, 2021. Claims may be submitted online or by mail to:
Who decides whether to approve a settlement?
The Court in charge of this case still has to decide whether to approve the Settlement. Payments will be made if the Court approves the Settlement and after any appeals are resolved. Please be patient.
What is this Settlement about?
This settlement, arising from a class action antitrust lawsuit called In re: Blue Cross Blue Shield Antitrust Litigation MDL 2406, N.D. Ala. Master File No. 2:13-cv-20000-RDP (the “Settlement”), was reached on behalf of individuals and companies that purchased or received health insurance provided or administered by a Blue Cross Blue Shield company. Class Representatives (“Plaintiffs”) reached a Settlement on October 16, 2020 with the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (“BCBSA”) and Settling Individual Blue Plans. BCBSA and Settling Individual Blue Plans are called “Settling Defendants.”
How did settlement defendants violate antitrust laws?
Plaintiffs allege that Settling Defendants violated antitrust laws by entering into an agreement not to compete with each other and to limit competition among themselves in selling health insurance and administrative services for health insurance. Settling Defendants deny all allegations of wrongdoing and assert that their conduct results in lower healthcare costs and greater access to care for their customers. The Court has not decided who is right or wrong. Instead, Plaintiffs and Settling Defendants have agreed to a Settlement to avoid the risk and cost of further litigation.
What is a settlement with Blue Cross Blue Shield?
Class Representatives (“Plaintiffs”) reached a Settlement on October 16, 2020 with the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (“BCBSA”) and Settling Individual Blue Plans. BCBSA and Settling Individual Blue Plans are called “Settling Defendants.”. Plaintiffs allege that Settling Defendants violated antitrust laws by entering into an agreement not ...
What happens if you select the alternative option?
If you select the Alternative Option, you must submit relevant data or records showing a higher contribution percentage. Otherwise the Default Option will be used. Instructions for submitting your claim are on the claim form, available here. When required, sufficient documentation shall include an attestation signed under penalty of perjury when other documentation is no longer available.
