Walmart has agreed to a $45 million settlement in response to a class action lawsuit that accused the retail giant of deceptive pricing practices. The lawsuit alleged that Walmart overcharged customers for weighted goods such as meat, poultry, pork, seafood, and bagged citrus fruit at its stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico between October 19, 2018, and January 19, 2024. Customers who purchased these items during this period may be eligible for compensation.
The lawsuit, filed in 2022 in the Middle District of Florida, claimed that Walmart engaged in unfair and deceptive business practices to mislead customers and charge them more than the advertised price. The plaintiffs argued that Walmart’s checkout system often inflated the weight of products, leading to higher charges than expected. Additionally, certain bagged citrus items were allegedly mislabeled, causing customers to pay more than the lowest in-store advertised price.
Despite agreeing to the settlement, Walmart has denied any wrongdoing. A spokesperson for the company stated that Walmart remains committed to providing everyday low prices and believes that settling the lawsuit is in the best interest of both parties. The company has not admitted to any deceptive practices but has agreed to compensate affected customers.
Customers who qualify for the settlement can submit a claim online or by mail before June 5, 2024. Those who have receipts for their purchases may be eligible for up to $500 in compensation, while those without receipts could still receive up to $25. Walmart has provided a searchable list of UPC codes for the affected products to help customers determine their eligibility.
The settlement received final approval from the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida on June 12, 2024. However, some customers who filed claims are still awaiting their payouts. Reports suggest that valid claimants can expect their payments to be processed by January or February 2025. The settlement administrator has not yet provided an official update on the compensation timeline.
This lawsuit is not the first time Walmart has faced allegations of deceptive pricing. A similar lawsuit was filed in 2019, accusing the company of inflating product weights and misleading customers about discounts. The repeated legal challenges raise concerns about Walmart’s pricing transparency and its commitment to fair business practices. While the settlement provides financial relief to affected customers, it also underscores the importance of corporate accountability in retail pricing.
HOW CAN YOU QUALIFY fOR COMPENSATION
Walmart shoppers who purchased certain weighted goods or bagged citrus products between October 19, 2018, and January 19, 2024 may be eligible for compensation from the $45 million settlement. The lawsuit alleged that Walmart overcharged customers for items sold by weight, including meat, poultry, pork, seafood, and certain citrus fruits. While Walmart denied any wrongdoing, it agreed to settle the case to avoid further litigation. Customers who qualify can submit a claim online or by mail before June 5, 2024.
To receive compensation, shoppers must provide proof of purchase. Those who kept their receipts can claim up to $500, while those without receipts may still be eligible for up to $25. If receipts are unavailable, customers can attempt to retrieve them through Walmart’s website by checking their past purchase history. The settlement administrator has provided a searchable list of UPC codes for affected products to help customers determine if their purchases qualify.
Once claims are submitted, eligible customers will receive their payouts after final approval. The settlement was officially approved in June 2024, and payments are expected to be distributed by January or February 2025. Walmart shoppers who believe they were affected should act quickly to ensure they receive their share of the settlement. If you think you qualify, you can find more details on the settlement administrator’s website.
Staff Writer David R.
