Schuster Co. Data Breach Settlement Offers Compensation for Affected Individuals
A class action settlement has been reached in the wake of a January 2024 data breach at Schuster Co., which allegedly exposed sensitive personal information including names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and driver’s license or state ID numbers of U.S. residents.
Who Is Eligible?
Individuals who received a breach notification from Schuster Co. or whose data was compromised in the incident may qualify for compensation. The settlement covers those affected by the breach, with claims open until September 14, 2026.
Compensation Options
Eligible class members can choose from the following:
- Cash Payment A (Up to $2,500): For documented out-of-pocket losses (e.g., fraud-related expenses, credit monitoring fees, ID replacement costs) or time spent addressing the breach (up to $80 at $20/hour for four hours).
- Cash Payment B ($50): A one-time payment for those without documented losses, requiring no proof.
- Credit Monitoring: Two years of CyEx Financial Shield, which includes fraud detection and identity theft resolution services.
How to File a Claim
Claims can be submitted online or via mail to the settlement administrator (Schuster Data Incident Settlement, P.O. Box 25226, Santa Ana, CA 92799-9958). Documentation is required for out-of-pocket loss claims but not for the $50 payment or credit monitoring.
Settlement Fund Breakdown
The total fund covers:
- $21,000 for administration costs
- Up to $140,000 in attorneys’ fees
- $6,000 in service awards for class representatives
- Remaining funds for class member payments and credit monitoring
Key Dates
- Opt-out deadline: August 14, 2026
- Claim submission deadline: September 14, 2026
- Final approval hearing: September 28, 2026
- Payouts: Issued after final court approval, pending any appeals
Background
The lawsuit alleged Schuster Co. failed to adequately secure personal data, leading to the breach. While the company denies wrongdoing, the settlement was reached to avoid prolonged litigation. Payments will be distributed after the court’s final approval.
Source: https://www.claimdepot.com/settlements/schuster-data-incident
Schuster Co cybersecurity rating report: https://www.rankiteo.com/company/schuster-co
"id": "SCH1782938287",
"linkid": "schuster-co",
"type": "Breach",
"date": "1/2024",
"severity": "85",
"impact": "4",
"explanation": "Attack with significant impact with customers data leaks"{'affected_entities': [{'customers_affected': 'U.S. residents who received a '
'breach notification',
'location': 'United States',
'name': 'Schuster Co.',
'type': 'Company'}],
'customer_advisories': 'Breach notifications sent to affected individuals '
'with compensation options',
'data_breach': {'personally_identifiable_information': 'Yes',
'sensitivity_of_data': 'High (Personally Identifiable '
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'type_of_data_compromised': ['Names',
'Social Security numbers',
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'Driver’s license or state ID '
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'date_detected': '2024-01-01',
'description': 'A class action settlement has been reached following a '
'January 2024 data breach at Schuster Co., which exposed '
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'Security numbers, dates of birth, and driver’s license or '
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'impact': {'brand_reputation_impact': 'Alleged failure to secure personal '
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'financial_loss': '$21,000 (administration costs) + up to $140,000 '
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'title': 'Schuster Co. Data Breach Settlement',
'type': 'Data Breach',
'vulnerability_exploited': 'Inadequate data security measures'}