Data breaches are becoming increasingly common, impacting businesses and customers alike. One such breach occurred at Baer’s Furniture Co., Inc. in August 2022, compromising sensitive personal information. To address the damage, Baer’s Furniture reached a settlement in 2024, offering affected individuals compensation ranging from $50 to $5,000. If you believe your information was compromised, here’s everything you need to know about the settlement, eligibility, and how to file your claim.
What Happened in the Baer’s Furniture Data Breach?
In August 2022, Baer’s Furniture experienced a cybersecurity attack that exposed sensitive customer data, including:
- Names
- Social Security numbers
- Addresses
- Financial information
This data breach left individuals vulnerable to identity theft and financial fraud. As a result, a class-action lawsuit was filed, leading to a settlement agreement in 2024. Baer’s Furniture has agreed to compensate affected customers as part of the resolution.
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Who Is Eligible for the Settlement?
You may qualify for compensation under the settlement if:
- You were a Baer’s Furniture customer in 2022.
- You received a notification from Baer’s Furniture stating that your information was compromised in the breach.
- Your data was used fraudulently, or you took proactive measures to protect your accounts after the breach.
To confirm your eligibility, visit the official settlement website and check if your information was part of the breach.
What Compensation Can You Claim?
The settlement provides various forms of compensation to address the impact of the breach:
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1. Free Credit Monitoring
Eligible individuals can receive two years of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection. This includes:
- Alerts for suspicious activity.
- Insurance coverage for identity theft expenses.
- Assistance from identity recovery experts.
2. Reimbursement for Financial Losses
If the breach caused financial harm, you can claim up to $5,000 in reimbursement. Covered expenses include:
- Fraudulent charges or withdrawals.
- Costs for freezing or unfreezing credit reports.
- Fees for legal, financial, or professional help related to the breach.
3. Compensation for Lost Time
Time spent resolving issues caused by the breach can be compensated at $25 per hour, up to four hours, for a total of $100.
4. Alternative $50 Cash Payment
If you didn’t experience financial losses or prefer not to use the credit monitoring services, you can opt for a $50 cash payment.
How to File a Claim
Filing a claim is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the Settlement Website
Go to www.baerdatasettlement.com to access the official claim form.
Step 2: Complete the Claim Form
Provide your details, such as your name, contact information, and proof that you were affected by the breach (e.g., a notification from Baer’s Furniture). If you’re claiming financial losses, include supporting documents like bank statements, receipts, or fraud reports.
Step 3: Select Your Compensation Option
Choose whether you want credit monitoring, reimbursement for financial losses, or the $50 cash payment.
Step 4: Submit Your Claim
Double-check your information for accuracy and submit the form online or by mail before the December 16, 2024 deadline.
Important Deadlines
Here are the key dates to keep in mind:
- Claim Submission Deadline: December 16, 2024
- Exclusion or Objection Deadline: November 15, 2024
- Final Approval Hearing: December 5, 2024
Payments will be distributed after the settlement is approved. If no appeals are filed, compensation is expected to be issued a few months after the final hearing.
What to Do If Your Data Was Breached
If your data was compromised, take these steps to protect yourself:
1. Monitor Your Financial Accounts
Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements to detect unauthorized transactions.
2. Check Your Credit Reports
Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to request a free copy of your credit report and look for unusual activity.
3. Freeze or Lock Your Credit
Consider freezing your credit to prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened in your name.
4. Update Your Passwords
Change passwords for your online accounts and enable multi-factor authentication for added security.
5. Report Identity Theft
If you suspect fraud, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What Is a Class-Action Lawsuit?
A class-action lawsuit allows a group of people with similar claims to seek compensation collectively, rather than filing individual lawsuits.
2. How Much Can I Receive?
Compensation ranges from $50 (cash payment) to $5,000 (for documented financial losses).
3. Do I Need a Lawyer to File a Claim?
No, you can file your claim independently through the settlement website.
4. When Will Payments Be Issued?
Payments will be distributed after the final approval hearing on December 5, 2024, assuming no appeals delay the process.
5. What Happens If I Don’t File a Claim?
If you don’t file a claim, you waive your right to compensation under the settlement.
Why This Settlement Matters
The Baer’s Furniture data breach settlement reflects a broader trend of holding companies accountable for cybersecurity failures. For individuals, it’s a reminder of the importance of safeguarding personal information in a digital world.
If you were affected, don’t miss the opportunity to claim your share of the settlement benefits. File your claim before the deadline and take steps to protect your data going forward.
For more details, visit the official settlement website at www.baerdatasettlement.com.