How to claim $500 from Walmart as the chain pays up after accusations of overcharging customers
- A class action settlement could mean a payday for Walmart shoppers.
- The shopping giant resolved allegations of overcharging customers in a $45 million settlement.
You might want to dig through the bottom of your bag for any crumpled-up Walmart receipts.
If you've bought produce from the grocery chain in the last five or so years, you might be entitled to up to $500 thanks to a class action settlement.
Walmart reached the $45 million settlement to resolve allegations that the retail giant overcharged shoppers for its sold-by-weight products, including packaged meat and certain bagged citrus, according to legal documents.
"We still deny the allegations, however we believe a settlement is in the best interest of both parties," a Walmart spokesperson told Business Insider in a statement.
Anyone who has done some grocery shopping at a Walmart in the US or Puerto Rico between October 19, 2018, and January 19, 2024, should try to remember if they've bought oranges or a package of pork chops recently.
If this sounds like it applies to you, you have until June 5 to submit a claim — either online or by mail — to be paid back. For those who are sticklers about saving their receipts, it's your lucky day.
With receipts or another form of proof of purchase, claimants are entitled to get back 2% of the total cost of eligible items, capped at $500. You'll be prompted to upload copies of your proof in order to cash in.
But receipt tossers shouldn't fret. There's still money offered to those without proof, but don't expect a $500 payday.
With no receipt, you can earn $10 for purchasing up to 50 pounds of eligible goods, $15 for 51 to 75 pounds, $20 for 76 to 100 pounds, and $25 for over 100 pounds, according to the settlement. Just file a claim on the settlement site.
If you're still not sure if that bag of nectarines you bought last summer counts, there's a full list of goods that fall under the "weighted goods" or "bagged citrus" categories described in the settlement.
The final approval hearing is scheduled for June 12, so don't expect to see any cash before then.