Costco’s $14 million email settlement: Who qualifies for an up-to $500 payment and how to claim before the Aug. 24 deadline

Costco has agreed to a $14 million settlement to resolve a class action alleging the warehouse chain sent Washington residents promotional emails with false or misleading subject lines, and eligible shoppers have until Aug. 24 to file a claim.

The case, Michael Aaland v. Costco Wholesale Corporation, is pending in King County Superior Court in Washington. The complaint alleges Costco violated Washington’s Commercial Electronic Mail Act (CEMA) and Consumer Protection Act by advertising time-limited promotions in email subject lines, knowing it would extend those promotions past the stated deadline. Subject lines cited in the litigation included messages like “Today is the last day to access Member-Only Savings” and “Hot Buys available for 5 Days Only.”

Costco denies any wrongdoing. The company maintains it complied with the law and agreed to settle........

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