Only Washington State residents who received an unsolicited Cash App referral text message without consent qualify for the 2025 Cash App settlement.
According to a 2019 Federal Trade Commission study, fewer than 10% of eligible people typically claim class-action payouts – meaning thousands of Cash App users could leave about $100 each unclaimed. Don’t let that be you. This guide explains who qualifies, how much you could get, and how to claim your share – with real examples and answers to common questions.
What You’ll Learn in This Article:
- 🔎 Who exactly qualifies for the Cash App settlement (and who doesn’t) – and why Washington residents are the ones eligible.
- 💰 How much money you might receive from the settlement (with real examples of payout calculations).
- 📝 How to claim your payout step-by-step and important deadlines to know so you don’t miss out.
- ⚠️ Common mistakes to avoid when filing your claim (so you don’t accidentally forfeit your compensation).
- ❓ Quick answers to FAQs about the Cash App settlement (eligibility, claiming process, and what to expect).
Why Cash App Faced a Lawsuit (and Settled for $12.5 Million)
Cash App’s parent company (Block, Inc.) was sued for sending unsolicited text messages to users’ friends, promoting the app through its “Invite Friends” feature. The lawsuit, filed in November 2023 by a Washington State resident (Kimberly Bottoms), alleged that Cash App sent referral texts without consent, violating consumer protection laws. Rather than fight a lengthy court battle, Block agreed in 2025 to a $12.5 million class-action settlement.
What laws did Cash App allegedly break? The claims centered on both federal and state laws aimed at preventing spam communications:
- Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) – A federal law that prohibits companies from sending automated text messages or calls to consumers without consent. The TCPA can impose penalties of up to $500 per unwanted message (or up to $1,500 per message if willfully violating the law). This law covers all U.S. states, but enforcement and outcomes can vary.
- Washington Consumer Electronic Mail Act (CEMA) – A Washington state law that specifically bans unsolicited commercial text messages to cell phones of Washington residents. Under CEMA, each illegal text could trigger $500 in statutory damages. Importantly, Washington courts have ruled that any CEMA violation is automatically a violation of the state’s broader consumer law.
- Washington Consumer Protection Act (CPA) – The general state consumer protection law. It prohibits unfair or deceptive practices. In this case, sending texts without permission to Washington residents is considered an unfair practice. Because of CEMA, victims don’t even have to prove harm – the act of sending the unsolicited text is enough to claim damages under the CPA. This strong state law backdrop gave the plaintiffs significant leverage.
Cash App’s “Invite Friends” referral program was at the heart of the issue. The app allowed users to refer friends by accessing their contacts and sending an invite link via text. The lawsuit claimed that Cash App was effectively sending these texts on users’ behalf, without clear permission from the recipients. In other words, if John was a Cash App user who tapped “Invite Friends,” his contacts (like Jane) might receive a text saying something like, “Join me on Cash App to get $5!” – even though Jane never gave Cash App permission to text her. This kind of automated marketing to non-users led Washington residents like the plaintiff to sue.
Block, Inc. (formerly known as Square) has denied any wrongdoing, as is typical in such settlements. The company maintains that it didn’t break the law, but it opted to settle the case to avoid prolonged litigation and uncertainty. The $12.5 million settlement fund is meant to compensate users who were affected by these unsolicited texts, showing that even tech giants have to answer for consumer privacy violations.
Who Qualifies for the Cash App Settlement?
Now the big question: Do you qualify for a payout? You qualify for the Cash App settlement only if you meet all three of the following conditions:
- Residence in Washington State – The settlement class is limited to Washington residents. If you lived in Washington (or had a Washington cellphone number) at the time you received the text, you pass this test. (Residents of other states are not included in this settlement.)
- Received an Unsolicited Cash App Text – You must have received a Cash App referral text message on your phone, and it was sent without your prior consent. Typically, this would be a text inviting you to join Cash App or offering a sign-up bonus, coming from another user’s referral but sent via Cash App’s system. If you never got any text or notification like this, you won’t qualify.
- No Prior Consent Given – You did not give Cash App permission to contact you. In practice, this usually means you were not a Cash App user at the time and did not opt in to any messages. For example, if you had never signed up for Cash App and suddenly got a referral text from the app, that counts as without consent. (If you were already a Cash App customer, those invite texts typically wouldn’t be sent to you – they target new users – so existing customers generally weren’t on the receiving end of these referral messages.)
In summary, if you’re a Washington state resident who got a Cash App “invite” text out of the blue, you are likely eligible to be part of this settlement. The class is estimated to include about 2 million people (based on the number of phone numbers that Cash App’s records show as having received these messages in Washington).
What if I’m not sure whether I got a Cash App text? If you live in Washington and have friends or contacts who use Cash App, think back to 2020–2023 or check your old text messages for anything mentioning Cash App. The referral texts might have messages like “<Friend’s Name> invited you to join Cash App” with a link. If you find one, save it. If you don’t have the message saved, don’t worry – you may still be on the company’s list of recipients. The settlement administrators can verify your phone number against Cash App’s logs of texts sent.
Why Washington residents only? It might seem odd that only one state’s users are included. The reason is Washington’s strong anti-texting laws (CEMA and CPA) provided a clear legal pathway for this lawsuit. While the federal TCPA covers everyone, the lawsuit was kept focused on Washington where the plaintiff filed and where statutory damages ($500/text) were clearly defined. If you live elsewhere and got Cash App spam texts, you’re unfortunately not covered by this particular settlement. (No nationwide class was pursued, possibly to keep the case manageable or because other states don’t have the same favorable laws.)
How Much Money Could You Get?
Everyone wants to know, “How much will I receive?” The exact amount depends on how many people file valid claims, but current estimates suggest each eligible person could get roughly $90 to $150. Here’s why: the settlement provides a $12.5 million fund to be split among all claimants (after legal fees and costs). The fewer people claim, the larger each individual payout will be. Conversely, if every single eligible person claimed, the share per person would be smaller.
To illustrate potential payouts, consider these scenarios:
| Number of People Who Claim | Estimated Payout per Person |
|---|---|
| 100,000 claimants (low participation) | Approximately $125 – $147 each 💵 |
| 200,000 claimants (moderate participation) | Approximately $88 – $110 each |
| 500,000+ claimants (high participation) | $50 or less each |
As you can see, your payout might range from around $50 up to about $150. The common expectation being mentioned is about $100 per person on average. The settlement administrators won’t know the final amount until all claims are in and approved.
Why such a big range? In class actions like this, the settlement money is usually divided pro rata (proportionally) among approved claimants. If a lot of people participate, each one gets a smaller slice of the pie. If relatively few people submit claims (which, remember, often less than 10% do), each claimant’s slice is much bigger.
Importantly, every qualifying claimant will get the same flat amount. It doesn’t matter if you received one text or multiple texts – you won’t get paid per text message. (Even if you got 10 spam invites, you likely still just make one claim and receive the standard share.) The settlement is a way to compensate the class generally for the annoyance/privacy intrusion, not to reimburse specific losses (since getting a text didn’t cost you money – it was just unwanted).
Also note that from the $12.5 million total, certain portions will go toward attorneys’ fees, administrative costs (like running the claims website, sending notices), and possibly a small incentive award to the class representative (the lead plaintiff, for the time and effort of bringing the case). The remainder of the fund goes to the class members who claim their share. Typically, legal fees might be around 25–30% of the fund (subject to court approval), so that could take roughly $3–4 million off the top. The numbers above (in the table) already account for that deduction, which is why the per-person amounts seem smaller than if you simply divided $12.5M by number of people.
In short: expect around a hundred bucks, give or take, if you qualify and claim on time. It’s not life-changing money, but it’s a pretty nice reward for the minimal effort of filling out a claim form – and it sends a message to companies about respecting consumer consent.
How to Claim Your Cash App Settlement Payout
Filing a claim for your share is straightforward and free. You do not need to pay anyone or hire a lawyer to do this – just follow the steps once the claim process opens. Here’s how it works:
1. Wait for the Official Claim Notice or Website. Because the settlement was just recently reached, the claims process is being set up. The official settlement website (likely something like “CashAppSettlement.com”) will be announced where you can submit a claim. Block (Cash App) has records of the phone numbers and/or emails of potential class members, so they will send out notifications. You might receive an email or a postcard in the mail saying you’re entitled to claim money from the Cash App settlement. Tip: Keep an eye on the mail and your email (including spam folder) for any notice about the Cash App settlement. The notice will include instructions and a unique ID or claim number in some cases, but you typically can claim even without it by verifying your info on the site.
2. Go to the Official Claim Site and Fill Out the Form. Once the claims period starts, visit the official website (ensure it’s the legitimate one – it should be referenced in the notice or on reputable news sources). There, you’ll find a claim form asking for basic information:
- Your name and contact info (address, email).
- Your phone number (the one that received the Cash App text). This is crucial for verifying your eligibility.
- Possibly a confirmation that you lived in Washington when you got the text. (Often, the form might include a checkbox or declaration like “I confirm I was a Washington resident and received a Cash App invite text without my consent.”)
You will not be asked for sensitive info like your Social Security number or any passwords. Be cautious of anyone asking for such details – it could be a scam. The legitimate claim form will be simple. No proof or documentation (like a screenshot of the text) is expected from most claimants. The administrators plan to verify claims using Cash App’s own records of which numbers were texted. So, as long as your phone number appears in their database of messages, and you meet the criteria, your claim should be approved.
3. Choose Your Payment Method. The form will let you select how you want to receive your money. Options typically include:
- Paper check mailed to you.
- Electronic payment via services like PayPal or Venmo.
- Possibly direct deposit (ACH) to a bank account, though in this case PayPal/Venmo were specifically mentioned. (Ironically, you might not be paid through the Cash App itself – likely to avoid any appearance of forcing you to use their product.)
Select the method most convenient for you. Double-check that your mailing address or account details are entered correctly to avoid any payment issues.
4. Submit the Claim Before the Deadline. As of now, a final claim deadline hasn’t been publicly announced. The settlement is awaiting final court approvals. However, the notice will specify a deadline (claims filing cutoff date). It could be several months from the notice date. Don’t procrastinate – fill out the form as soon as you can. If you miss the deadline, you’ll lose your right to the money.
After submitting, you should receive a confirmation (on the website and/or via email) that your claim was received. You may want to save or print that confirmation for your records.
5. Wait for Approval and Payment. After the claim deadline passes and the court grants final approval of the settlement (there will be a fairness hearing to finalize everything), payments will begin. This could take a while – often a few months after the deadline. Be patient; these legal processes aren’t instant. You don’t need to do anything else once you’ve filed your claim. If there’s an issue with your claim, the administrators might reach out for clarification, but that’s rare if you filled things in correctly.
Can you track the progress? The official website will likely post updates, such as when the court hearing is done, if any appeals are filed (appeals could delay payments), and when they expect to send the money out. If you chose PayPal or Venmo, you might simply get an email that money was sent to your account when the time comes. If you chose a check, watch your mail around the estimated payment timeframe.
What if you do nothing? If you ignore the notice and don’t file a claim, you won’t get any money. You’ll essentially be giving up your share of the settlement. However, you’ll likely still be bound by the settlement, meaning you can’t later sue Cash App separately for this issue. In other words, the case will be closed and any unclaimed funds might revert to the company or go to a charitable cause (depending on the settlement terms), rather than to you. So it’s in your interest to claim what’s yours.
Avoid These Common Mistakes (Don’t Miss Your Money!)
When it comes to claiming settlement money, small errors can cost you your payout. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Waiting too long to file. ⏳ Many people put aside the notice and forget about it until it’s too late. Don’t risk missing the deadline. As soon as you learn you’re eligible, submit your claim. Late claims are usually rejected – no exceptions.
- Throwing away or ignoring the notice. 📨 The postcard or email you receive about the Cash App settlement is legitimate (assuming it matches details we’ve described). Some people might mistake it for junk mail or a scam and toss it. While you should be cautious of scams (we’ll address that next), do verify the information. If it mentions the specific case and doesn’t ask for anything shady (like credit card info), it’s likely real. Mistake to avoid: Don’t assume every “Cash App settlement” message is fake; do a quick check or search to confirm, but don’t ignore it outright.
- Falling for phishing scams. 🚨 Unfortunately, scammers might try to take advantage of this situation. They could send texts or emails claiming to help you claim your Cash App settlement, but then trick you into giving personal info or even charging a “processing fee” (the real process does not cost money!). Never pay to file a claim, and be wary of any unofficial links. Always cross-verify with the official settlement website or court information. The safest route is to manually type in the known official URL from the notice or a trusted news source, rather than clicking on random links in messages.
- Entering incorrect information on the claim form. 🖊️ A simple typo in your address or a wrong digit in your phone number could lead to your claim being flagged or your check getting lost. Double-check all your entries. Make sure the phone number you provide is the one that got the text (if you’ve changed your number since then, you might need to provide the old number on the form and possibly note the current number as contact info). Ensure your name and address are current, especially if you opt for a mailed check.
- Not realizing you qualify. 🤔 Some eligible people might wrongly assume they don’t qualify. For example, if you got a Cash App invite text but you thought “Oh, my friend must have just sent that manually” – in reality that invite was automated by Cash App. If you live in Washington and recall any message about Cash App that you didn’t ask for, you probably do qualify. When in doubt, submit a claim anyway (truthfully). The administrators will verify if your phone number is in the list. There’s no penalty for submitting a claim that, say, doesn’t match – the worst that happens is they deny it. But if you don’t submit, you definitely get nothing.
- Opting out without a plan. (This is less common, but worth noting.) In class actions, you have the right to opt out of the settlement if you want to pursue your own lawsuit against Block/Cash App. The deadline to opt out will be in the notice. Only opt out if you truly intend to hire a lawyer and sue separately – maybe if you believe you have significant damages not covered by this settlement. For almost everyone in this case, opting out would not make sense, because the harm is just receiving a text message (a personal lawsuit over that is unlikely to yield more than this settlement does). Opting out means you get no money from this deal. Mistake: Don’t opt out just from misunderstanding; most people should stay in and file a claim to get the money.
In short, stay alert, be prompt, and use common sense. The process isn’t hard, but missing a step or being careless can cause you to lose out. This settlement is basically “free money” for those affected – make sure you actually get it.
Real Examples: Who Gets Paid and Who Doesn’t
To make things clearer, let’s look at a few examples of scenarios and whether the person would qualify for the Cash App settlement:
| Scenario | Eligible for Payout? |
|---|---|
| Jane Doe, Seattle, WA: Jane never had Cash App. In 2022, she received a text saying “Your friend invited you to try Cash App to get $5.” She didn’t sign up and felt annoyed by the unsolicited text. | Yes. Jane fits the criteria – a Washington resident who got an unsolicited invite text. She should file a claim to receive her share (likely around $100). |
| John Smith, Portland, OR: John has a friend in Seattle who uses Cash App. John (in Oregon) got a similar invite text from Cash App via his friend. | No. Even though John got an unsolicited Cash App text, he’s not a Washington resident. This class action specifically covers Washington, so John isn’t eligible for this settlement. (He might be protected by federal law, but there’s no national settlement for him in this case.) |
| Alex Chen, Spokane, WA: Alex is a Cash App user himself. He often uses the app to pay friends. He never received any “invite” texts because he was already on Cash App. However, Alex’s cousin claims Alex’s name was used in an invite text to someone else. | No. Alex himself didn’t receive an unsolicited text; being a Cash App customer isn’t harmful in this context. Only the recipients of unwanted texts are class members. Alex’s cousin (if they got a text from Alex/Cash App without consent and lives in WA) would qualify instead. Alex isn’t in the class and won’t get any money (since he wasn’t harmed by his name being used). |
| Maria Garcia, Tacoma, WA (Former Number): Maria lived in Washington in 2021 and got a Cash App invite text back then. She has since moved to California and changed her phone number. | Yes. Maria was a Washington resident at the time of the text, which is what counts. Even if she’s moved, she can still claim as a class member. On the claim form, she should provide the old WA phone number that received the text. Her current residence doesn’t disqualify her, since the case is about the situation when the text was sent. |
| David Lee, Olympia, WA: David got three separate Cash App referral texts in 2021 from different friends. He deleted them all, annoyed. | Yes. Multiple texts don’t change eligibility – he’s still eligible just once as a class member. David will get a single payout (not triple). He doesn’t need to prove he got three texts; one is enough to qualify. Deleting them doesn’t matter as long as his number is on record. |
These examples show that being a Washington resident and the recipient of the unwanted message are the key factors. If you meet those, it doesn’t matter if you’ve moved since, or if you deleted the message, etc. And if you’re not in Washington, unfortunately this settlement won’t apply to you even if the scenario seems similar.
How This Settlement Stacks Up (Comparisons and Context)
It’s helpful to put the Cash App settlement in context with other cases and general practices:
- Compared to potential trial damages: Had this gone to trial under laws like the TCPA or Washington’s CEMA, Cash App could have faced astronomical damages (in theory, $500 per text to possibly 2 million texts = $1 billion!). However, in reality, class-action trials are risky and often yield nothing if the case fails. By settling for $12.5 million, the class secures a guaranteed payout for members, and the company caps its liability. This is common: many class actions settle for a fraction of the theoretical maximum, balancing risk and reward.
- Compared to other spam text settlements: Cash App’s ~$100 per person is actually on the higher side for a text-message class action. For instance, TCPA class settlements for unwanted texts or calls often result in payouts ranging from $20 to $50 per claimant, depending on the case. Washington’s stronger laws likely pushed this amount higher. Also, because it’s limited to one state, the fund is split among fewer people than a nationwide case, meaning a bigger slice for each.
- Other Cash App settlements in 2024–2025: Don’t confuse this with the Cash App data breach settlement. Around the same time, Cash App (Block) agreed to a $15 million settlement over data breaches and unauthorized transactions that occurred between 2018 and 2024. That is a separate class action with its own criteria – it covers users nationwide whose financial info was compromised or who had fraudulent withdrawals. In that case, users could claim up to $2,500 for documented losses (like unreimbursed stolen funds, fees, or time spent) and around $30 if they had no proof of loss. The deadline to file claims for the data breach case was in late 2024. So if you hear about people getting up to $2500 from Cash App, that’s a different settlement. Key takeaway: The 2025 Cash App settlement we’re discussing here is specifically about unsolicited text messages in Washington State, not about hacked accounts or fraud losses.
- Why Washington leads the way: Washington State has become somewhat infamous for these “refer-a-friend” text lawsuits. Tech companies and even banks have been sued under the same CEMA law. For example, there have been cases against ride-share companies and others for referral texts. Washington courts have made it clear: even if a text is sent by a friend’s action, if the company facilitated it without the recipient’s consent, it can be liable. This aggressive stance is why we see a Washington-only class here. Other states might not allow such an easy win – for instance, some states require showing actual damage or have no law addressing texts specifically.
- Topical authority & repeated issues: This isn’t the first time Block, Inc. has faced legal scrutiny. Aside from the text message issue and the data breach case, the company has dealt with:
- Data security incidents: As noted, a former employee’s unauthorized access led to a breach of customer data in 2021, spawning the separate class action.
- Cash App Investing issues: There have been past concerns or lawsuits about disclosures or outages in the stock trading part of Cash App.
- Account freezes: Users have complained (and sometimes sued) over accounts being suddenly frozen or closed. While not a class action at the scale of this one, it shows a pattern of user friction points.
- No admission of guilt: It’s worth noting again that Block/Cash App did not admit any wrongdoing in this settlement. That’s standard for settlements – they pay out to resolve the matter, but legally they don’t concede they broke the law. So you won’t see Cash App sending out an apology letter or anything; the payout is the remedy, not an admission.
- Outcome for users: At the end of the day, if you qualify, this settlement is a little win for you (some extra cash) and a lesson for the company. It demonstrates the power of consumer protection laws – even a text message, if sent unlawfully, can cost a company millions. For Washington residents, it reinforces that the state takes digital privacy seriously. For everyone else, it’s a reminder to be mindful of what you agree to and how companies use your data (and perhaps to be a bit jealous of Washington’s stricter laws!).
Pros and Cons of Filing a Claim
Should you bother filing a claim for the Cash App settlement? (Spoiler: Yes, you should, if you’re eligible.) But to be thorough, let’s break down the pros and cons:
| Pros of Claiming Your Share | Cons (or Downsides) |
|---|---|
| Free Money: You get roughly $100 (give or take) for essentially doing a quick online form. It’s compensation for something that annoyed you (an unwanted text). | Minimal Effort Required: Honestly, there’s little downside. The “cons” here are minor – mainly the small amount of effort needed. If you consider a few minutes of form-filling a con, that’s about it. |
| No Cost or Risk: Joining the settlement costs nothing. You’re not suing anyone individually, you won’t get dragged into court, and you won’t owe lawyers anything. The attorneys’ fees come out of the settlement fund, not your pocket. | Payment Isn’t Instant: You will have to wait months to actually get the money. There’s a bit of delayed gratification. If you were hoping to cash in tomorrow, that won’t happen. |
| Accountability: By claiming, you’re part of holding a big company accountable. Even if your individual payout is small, collectively the class action sends a message that consumer consent matters. | Waiver of Separate Claims: When you accept the class settlement (by not opting out and by cashing the payment), you waive your right to sue Cash App individually for this issue. For 99.9% of people this isn’t really a loss – nobody would sue over a text on their own. But it’s a formality to note. |
| Easy Process: The claim process is straightforward, and help is available if you have questions (the settlement administrator usually provides a toll-free number or FAQs). | One-Time Deal: You only get to claim once. Even if you got multiple texts or had greater annoyance, you won’t get more than the standard share. If you feel the settlement isn’t enough for the trouble caused, your only “con” is that you might find the compensation low. But opting out to pursue more isn’t realistic for these facts. |
As shown, the pros far outweigh any cons. Basically, if you’re eligible, there’s almost no reason not to file a claim – it’s easy money for a past inconvenience. The only real “con” is that the payout amount per person is limited (you won’t be retiring on this money). But getting something is better than nothing. The settlement won’t make anyone rich, but it will at least put a little cash back in your pocket and hopefully deter similar unsolicited texting by companies in the future.
Key Terms Explained (Class Actions & Legal Lingo)
To help you understand some of the terminology around the Cash App settlement, here are a few key terms and concepts explained in plain language:
| Term | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Class Action | A lawsuit filed on behalf of a group of people who all suffered a similar harm. Instead of hundreds of individual lawsuits, one case handles everyone’s claims together. In this case, the “class” is the ~2 million people who got unwanted Cash App texts in Washington. Class actions consolidate the claims to make it efficient and consistent. |
| Settlement | An agreement to resolve a lawsuit out of court. In a settlement, the defendant (here, Block/Cash App) agrees to pay money (or take certain actions) and the plaintiffs agree to drop the case. It’s a compromise: the class gets compensation without the risk of losing at trial, and the company limits its liability. The settlement must be approved by the court to ensure it’s fair. |
| Settlement Fund | The total amount of money the defendant agrees to pay. Here, it’s $12.5 million. This fund covers everything: class member payouts, lawyers’ fees, administrative costs, etc. What’s left after those expenses is distributed to the class members who file claims. |
| Claim Form | The form that eligible class members fill out to request their share of the settlement. It typically asks for contact info and a confirmation of eligibility. Submitting a claim form is required to get paid in most settlements (unless it’s an automatic distribution). In this Cash App case, you need to submit a claim form online or by mail by the deadline. |
| Deadline (Claims Deadline) | The last date by which you must submit your claim. This date will be specified in the notice and on the settlement site. If you miss it, you lose the right to compensation. Always note the deadline and act before it. |
| Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) | A federal U.S. law from 1991 aimed at protecting consumers from unwanted telemarketing calls and texts. It requires companies to get prior consent before robocalling or auto-texting you. Violations can lead to $500-$1,500 penalties per message/call. The Cash App texts were alleged to violate the TCPA because they were automated invites sent without consent. |
| Washington Consumer Electronic Mail Act (CEMA) | A Washington state law (from 1998, initially targeting email spam) that makes it illegal to send unsolicited commercial text messages to cell phones of Washington residents. It sets statutory damages of $500 per illegal text and makes each violation a per-se (automatic) violation of the state’s Consumer Protection Act. This is the law that, combined with the CPA, really put pressure on Cash App in this case. |
| Washington Consumer Protection Act (CPA) | Washington’s broad consumer protection law. It prohibits businesses from engaging in unfair or deceptive acts. Under the CPA, consumers can sue and potentially get damages, plus attorney fees, for violations. By tying CEMA to the CPA (as the courts have done), it means anyone who got an unsolicited text can sue under the CPA and doesn’t have to prove they were harmed – the fact it happened is enough, and $500 is the damage amount set by law. |
| Block, Inc. (formerly Square, Inc.) | The company that owns Cash App. Co-founded by Jack Dorsey (of Twitter fame), Block is a fintech firm. It renamed from Square to Block in late 2021. When you hear Block in this context, it’s essentially the defendant company behind Cash App. Knowing the name is helpful if you see legal documents – they might refer to Block or Cash App interchangeably, but they mean the same entity for our story. |
| Invite Friends Program | The feature in the Cash App mobile app that let users send referral invitations to their contacts. If a friend signed up via your invite, both you and the friend might get a bonus (like $5 or $15). The controversy was that this program sent out those invites via text message, and those texts were sent by Cash App’s system to people who hadn’t opted in. It’s the central feature that led to the lawsuit. |
Knowing these terms can help you better understand any official notices or articles you read about the settlement. Legal communications can be dense; hopefully, this cheat-sheet makes it clearer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does the Cash App settlement apply to all Cash App users?
A: No. Only Washington State residents who received unsolicited Cash App referral text messages qualify. If you’re outside Washington or never got an invite text, you’re not eligible.
Q: Is the Cash App $12.5M settlement real or a scam?
A: Yes, it’s real. The settlement is a legal agreement approved by the court. However, be cautious of scam emails/texts. Always use the official settlement website to file your claim.
Q: Do I get the money automatically if I qualify?
A: No. You must submit a claim form to receive payment. Eligible folks won’t get paid unless they file a claim by the deadline, so be sure to do it.
Q: When is the deadline to file a claim?
A: It’s to be determined (as of now). The court will set a deadline once everything is finalized. The deadline date will be on the official notice. Don’t wait – file as soon as you can.
Q: What if I deleted the Cash App text message?
A: You can still file a claim. You don’t need the physical message. The administrators will verify your phone number against their records to confirm if you were sent a text.
Q: Do I need to provide proof or documentation?
A: No. Proof isn’t required for this settlement. You don’t have to upload screenshots or anything. Just provide your phone number and info on the claim form – they’ll do the verification internally.
Q: How will I receive my payment?
A: You can choose a payment method when filing the claim. Options include a mailed check or digital payment (like PayPal or Venmo). Select what’s best for you on the claim form.
Q: I live in Washington but didn’t get any invite text. Can I claim anyway?
A: No. Simply living in Washington isn’t enough – you must have actually received an unsolicited Cash App invite text. If you never got one, you won’t be eligible for this payout.
Q: Can I sue Cash App separately instead of taking this settlement?
A: No (in most cases). The deadline to opt out and sue separately will be in the notice. If you stay in the class (most people will), you give up the right to sue individually over these texts. But suing on your own likely isn’t practical here, so the settlement is the way to get compensation.
Q: What if I have a new phone number now?
A: You can still claim. Provide the old phone number (that got the text) on your form and your current contact details for payment. Eligibility is based on the number that was texted when you were in WA, even if you’ve since changed it.