Pawn America Consumer Data Breach Class Action Settlement
Pawn America Consumer Data Breach Class Action Settlement
Pawn America suffered a September 2021 data breach that exposed customer Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, dates of birth, and financial account information. Eligible U.S. customers can claim up to $5,000 in documented losses or a $30 cash payment with no proof, and California residents may claim an additional $50 from the $3.185 million settlement fund.
Settlement fund
$3.185M
Non-reversionary
Top payout
Up to $5,000
Or $30 cash, no proof needed
Claim deadline
Closed
Was Jul 6, 2026
This settlement is closed
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Do you qualify?
You qualify if ALL of the following apply:
- You resided in the United States at the time of the September 2021 Pawn America Data Incident
- Your Private Information (Social Security number, driver’s license, passport, government ID, date of birth, or financial account information) was potentially compromised, including anyone who received a notice from Pawn America in October 2021
- No proof required for the $30 Classwide Cash Payment or the $50 California Cash Payment. Proof is required only if you want to claim documented out-of-pocket losses up to $5,000.
- Excluded: Judge Schiltz and his immediate family and court staff, directors and officers of Defendants, and anyone who submits a valid Request for Exclusion.
- Not sure? Call the Settlement Administrator at 1-888-266-7074 (Mon–Sat, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT) or visit pawnamericasettlement.com.
What happened
In September 2021, an unauthorized third party gained access to files belonging to Pawn America (which includes Pawn America Minnesota, LLC, Payday America, Inc., and PAL Card Minnesota, LLC). The files contained customer names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, passport numbers, government identification numbers, dates of birth, and financial account information. Pawn America sent notification letters in October 2021 to individuals whose Private Information may have been accessed. The lawsuit alleges that Defendants were responsible for the Data Incident and that Plaintiffs were injured as a result.
Pawn America denies any wrongdoing and denies any liability. The Court has not made any determination that Defendants did anything wrong. Both sides agreed to the Settlement to avoid the cost and uncertainty of further litigation and trial.
How to file a claim
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1
Confirm you are eligible
You qualify if you resided in the U.S. at the time of the September 2021 Data Incident and your Private Information was potentially compromised. This includes anyone who received a notification letter from Pawn America in October 2021. You do not need the letter to file.
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2
Choose your payment type(s)
You can request one or more of: (a) a Classwide Cash Payment (initially $30, no proof needed); (b) a California Cash Payment (initially $50, for Settlement Class Members who lived in California in September or October 2021, no proof needed); and/or (c) a Documented Loss Payment (up to $5,000 for out-of-pocket losses traceable to the Data Incident, with third-party proof such as receipts or account statements). Payment amounts may be adjusted up or down depending on total valid claims.
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3
File online or by mail
The fastest option is to file online at the official claim portal. You can also mail a completed Claim Form (postmarked no later than July 6, 2026) to: Pawn America Consumer Data Breach Litigation Settlement Administrator, P.O. Box 301132, Los Angeles, CA 90030-1132. For the full Settlement Agreement, Notice, and FAQs, visit the settlement website.
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4
Receive your payment
Payments are issued only after the Court grants Final Approval at the September 9, 2026 hearing and after any appeals are resolved. No further action is required once your claim is submitted.
Key dates
- Jun 5, 2026 Opt-out & objection deadline Upcoming
- Jul 6, 2026 Claim filing deadline Upcoming
- Sep 9, 2026 Final approval hearing (8:30 a.m. CT) Upcoming
- TBD after final approval Expected payout to claimants Pending
The Final Approval Hearing will be held at the U.S. District Court, Diana E. Murphy United States Courthouse, 300 South Fourth Street, Courtroom 15, Minneapolis, MN 55415, or by remote means if the Court so orders. Dates may change without additional notice, so check pawnamericasettlement.com for updates.
Where the money is going
All amounts listed above are pending and subject to final court approval at the fairness hearing. Any Residual Funds that remain after payments are redeemed may be redistributed to class members who cashed their payments, or if redistribution is not economically feasible, donated to a Court-approved nonprofit that promotes consumer privacy or data security (cy pres).
Common questions
How much money will I actually receive?
The Classwide Cash Payment is initially valued at $30 for every Settlement Class Member with a Valid Claim, and the California Cash Payment is initially valued at an additional $50 for California residents. These amounts may be adjusted up or down depending on the total number and value of valid claims filed. Documented Loss Payments can be up to $5,000 based on approved third-party documentation of losses traceable to the Data Incident. No payout is guaranteed, and the final amount depends on how many valid claims are submitted.
Do I need proof to file a claim?
No proof is required for the $30 Classwide Cash Payment or the $50 California Cash Payment. You only need to submit a valid Claim Form. Proof (receipts, account statements, or similar third-party documents) is required only if you are claiming a Documented Loss Payment for out-of-pocket expenses up to $5,000. Self-prepared documents like handwritten receipts may supplement but do not replace third-party documentation.
What if I did not receive a settlement notice?
You may still be eligible. The Settlement Class includes anyone who resided in the U.S. at the time of the September 2021 Data Incident and whose Private Information was potentially compromised, whether or not you received a notification. You can call the Settlement Administrator at 1-888-266-7074 or visit pawnamericasettlement.com to confirm eligibility and request a Claim Form.
Does filing a claim affect my right to sue Pawn America later?
Yes. Unless you formally opt out by the June 5, 2026 deadline, you will be bound by the Settlement’s release of claims once the Court grants Final Approval. This means you will give up the right to sue Pawn America or the other Released Parties for any claims arising out of or relating to the September 2021 Data Incident. Filing a claim itself does not add any additional release beyond what the Settlement already provides to class members who do not opt out.
When will payments be sent out?
Payments will not be issued until after the Effective Date of the Settlement, which occurs only after the Court grants Final Approval at the September 9, 2026 hearing and any appeals are resolved. The exact payout timing has not been set. Check pawnamericasettlement.com or call 1-888-266-7074 for updates.
Dapeer Law, P.A.
Consumer class action attorneys based in South Florida. We track settlements so you don’t have to.
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This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Dapeer Law, P.A. is not the administrator of this settlement and is not affiliated with Pawn America Minnesota, LLC, Payday America, Inc., PAL Card Minnesota, LLC, or the Settlement Administrator. Class Counsel in this case are Bryan L. Bleichner of Chestnut Cambronne P.A. and Nathan D. Prosser of Hellmuth & Johnson PLLC, and the Class Representatives are Melissa Thomas, Randell Huff, Megan Murillo, Monique Derr, and Paola Manzo. This website is attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
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