Hotel Guests Can Receive $4,000 Settlement After Data Breach—Here’s How to Apply

According to The Sun, Certain guests who stayed at luxury Fontainebleau hotels could receive a one-time cash distribution following a class-action lawsuit against Fontainebleau Florida Hotel LLC. This company, which owns upscale hotels in Las Vegas and Miami, agreed to a settlement after a data breach in 2022 exposed sensitive customer information.

Data Breach and Settlement Details

The lawsuit alleges that Fontainebleau failed to prevent unauthorized access to its systems, leading to the exposure of personal data, including Social Security numbers and financial details. Though Fontainebleau did not admit wrongdoing, it agreed to settle the case to avoid further legal costs. While the court has yet to approve the settlement, the claim-filing deadline is October 31, 2024, giving affected guests limited time to claim their payout.

Eligibility for Settlement Payments

To qualify for the distribution, claimants must have been directly impacted by the 2022 Fontainebleau data breach. Those eligible should have received a notice by email or mail detailing the breach, which occurred between August 30 and September 2, 2022. Additionally, claimants must submit documentation, such as bills, bank statements, credit reports, or tax documents, verifying out-of-pocket expenses linked to the breach.

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Filing a Claim

Guests eligible for a payment should have received a postcard containing a Claimant Login, necessary for filing. Claims can be submitted online through the settlement website or downloaded as a PDF and mailed to the class administrator. For assistance, claimants can contact the class administrator at 866-742-4955. The filing deadline for claims is October 31, 2024.

Payment Amounts and Additional Benefits

Payment amounts will vary based on verified out-of-pocket expenses. Guests may receive up to $1,000 to cover costs like bank fees, communication charges, and travel expenses, while lost time is reimbursable at $25 per hour, up to four hours. Those who suffered fraud or identity theft due to the breach may qualify for payments of up to $4,000. Additionally, eligible claimants will receive two years of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection.

Upcoming Settlement Approval Hearing

Fontainebleau has also committed to enhancing cybersecurity measures to prevent future breaches. A final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for December 9, 2024, with eligible claimants expected to receive their payments shortly after.