In the digital age, data breaches are a growing concern, affecting millions of people every year. One of the recent incidents involved Baer’s Furniture Co., Inc., a popular name in home furnishings, which suffered a cyberattack in August 2022. This breach exposed sensitive customer data, leading to a class-action lawsuit and a subsequent settlement offering compensation between $50 and $5,000 for affected individuals.
If you think your information was compromised in this breach, this guide will walk you through the settlement process, eligibility requirements, and how to file a claim for compensation.
What Happened in the Baer’s Furniture Data Breach?
In August 2022, Baer’s Furniture fell victim to a targeted cyberattack that compromised sensitive customer data, including:
- Full Names
- Social Security Numbers
- Addresses
- Financial Information
This exposed data could be used for identity theft, financial fraud, or phishing attacks. In response to the breach, Baer’s Furniture agreed to settle the class-action lawsuit and provide compensation to affected individuals.
Am I Eligible for the Settlement?
You may be eligible for compensation if:
- You were a customer of Baer’s Furniture in 2022.
- You were notified by Baer’s Furniture about the breach affecting your data.
- Your personal or financial information was misused, or you took steps to secure your accounts after the breach.
How to Check Your Eligibility for the Baer’s Furniture Data Breach Settlement
To verify if your information was impacted, visit the official settlement website and input your details.
What Compensation Can I Claim?
Depending on the impact of the breach, you can claim different forms of compensation, including:
- Free Credit Monitoring Services
Eligible individuals can receive two years of credit monitoring and identity theft protection, which includes:- Real-time alerts for suspicious activity.
- Insurance coverage for identity theft-related expenses.
- Assistance from identity recovery professionals.
- Reimbursement for Financial Losses
If you suffered financial losses due to fraudulent activity, you could receive compensation of up to $5,000. This covers:- Fraudulent transactions or withdrawals.
- Costs to freeze or unfreeze your credit reports.
- Out-of-pocket expenses for professional services, such as attorney or accountant fees.
- Compensation for Lost Time
If you spent time dealing with issues caused by the breach, you can claim $25 per hour for up to four hours, with a maximum of $100. - Alternative Cash Payment
If you didn’t suffer financial losses or prefer not to use the credit monitoring service, you can choose a $50 cash payment.
How to File a Baer’s Furniture Data Breach Settlement Claim
Follow these steps to submit your claim:
- Visit the Settlement Website
Go to www.baerdatasettlement.com. - Fill Out the Claim Form
Enter your personal details, including name, contact information, and proof that you were notified of the breach. If you are claiming financial losses, upload supporting documents, such as bank statements or fraud reports. - Select Your Compensation Option
Choose between credit monitoring, reimbursement for financial losses, or the $50 cash payment. - Submit Your Claim
Make sure all the information is accurate, then submit the form online or by mail before the deadline of December 16, 2024.
Key Dates to Remember
- Claim Submission Deadline: December 16, 2024
- Exclusion/Objection Deadline: November 15, 2024
- Final Approval Hearing: December 5, 2024
Payments will be distributed after the settlement is officially approved. If there are no appeals, distribution is expected a few months after the final hearing.