The Green Valley Pecan Company has announced a settlement following a May 2022 cyberattack that exposed sensitive personal data.
Affected individuals may be eligible for financial compensation of up to $4,400, along with two years of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection.
If you’re among the impacted, here’s what you need to know about eligibility, filing a claim, and safeguarding your information.
Overview of the Data Breach
In May 2022, Green Valley experienced a cyberattack that compromised the personal information of thousands, including names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and financial data.
The breach led to reports of identity theft and financial fraud, prompting a class action lawsuit.
Green Valley denies liability but has agreed to a settlement to resolve claims. The settlement provides financial compensation and resources to help prevent further harm.
Key Settlement Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Compensation | Up to $4,400 per claimant |
| Claim Deadline | December 16, 2024 |
| Eligibility | Individuals notified of the breach |
| Required Documentation | Breach letter, bank statements, invoices, etc. |
| Additional Benefits | Free 2-year credit monitoring, $1M insurance |
| Settlement Website | Green Valley Settlement Website |
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the settlement, you must:
- Have Received a Notification Letter: Green Valley notified affected individuals about the breach.
- Demonstrate Losses: Submit proof of financial losses or identity theft caused by the breach.
Types of Claims
- Ordinary Losses: Covers smaller, documented expenses such as:
- Bank fees, phone charges, or credit monitoring costs.
- Compensation for up to 3 hours of lost time ($15/hour).
- Maximum reimbursement: $400.
- Extraordinary Losses: Covers significant financial harm like identity theft and fraud, capped at $4,000.
How to File a Claim
Follow these steps to file your claim:
1. Access the Settlement Website
Visit the Green Valley Settlement Website to download the claim form and review detailed instructions.
2. Gather Supporting Documents
Prepare documentation, including:
- Proof of Notification: Breach notification letter from Green Valley.
- Expense Records: Bank statements, receipts, or invoices for costs incurred.
- Fraud Evidence: Credit reports or other proof of unauthorized activities.
3. Complete the Claim Form
Provide accurate information, including:
- Personal details (name, address, contact information).
- Description of losses (ordinary or extraordinary).
- Supporting documents for your claim.
4. Submit Your Claim
You can submit your claim:
- Online: Upload the completed form and documents via the settlement website.
- By Mail: Send the form and documentation to the listed address.
Compensation Details
1. Financial Reimbursement
- Ordinary Losses: Reimbursement up to $400 for expenses like:
- Bank fees or phone charges.
- Credit monitoring services.
- Compensation for lost time.
- Extraordinary Losses: Up to $4,000 for significant financial damages such as identity theft or fraud.
2. Free Credit Monitoring and Insurance
All claimants receive:
- Two years of credit monitoring.
- $1 million in identity theft insurance coverage.
3. Additional Security Resources
Claimants will gain access to resources for:
- Enhancing cybersecurity practices.
- Protecting sensitive information online.
Tips to Prevent Future Breaches
- Monitor Accounts Regularly: Review bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.
- Use Strong Passwords: Implement unique, complex passwords for online accounts.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security to protect sensitive accounts.
- Consider Identity Theft Services: Services like credit monitoring can help detect suspicious activity early.
Don’t Miss the Deadline
If you were impacted by the Green Valley data breach, ensure you file your claim before the December 16, 2024 deadline. By doing so, you can recover your losses, receive free credit monitoring, and better protect yourself from future risks.
