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Have You Gotten Your Settlement Check from "Classmates.com®?"

By Claudette Millette

Real Estate Agent with The Buyers' Counsel

June 12, 2010 08:13 AM

Have You Gotten Your Settlement Check from "Classmates.com®?"

Yesterday I received an email of a legal document explaining that I have a settlement coming to me from a class action suit against Classmates.com®.

This highly-questionable company has been accused of a number of bad practices, including their method of sending out misleading emails.

You have probably gotten one of these in the past. It suggests that a fellow high school graduate is looking to find you and the only way you could find out who it is, is by upgrading your free subscription to a paid one. They have even gone so far as to invent actual "messages" from old high school friends that were absolutely phony.

Well, a number of people have discovered that these mystery classmates did not really exist. And, two of them brought a lawsuit that has successfully led to a conclusion.

What exactly are "victims" of Classmates.com® entitled to?

The payouts are small by any standards. As a member or former member of Classmates.com®, you are entitled to a discount of $2 off of their membership or $3 cash. Although the payments are meager, their entire payout is going to be something like $9.5 million, just enough to teach them a lesson.

I have other issues with this company like the way they broadcast personal information about you - like the year you graduated from high school - without your permission. I have not read a complaint about that yet, but it may be coming.

If I really had an inclination to get in touch with someone from high school, I think there would probably be a better way to do it than through this shady company and their aggressive tactics.

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Greg Nino

RE/MAX Compass - Houston, TX

Houston, Texas

I wouldn't be surprised if they ceased to exist over the next couple of years. We use other social media outlets like FB to find, engage and see our old friends. Who the hell needs to pay for it? They obviously are clutching for straws as they loose their market share to ...... just about everyone! Great post! I had been wondering about that site.

Jun 12, 2010 08:16 AM

Claudette Millette

The Buyers' Counsel - Ashland, MA

Buyer, Broker - Metrowest Mass

Greg:

You are probably right. I think their days are numbered. Particularly with the lawsuit. It may take some wind out of their sails.

Jun 12, 2010 08:21 AM

Jane Peters

Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles real estate concierge services

I always admire people who go to the trouble of putting these class action lawsuits together. That was an obviously sneaky tactic for this company.

Jun 12, 2010 08:47 AM

Ryan Smith

Keller Williams Energy Real Estate Brokerage - Pickering, ON

Great post! I just stick with facebook! Its free and easier to find people.

Jun 12, 2010 09:20 AM

Jane:

Indeed - someone had to be fed up enough to actually go to a lawyer and pursue action against this company. And, I am glad they did.

Ryan:

Exactly. With all of the free social media sites out there why would you have to resort to a company like this to look up old friends. I think they will soon be passe.

Jun 12, 2010 09:26 AM

Nancy Conner

Olympia, WA

Olympia/Thurston County WA

I hadn't heard about this but I hate getting those emails that a classmate found me on that site- & wouldn't I like to upgrade so I can see who.... Actually no, no thanks, no. And making up fake messages! Wow it does sound like they are desperate.

Jun 12, 2010 04:27 PM

Nancy:

I think they had an interesting idea originally to put people in touch with their high school friends. It makes perfect sense in this age of social media. But their fraudulent and pushy methods are a bit of turn-off and I am glad someone has called them on this.

Jun 13, 2010 12:08 AM

Anonymous

Sasha

I would like to know how to get my entire profile deleted from their site. I haven't been a member since 05 and I've emailed them many times asking them to delete my profile but they ignore me. I can't even accees it but if you google search my name some info and pictures of me come up through their site. I'm not happy.

Jul 07, 2010 03:24 PM

Craig

Received my check for $3.95 about a month ago and Chase refused it. Have tried twice since then and it still won't go through. Contacted the settlement folks twice with no response.

I wonder how many of these little $3.95 checks will be refused and how many people will pursue a resolution? I imagine someone will walk away with a lot of cash when this is over and I bet it will be a lawyer.

Nov 26, 2012 02:00 AM

Have You Gotten Your Settlement Check from "Classmates.com®?"

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