Claim $10 in Eclipse Gum Settlement

By Sarah Pierce

For nearly two years, Wrigley tricked consumers into buying gum that was “scientifically proven” to kill bad-breath-causing germs, says a recently settled class action lawsuit. That’s bad news for consumers who thought they were fighting off germs, but good news for consumers who want to make an extra $10.

Wrigley has agreed to pay up to $7 million to settle a class action lawsuit accusing the gum maker of falsely advertising that its Eclipse brand gum was scientifically proven to kill germs. Advertising for Eclipse claimed a new ingredient -- Magnolia Bark Extract -- was scientifically proven to kill the germs that caused bad breath, while other gums simply covered up bad breath. The lawsuit claims that as a result of these “false and deceptive” ads, Wrigley was able to charge consumers “a premium price for Eclipse gum over other chewing gum products.” In addition to paying the settlement, Wrigley must also cease using “germ killing” advertising and labeling.

If you purchased Eclipse gum or mints in packaging that said “Natural Germ Killing” after June 1, 2008, you could receive up to $10 from the class action settlement. In order to claim your money, you must submit a signed claim form either online (www.EclipseSettlement.com) or postmarked by January 24, 2011. If you don’t want to sign the claim form, you can still submit a claim to receive up to $5. The amount of money you receive from the class action settlement depends on how many people make a claim. If the total amount of valid claims exceeds the amount of money available to pay them, then your refund will be reduced accordingly. If the total amount of valid claims is less than the allotted class action settlement, then you’ll receive the full claim amount and any remaining settlement money will be given to charity.

For more information on the Wrigley Eclipse Class Action Settlement, read the settlement notice or visit www.EclipseSettlement.com.

AT&T Settles Old Billing Claim Lawsuits

By Sarah Pierce

AT&T Wireless, which merged with Cingular Wireless in 2004 and became AT&T Mobility in 2007, engaged in shady billing practices, according to several class action lawsuits filed in California and Washington. If you were an AT&T Wireless subscriber any time after March 1, 1999 and were billed certain charges, you could receive up to $10 if the proposed class action settlements are approved. (Note: The class action settlements do not concern the practices of Cingular Wireless or AT&T Mobility.)

According to the class action settlement notice, eligible consumers can receive settlements under the proposed deal if they fall within the following three classes:

(1) Stern I Settlement Class:

Includes those who subscribed to AT&T Wireless any time between December 20, 2001 and the Effective Date.

-- Subscribers in this class who allege they were charged for the mMode Data Service without their authorization or didn't understand the disclosures about mMode may receive a check for $8 per line charged.

-- Subscribers who say they were charged for the EDID (ENH Discount International Dial) service without their authorization or didn't understand disclosures about EDID may receive a check for $10 per line charged.

(1) Lozano Settlement Class:

Includes those who had a “One Rate-type” plan with AT&T Wireless any time between March 1, 1999 and the Effective Date.

-- Subscribers who claim they did not understand that when they signed up for a One Rate-type plan that calls made during one billing period may be charged as if made in another billing period may get a check for $8 or a 250-minute AT&T Phone Card.

(1) UCC Settlement Class:

Includes AT&T Wireless subscribers who paid, but were not previously refunded or credited Universal Connectivity Charges between March 1, 199 and the Effective Date.

--  Subscribers who say they were not aware when they subscribed that they would be charged a Universal Connectivity Charge may receive a check for $7.

If you believe you’re eligible for a class action settlement under any of these classes, you have until February 13, 2011 to file a valid claim form. If you wish to exclude yourself, you have until September 29, 2010 to do so. For more information on the AT&T Wireless Service Class Action Settlement, visit  www.awssettlement.com.