$12.5M Cash App Settlement: Cash App is one of the most popular mobile payment applications. People across the world use the app for online cash transactions, and millions of users use the app on a daily basis. Recently, the company has found itself in the middle of a significant controversy. A number of users in Washington State, USA, have filed a class action lawsuit against Cash App and its parent company, Block Inc., after it was identified that the app’s “Invite Friends” feature was sending messages to many people without users’ consent.
The company has now reached a settlement of $12.5 million to resolve the award. This is regarded as a monumental victory for consumer rights in the United States.
Background of the Lawsuit

The lawsuit, which was filed in a Washington state court, alleged that the “Invite Friends” feature of Cash App was sending texts to users without their consent. This feature was incorporated into the company’s Referral Program, but the court found it to violate Washington’s consumer protection laws.
The case primarily involves violations of three laws:
- TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act)** – This law criminalizes making phone calls or sending messages without permission.
- Washington Consumer Protection Act – A state-level law protecting consumers’ rights.
- Washington Consumer Electronic Mail Act – This law ensures the security of consumers’ email and electronic information.
Under all of these laws, sending messages to anyone without their consent is considered a serious offense.
Settlement Amount and Payment Process
The company has proposed to pay $12.5 million to resolve the case rather than prolong the litigation. However, this entire amount will not directly reach the affected individuals.
- Attorneys’ fees and administrative expenses will be deducted from this amount first.
- The remaining amount will be distributed among eligible claimants on a pro-rata basis.
Estimated payouts could be as follows:
- If the number of claims is 100,000 → approximately $125 to $147 per person
- If the number of claims is 200,000 → approximately $88 to $110 per person
- If the number of claims reaches 500,000 → approximately $50 or less per person
This amount may seem small, but it represents a major victory for consumer rights.\
Who will be eligible (Eligibility Criteria)
The settlement will only benefit those who meet certain specific conditions:
- The individual must be a resident of Washington State.
- They must have received a Cash App referral message on their mobile number.
- The number to which the message was received must have a Washington area code.
Only those who actually received the unauthorized messages can file a claim.
Consumers who meet these criteria will be eligible to receive the settlement amount.
Claim Process
Eligible consumers must take several necessary steps to benefit from this settlement:
- Monitor the official website and court announcements.
- Ensure that the mobile number to which the message was received has a Washington area code.
- Apply immediately as soon as the online claim portal opens.
Once the claim is approved, payment will be made through the following methods:
- PayPal
- Direct Bank Deposit
- Paper Check, which will be mailed.
Company’s Position and Status of the Dispute
Surprisingly, Cash App, along with the parent company, Block Inc., are yet to confess to any breach of laws. They still insist that they have done no crime, and have accepted the settlement as a way of saving a trial which would have cost huge fines.
That is why it is evident that consumer complaints can no longer be treated lightly even by big companies. Messaging consumers without their consent is not only infringing their privacy, but also it casts doubts on their privacy of their data.
Why is this case important?
This lawsuit is not limited to Washington State. It sends a message across the United States and the world that even large tech companies are not above the law.
This offers three key lessons:
- Consumer rights can be legally protected.
- Companies must understand that no marketing strategy is sustainable without transparency and consent.
- In the future, even greater attention will be paid to data privacy and security.
This lawsuit is an inspiring example for consumers that if they stand up for their rights, even the largest companies are held accountable.
Conclusion
This is a big relief to the consumers in Washington state since Cash App has settled them to the tune of $12.5 million. All the individuals that received unauthorized messages should now keep track of official information and make their claims within a reasonable period of time.
This case shows that consumers cannot be heard at all. Regardless of the size of a company, there is need to be the functioning within the law. This case is an eye opener to anyone who owns a digital platform that infringes consumer privacy without consent.
FAQs
Q1. Why was Cash App sued?
Cash App was sued for sending unauthorized text messages through its “Invite Friends” feature without users’ consent.
Q2. How much is the settlement amount?
The company agreed to a settlement of $12.5 million (around ₹104 crore) to resolve the case.
Q3. Who is eligible to claim the settlement?
Only Washington State residents who received Cash App referral messages without their permission are eligible.
Q4. How can I receive my payment?
Eligible users can receive payments via PayPal, direct deposit, or paper check after claim verification.
Q5. Has Cash App admitted to any wrongdoing?
No, Cash App and Block Inc. have not admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement to avoid a prolonged legal process.