Are you one of the thousands who unknowingly received Cash App’s referral texts?
You might be entitled to a payout between $88 and $147 as part of a $12.5 million settlement.
Here’s everything you need to know — and why time is running out to claim your share.
Block Inc. Faces Legal Heat Over Cash App Spam Texts
Block Inc., the parent company of Cash App, has agreed to a $12.5 million settlement to resolve a lawsuit involving unwanted promotional text messages sent through its referral feature.
The class action lawsuit was brought on behalf of individuals in Washington state who claimed they received referral texts without providing prior consent.
Filed in November 2023 in federal court, the case alleged that Cash App’s “Invite Friends” feature was responsible for distributing unsolicited marketing messages in violation of state consumer laws.
The plaintiff, Kimberly Bottoms, asserted that the app’s referral system triggered texts to non-users without proper authorization, resulting in a breach of privacy under the Washington Consumer Protection Act and the Consumer Electronic Mail Act.
While Block Inc. did not admit liability, it has chosen to resolve the case through a monetary settlement to avoid extended litigation and additional legal fees.
Why Did Cash App End Up in Court?
Block Inc. Settles Cash App Spam Text Lawsuit
The lawsuit centers on messages sent to individuals with Washington state area codes beginning on November 14, 2019.
These texts, originating from existing Cash App users, contained referral links offering cash bonuses for new sign-ups.
According to the complaint, some recipients had no prior interaction with the service and had not consented to receive promotional communication.
Court filings identified as many as two million Washington mobile numbers that may have been affected by these automated messages.
The claim further argued that Cash App failed to implement safeguards to ensure that recipients had opted in before receiving texts linked to its referral program.
The Settlement: Who Gets Paid and How Much?
Settlement Payouts and Who Qualifies
Individuals who received one or more unsolicited referral messages from Cash App during the eligibility period and had a Washington-based phone number may qualify for a payout.
The settlement will cover all verified claims and associated costs, including legal and administrative fees.
Estimated compensation for each valid claim ranges between $88 and $147.
This range is based on the number of claims filed and represents a portion of the potential $500 per-message penalty allowed under Washington law.
Settlement Summary
| Settlement Summary | Details |
|---|---|
| Settlement Fund Total | $12.5 million |
| Estimated Individual Payment | Between $88 and $147 |
| Class Period Start Date | November 14, 2019 |
| Geographic Eligibility | Washington state mobile phone numbers |
| Laws Referenced | WA Consumer Protection & Electronic Mail Acts |
Payments will be made by check or electronically through services like Venmo or PayPal, depending on the option selected during the claim process.
How to Claim Your Share Before the Deadline
Claims Notification and Distribution Process
Class members will be notified via email or mail, and a digital notice campaign will also be conducted to reach any eligible individuals not directly identified.
A dedicated settlement website will be launched with information about how to file a claim.
Claimants must complete the submission before the deadline, which will be announced following the court’s preliminary approval.
After claims are verified, payments will be distributed accordingly.
Claims Information Table
| Claims Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Notification Methods | Mail, email, digital campaigns |
| How to File a Claim | Through official settlement website |
| Payment Methods Available | Check, PayPal, Venmo, or eBay deposit |
| Distribution Schedule | After court approval and claim deadline |
A History of Legal Trouble for Block Inc.
Pattern of Legal Challenges for Block Inc.
This settlement adds to a series of legal and regulatory issues involving Block Inc.
Earlier, the company settled a separate lawsuit over a data breach for $15 million, offering users compensation of up to $2,500.
In another case, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) ordered Cash App to pay $175 million in civil penalties tied to customer service failures and fraud protection shortcomings.
While Cash App continues to grow in popularity, these legal actions point to increasing scrutiny of how fintech platforms manage customer communication, user consent, and data privacy.
What This Means for Users
This case serves as a wake-up call for tech and fintech users alike.
It raises essential questions about how personal data and contact details are used for marketing and referral programs.
If you ever received a Cash App referral message you didn’t sign up for, it’s not just an inconvenience — it’s a violation of privacy laws.
That’s exactly why this settlement exists: to compensate victims and hold corporations accountable for unlawful digital marketing practices.
Why You Should Act Fast
The claim filing deadline will be announced soon after court approval.
Given the high number of potential claimants (possibly two million people), it’s best to file your claim as early as possible once the official website opens.
Remember:
- Payments are limited to the $12.5 million fund, so the earlier you file, the smoother your verification process will be.
- Late or incomplete claims may miss out on compensation entirely.
Stay alert for official email or mail notifications — and don’t fall for fake settlement links. Always confirm through the verified website before submitting any personal information.
Why This Settlement Matters More Than You Think
This isn’t just about a few text messages or $147.
It’s about the bigger picture: your digital privacy and your right to control who contacts you and how.
As tech companies grow, their systems often automate processes that reach millions — sometimes without permission. This case is a powerful reminder that consent still matters, even in the digital age.
It also proves that individual consumers have power when they stand up against corporate negligence or misuse of technology.
Final Thoughts
The Cash App $12.5 million settlement highlights an ongoing battle between innovation and privacy.
While Block Inc. may have avoided admitting fault, the settlement itself sends a clear message:
Companies cannot ignore consent.
If you think you’re eligible, don’t wait — submit your claim as soon as notifications go out.
Even a small payout like $147 symbolizes something far greater — the right to protect your digital space and hold billion-dollar corporations accountable.
Key Takeaways at a Glance
- Block Inc. will pay $12.5 million to settle the Cash App spam text lawsuit.
- Eligible individuals may receive $88 to $147 each.
- The case covers Washington state residents who got referral texts since November 2019.
- Claims will be filed through the official settlement website (details coming soon).
- Payments will be distributed via check, PayPal, Venmo, or eBay deposit.
Curious? Stay Updated and Don’t Miss Out!
Keep an eye on verified news and updates from official sources. As soon as the claim submission portal opens, eligible recipients should act immediately to secure their payout.
With millions of dollars on the line and millions of messages sent, the question is —
Will you claim what’s rightfully yours, or let it slip away?
FAQs
Q1. Who is eligible to receive money from the Cash App $12.5M settlement?
A. Anyone who received one or more unsolicited referral text messages from Cash App between November 14, 2019, and the end of the eligibility period, and had a Washington state-based phone number, may qualify for a payout. The payment amount for approved claims is expected to range between $88 and $147, depending on how many people file claims.
Q2. How can I file a claim to receive the Cash App spam text payout?
A. Eligible users will be notified via email, mail, or online digital campaigns. Once the official settlement website goes live, claimants can submit their claims directly through it by providing the required details and selecting their preferred payment method—either check, PayPal, Venmo, or eBay deposit. All claims must be submitted before the court-approved deadline.
Q3. When will the Cash App settlement payments be sent out?
A. Payments will be distributed after the court grants final approval of the settlement and the claim submission deadline has passed. Once all claims are verified and processed, eligible participants will receive their payouts electronically or by check according to their chosen payment method.
