Costco Settles Email Misrepresentation Lawsuit for $14 Million
Costco has agreed to a $14 million settlement in Washington state over allegations that it sent misleading promotional emails with false time-limited offers. The class-action lawsuit, Michael Aaland v. Costco Wholesale Corporation, claims the company violated consumer protection and email advertising laws by extending promotions beyond deadlines mentioned in subject lines. Costco denies wrongdoing but settled to avoid ongoing litigation costs. Eligible claimants are Washington residents who received at least one of these emails between June 2021 and July 2026. Claims can be submitted online or via mail before the Aug. 24, 2026 deadline. Payouts will depend on the number of valid claims filed; each claimant may receive a share from the $14 million fund after legal fees are deducted. Those who do not file by the deadline forfeit their right to compensation and cannot later sue Costco for these issues unless they opt out before Aug. 24.
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Topics: consumer rights email marketing retail