Apple Sued Over Online Apple Store Receipts [Updatedx2]
A new class-action lawsuit alleges Apple violates the Fair Credit Reporting Act, according to Information Week.
The act, amended in 2003, states that "No person that accepts credit cards or debit cards for the transaction of business shall print more than the last five digits of the card number or the expiration date upon any receipt provided to the card holder at the point of sale or transaction."
The lawsuit alleges that Apple violates the act by printing credit card expiration dates on Apple Online Store receipts. In addition, the suit points out that the purchaser's full name, full home address, full phone number and full e-mail address are also printed, arguably increasing the risk of identity theft.
Like many big businesses, Apple routinely has lawsuits filed against them, most of which are later settled out of court. In this case, the lawsuit demands $100 to $1000 for each class member (which if certified as a class action, may encompass anyone who has shopped at the Apple Online Store in 2007) plus expenses, however a settled amount would likely be much less.
Updates 1 and 2: There is debate in the forums as to whether the lawsuit is actually seeking damages. The lawsuit does appear to be seeking damages along with an injunction, but does not seek "actual" damages since such damages would be impossible to quantify. Users who may have suffered actual monetary damages due to Apple's alleged illegal practices would have the ability to opt-out of the class and pursue their own legal action against Apple if they wished to pursue damages.
Raw Data (pdf links):
- The Lawsuit
- Fair Credit Reporting Act
The act, amended in 2003, states that "No person that accepts credit cards or debit cards for the transaction of business shall print more than the last five digits of the card number or the expiration date upon any receipt provided to the card holder at the point of sale or transaction."
The lawsuit alleges that Apple violates the act by printing credit card expiration dates on Apple Online Store receipts. In addition, the suit points out that the purchaser's full name, full home address, full phone number and full e-mail address are also printed, arguably increasing the risk of identity theft.
Like many big businesses, Apple routinely has lawsuits filed against them, most of which are later settled out of court. In this case, the lawsuit demands $100 to $1000 for each class member (which if certified as a class action, may encompass anyone who has shopped at the Apple Online Store in 2007) plus expenses, however a settled amount would likely be much less.
Updates 1 and 2: There is debate in the forums as to whether the lawsuit is actually seeking damages. The lawsuit does appear to be seeking damages along with an injunction, but does not seek "actual" damages since such damages would be impossible to quantify. Users who may have suffered actual monetary damages due to Apple's alleged illegal practices would have the ability to opt-out of the class and pursue their own legal action against Apple if they wished to pursue damages.
Raw Data (pdf links):
- The Lawsuit
- Fair Credit Reporting Act
Top Rated Comments
(View all)
59 months ago
Wow, talk about grasping at straws.. sheesh! :confused:
Are other merchants getting dinged too, or is Apple the only one people know of?
Are other merchants getting dinged too, or is Apple the only one people know of?
59 months ago
Well at least we know apples lawyers aren't going to be going hungry or out of work anytime soon.
59 months ago
Well looking at my receipt from this summer when I bought a MacBook and iPod online it looks to only how last 4 of my credit card and no expiration date. So hmm ha. Though there were probably different points during the purchase that showed more info, but this was from the official sales receipt on their site for my purchase. Does this happen only for certain types of purchases or from certain locations?
59 months ago
There is a slight measure of credibility to the lawsuit, but perhaps could have been better handled by addressing it with Apple outside of the courts. That being said, many believe you cannot get the attention of a large corporation unless you sue them.
I am all for being better protected, but I don't see Apple doing things that will allow my identity to be stolen. I would prefer no numbers of my CC be shown, and other things done, but I am satisfied at the moment.
I am all for being better protected, but I don't see Apple doing things that will allow my identity to be stolen. I would prefer no numbers of my CC be shown, and other things done, but I am satisfied at the moment.
59 months ago
Never mind. The complaint is for on-line store orders, not emailed receipts from a brick-and-mortar Apple store. My bad.
-Robert
-Robert
59 months ago
Well I just checked, the email they sent me on Mar 2, 2007 has no credit card information at all, just my billing address and full name. I checked the Order Status page, it has what type of card, and the last 4 digits, no exp date is shown. My full name and billing address is again shown, but thats no big deal.
I think this is a load of crap. Then again, maybe they follow the rules for Canada Store but not US Store (where I am assuming the suit is), but I highly doubt that.
I think this is a load of crap. Then again, maybe they follow the rules for Canada Store but not US Store (where I am assuming the suit is), but I highly doubt that.
59 months ago
People need to get out more rather than sue other people who have the knowledge and tenacity to get off their fat asses and do something to earn a living.
[ Read All Comments ]
Analytics firm Chitika today released a report showing that by its metrics iOS has now surpassed OS X in overall web traffic share in the United States. Chitika's methodology involves an analysis...
One of the most frequent reasons for an iPhone to go on a trip to the Apple Store's Genius Bar is because of water damage. Typically, a water damaged iPhone can be replaced for a flat $199...
TheVerge's Joshua Topolsky summarizes the iPad 3 casing findings reported earlier today, but also adds his own sources regarding some details of the iPad 3.
Image from RepairLabs
As...
Last July, Apple discontinued the white MacBook from its consumer lineup, pushing consumers toward the company's popular MacBook Air line or the 13-inch MacBook Pro. The company didn't kill...
Popular iPhone Twitter client Tweetbot has finally arrived on the iPad, with a user interface instantly familiar to any current Tweetbot user. Designed for the Twitter power-user, Tweetbot packs a...
