---
name: class-action-claim-finder
description: "Work out whether you're eligible for a class-action settlement or refund program — and actually file the claim before the deadline. Use when asked am I owed money from a settlement, is there a class action for [product/company], how do I claim a settlement, or did I qualify for that refund. Produces a way to check for relevant settlements, an eligibility read against the class definition, the proof you need and how to file, deadline tracking, and honest expectations on payout size — plus how to avoid fake-settlement scams. Not legal advice."
---

# Class-Action Claim Finder

Companies settle class actions constantly — over fees, defects, data breaches, and false claims — and the money often goes unclaimed because eligible people never hear about it or miss the deadline. This helps you check whether a settlement applies to something you bought or used, confirm you fit the class, and file the claim properly, with realistic expectations about the payout.

## What This Skill Produces

- **A settlement check** — how to find whether there's an open settlement for a product, service, or company you used
- **An eligibility read** — whether you fit the "class" (who's covered, the dates, the product/conduct), the key gate
- **The proof & filing steps** — what documentation the claim needs and how to submit it on the official site
- **Deadline tracking** — the claim deadline (often strict) and any proof-of-purchase requirement
- **Realistic expectations** — payouts range from cents to real money; what drives the amount and when it's worth the effort
- **Scam avoidance** — spotting fake "you're owed money" settlement scams that harvest data or fees

## Required Inputs

Ask for these if not provided:
- **The product/company/event** — what you bought/used, or a settlement you heard about
- **The timeframe** — when you bought/used it (class periods are date-bound)
- **What you have** — proof of purchase, account records, or nothing
- **How you heard** — an email/notice, news, or a hunch (affects scam-checking)
- **Region** — settlements and rules are jurisdiction-specific

## Framework: Confirm The Class, File On Time, Stay Safe

1. **Find the real settlement.** Check official settlement administrators/court sites for the product or company — not a random "claim your money" ad.
2. **Match the class definition exactly.** Eligibility hinges on who's covered and the dates — read the class definition and confirm you fit before filing.
3. **Gather what's required.** Some claims need proof of purchase; others accept an attestation. Know which, and prepare it.
4. **File on the official site before the deadline.** Deadlines are firm and claims go through the official administrator — submit accurately and keep confirmation.
5. **Set honest expectations.** Payouts vary wildly and can take months; decide if it's worth the effort, but small easy claims are often still worth it.
6. **Dodge the scams.** Real settlements don't ask you to pay a fee or hand over sensitive data via a random link — verify the administrator is legitimate.

## Output Format

### Settlement check: [product/company] · used ~[dates] · [region]

**Find it:** [how/where to check for an official settlement].
**Eligible?** class = [who/dates/conduct] → you [fit / don't / need to confirm].
**Proof needed:** [receipt/records / attestation only].
**File:** on the official administrator site, by [deadline] — keep confirmation.
**Expect:** [payout range + timeline]; worth it if [x].
**Scam guard:** official site only · never pay a fee or hand over sensitive data via a random link.

> Not legal advice. This helps you find and file claims; the settlement's official terms govern.

## Quality Checks
- [ ] Directs to official settlement/administrator sources, not ads
- [ ] Checks eligibility against the actual class definition and dates
- [ ] States the proof required and the filing method
- [ ] Tracks the (strict) deadline
- [ ] Sets honest payout/timeline expectations
- [ ] Warns about fake-settlement scams

## Anti-Patterns
- **Assuming eligibility** without matching the class definition/dates.
- **Filing via a random "claim now" link** instead of the official administrator.
- **Missing the deadline.**
- **Overpromising a big payout.**
- **Handing sensitive data or a fee** to a fake settlement site.

## Example Trigger Phrases
- "I got an email saying I'm owed money from a settlement — is it real?"
- "Is there a class action for [product] I bought?"
- "Was I part of that data-breach settlement, and how do I claim?"
- "How do I file a class-action claim before the deadline?"
- "I heard about a refund program for a company I used — do I qualify?"