Costco $14M Settlement Over Misleading Email Subject Lines in Washington
Costco agreed to a $14 million class action settlement over allegations it sent Washington state residents promotional emails with misleading subject lines, creating false urgency about limited-time offers that were later extended. The lawsuit cited violations of Washington’s Commercial Electronic Mail Act and Consumer Protection Act. Costco denies wrongdoing but settled to avoid litigation costs. Eligible Washington residents who received qualifying emails between June 2, 2021, and July 7, 2026, can file claims by August 24, 2026, for pro rata payments up to $500 per email. Final court approval is scheduled for October 2, 2026.
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Costco Agrees to $14 Million Settlement Over Misleading Email Subject Lines
Costco Wholesale has agreed to a $14 million settlement to resolve a class-action lawsuit in Washington state alleging that the company sent promotional emails with false or misleading subject lines. The lawsuit, Michael Aaland v. Costco Wholesale Corporation, claimed Costco advertised discounts as temporary or time-limited (e.g., 'Today is the last day' or '5 Days Only') while knowing the promotions would later be extended. Costco denies wrongdoing and maintains compliance with state and federal laws. Washington residents who received commercial emails from Costco between June 2, 2021, and July 7, 2026, may qualify for a payment. Eligible recipients must submit a valid claim by August 24, 2026. The potential class includes over 3.34 million people based on email addresses associated with Costco's Washington warehouses. The settlement does not constitute an admission of liability.
Costco's $14 Million Email Settlement: Eligibility and Claim Deadline
Costco has agreed to a $14 million settlement to resolve claims that it sent Washington shoppers emails with misleading subject lines, though the company denies any wrongdoing. Eligible Washington residents who received such emails may qualify for up to $500 in compensation. The deadline to file a claim is August 24. The article provides details on who qualifies and how to submit a claim before the cutoff date. The settlement stems from allegations that Costco's email marketing practices violated state consumer protection laws by using deceptive subject lines to encourage opens.
Costco reaches $14 million settlement over misleading promo emails
Costco has agreed to a $14 million settlement to resolve a class action lawsuit alleging the company sent commercial emails with false or misleading subject lines to Washington state residents. The lawsuit, filed in Washington where Costco is headquartered, claims the company violated Washington's Commercial Electronic Mail Act and Consumer Protection Act by promising limited-time deals that were already extended past their advertised expiration dates. Subject lines cited include 'Today is the last day to access Member-Only Saving' and 'Hot Buys available for 5 Days Only.' Costco denies wrongdoing but settled to avoid litigation costs. The settlement received preliminary court approval on June 23, 2026, with a final approval hearing set for October 2, 2026. The class covers Washington residents who received Costco commercial emails between June 2, 2021, and July 7, 2026. Claimants may receive up to $500 per qualifying email, with the deadline to file being August 24, 2026.
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Costco reaches $14 million settlement over misleading promo emails
Costco has agreed to a $14 million settlement to resolve a class action lawsuit in Washington state, where it is headquartered. The lawsuit accused the company of violating Washington's Commercial Electronic Mail Act and Consumer Protection Act by sending promotional emails with false or misleading subject lines. Specifically, the emails promised limited-time deals that Costco had already decided to extend past their advertised expiration dates. Examples cited include subject lines like 'Today is the last day to access Member-Only Saving' and 'Hot Buys available for 5 Days Only.' Costco denied wrongdoing but settled to avoid litigation costs. The settlement received preliminary court approval on June 23, 2026, with a final hearing set for October 2, 2026. Eligible claimants are Washington residents who received such emails between June 2, 2021, and July 7, 2026. No purchase documentation is required, and claimants may receive up to $500 per qualifying email. The deadline to file claims is August 24, 2026.
Some Costco shoppers could qualify for cash in settlement payout
A proposed $14 million class action settlement may provide cash payments to Washington state residents who received certain promotional emails from Costco between June 2, 2021, and July 7, 2026. The lawsuit alleged Costco sent commercial emails with misleading subject lines that created false urgency, such as claiming limited-time offers that were later extended, violating Washington's Commercial Electronic Mail Act and Consumer Protection Act. Costco denied wrongdoing but agreed to settle to avoid litigation costs. Eligible consumers can file claims online or by mail through the official settlement website by August 24, 2026. Payments will be distributed on a pro rata basis after final court approval, with a hearing scheduled for October 2, 2026. No proof of purchase is required.
Some Costco shoppers could qualify for cash in settlement payout
A proposed $14 million class action settlement has been reached in a lawsuit alleging Costco sent Washington state residents promotional emails with misleading subject lines that created false urgency, such as claiming limited-time offers that were later extended. The lawsuit, filed in 2025, claimed violations of Washington's Commercial Electronic Mail Act and Consumer Protection Act. Costco denies wrongdoing but agreed to settle. Eligible class members are Washington residents who received qualifying promotional emails between June 2, 2021, and July 7, 2026. Payments will be distributed on a pro rata basis from the $14 million fund after final court approval, scheduled for October 2, 2026. Claims must be submitted by August 24, 2026, and no proof of purchase is required.