Costco reaches $14M settlement over misleading promotional email lawsuit

Published Jul 24, 05:50 PM UTC

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.