JPMorgan Chase Bureau of Prisons Debit Card Fees Settlement

A settlement has been reached in a class action lawsuit about a debit card program operated by JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. for inmates released from correctional facilities of the federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP).

In 2008, JPMorgan won a government contract to supply prepaid debit cards to former inmates from all federal prisons in the United States. Under the program, inmates released since May 2012 have received the funds in their inmate trust accounts at the time of release on debit cards issued by Chase.

The former prisoners could then use the cards to withdraw money they had earned or been sent while they were incarcerated.

However, the class action lawsuit led by plaintiff Jesse Krimes, alleges that when inmates were freed and tried to access their money, they were forced to pay fees for ordinary services.

Specifically, Krimes accused Chase of gouging former prisoners with exorbitant fees on debit cards it issued them when they left prison.

According to the lawsuit, former prisoners had to pay $24.50 if they wanted to get a lost card replaced quickly; $10 to withdraw money at a teller window; $1.50 if they didn’t use the account for a month, and $0.45 if they wanted to check their account balance.

Krimes brought claims of unjust enrichment, conversion, unfair and deceptive trade practices for Chase’s alleged “nonconsensual possession of federal inmates’ funds, and the amounts and disclosures of fees in connection with using the BOP Debit Card.”

Under the terms of the proposed settlement deal, Chase will pay up to a total of $446,822 to members of the settlement Class. Each member of the settlement Class is entitled to receive a payment in the amount of all Chase fees and ATM surcharges the Class Member paid before Oct. 26, 2016.

If any settlement funds remain after Chase pays claims in the settlement, and after the costs of notice and administration of this settlement, Class Members may also be able to receive a pro rata share of any such remaining funds.

Chase will also pay an award of attorneys’ fees, costs, and expenses, plus a special service payment to Krimes, in a total amount to be determined by the Court but not to exceed $250,000. Finally, Chase has agreed to pay costs associated with administering the settlement.

Chase has suspended fees for use of its BOP Debit Cards issued by Chase for domestic ATM transactions, though non-Chase surcharges and/or fees may still apply.

Chase denies any liability or wrongdoing. However, to settle the case and avoid the costs and risks of litigation, Chase has agreed to a settlement.

Class Members who wish to exclude themselves or object to the terms of the settlement must do so by Mar. 6, 2017.

Who’s Eligible

You may be eligible for a payment under the settlement if you reside in the United States and received a Bureau of Prisons U.S. Debit Card issued by Chase when you were released from a federal correctional facility before Oct. 26, 2016.

If you are not sure whether you are a Class Member, or have any other questions about the settlement, contact the Settlement Administrator at 1-888-280-6496.

Potential Award

Varies.

Chase will pay up to a total of $446,822 to members of the settlement Class. Each Class Member is entitled to receive a payment in the amount of all Chase fees and ATM surcharges the Class Member paid before Oct. 26, 2016.

If any settlement funds remain after Chase pays claims in the settlement, and after the costs of notice and administration of this settlement, Class Members may also be able to receive a pro rata share of any such remaining funds.

Proof of Purchase

N/A

Claim Form

CLICK HERE TO FILE A CLAIM »

Claim Form Deadline

3/6/2017

Case Name

Krimes, et al v. JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., et al., Case No. 2:15-cv-05087, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Final Hearing

4/12/2017

UPDATE: JPMorgan Chase Bureau of Prisons Debit Card Fees Settlement was granted final approval on May 24, 2017.  Let Top Class Actions know when you receive a check in the comments section below or on our  Facebook page.

Settlement Website

www.KrimesDebitCardSettlement.com

Claims Administrator

Krimes Debit Card Settlement
Settlement Administrator – Kurtzman Carson Consultants (KCC)
PO Box 43034
Providence, RI 02940-3034
1-888-280-6496
Email: info@KrimesDebitCardSettlement.com

Class Counsel

Ruben Honik
David J. Stanoch
GOLOMB & HONIK PC

Defense Counsel

Noah A. Levine
WILMER CUTLER PICKERING HALE & DORR LLP