Chime class action claims company sent unsolicited ‘refer a friend’ texts

Chime class action lawsuit overview:

• Who: Plaintiff Taft Charles filed a class action lawsuit against Chime Financial Inc.
• Why: Charles claims Chime violated Washington state law by sending unsolicited text messages to consumers in the state.
• Where: The Chime class action lawsuit was filed in Washington state court.

A new class action lawsuit alleges Chime Financial violated the Washington Consumer Electronic Mail Act (CEMA) by sending unsolicited text messages to consumers in the state. 

Plaintiff Taft Charles claims Chime sent the unsolicited texts as part of a “refer a friend” program it uses to attract new customers.

“Chime violated and continues to violate CEMA by initiating commercial text messages and assisting its existing customers in the transmission of commercial text messages to potential new customers without the recipients’ clear and affirmative advance consent,” the Chime class action lawsuit states.

Charles wants to represent a nationwide class of consumers who received a Chime referral text message to their cellular telephone number while residing in Washington.

Chime referral program incentivizes customers to send unsolicited texts, class action claims

Charles claims Chime is enticing customers to send the unsolicited texts by offering $100 if they successfully refer a friend and an additional $100 to the referee if they sign up. He claims Chime’s referral program incentivizes customers to send commercial text messages that promote the sale of its products and services.

The plaintiff argues Chime’s mobile application makes it easy for customers to send messages to each person in their contacts by simply touching a button beside their name.

“Chime appears to gamify the referral process, further incentivizing its users to spam their contacts with Chime’s commercial messages,” the Chime class action lawsuit states.

The plaintiff demands a jury trial and requests declaratory, equitable and/or injunctive relief and an award of statutory, actual, treble and exemplary damages for himself and all class members.

Currently, CVS Health Corp. is also facing a class action for allegedly sending unwanted telemarketing text messages, while QuoteWizard has agreed to a $19 million settlement, still open for claims, for the same allegations.

Have you received an unsolicited text message from Chime? Let us know in the comments.

The plaintiff is represented by Jason T. Dennett and Kaleigh N. Boyd of Tousley Brain Stephens PLLC, Edwin J. Kilpela Jr. of Wade Kilpela Slade LLP and Evan E. North of North Law PLLC.

The Chime class action lawsuit is Charles v. Chime Financial Inc., Case No. 2:25-cv-01361, in the Superior Court for the State of Washington in and for King County.

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