Hope College data breach $1.5M class action settlement

Hope College agreed to a $1.5 million settlement to resolve claims that it failed to prevent a 2022 data breach that compromised student information. 

The settlement benefits individuals whose personal information was compromised in the Hope College data breach discovered Sept. 27, 2022.

According to the class action lawsuit, the 2022 data breach compromised sensitive student information such as Social Security numbers, birth dates, ID numbers and more. Plaintiffs in the case argue Hope College should have better protected student information in order to prevent this and other data breaches.

Hope College is a private liberal arts college in Michigan.

Hope College hasn’t admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to a $1.5 million settlement to resolve the data breach class action lawsuit.

Under the terms of the settlement, class members can receive one year of credit-monitoring services, reimbursement of up to $5,000 for data breach expenses or a pro rata cash fund payment.

The credit-monitoring services offered under the settlement include 12 months of coverage, three-bureau credit monitoring and up to $1 million in identity-theft insurance.

Class members can claim up to $5,000 in documented data breach-related expenses. The settlement covers a wide range of expenses and losses, including bank fees, credit costs, identification expenses, professional services, travel expenses, communication charges and damages from fraud or identity theft.

Instead of a reimbursement payment of up to $5,000 or the credit monitoring, class members can receive a pro rata cash fund payment. These payments will vary depending on the number of valid claims filed and the amount remaining in the settlement after credit monitoring and reimbursement claims are paid.

The deadline for exclusion and objection is April 8, 2024.

The final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for May 20, 2024.

In order to receive settlement benefits, class members must submit a valid claim form by May 7, 2024.

Who’s Eligible

Individuals whose personal information was compromised in the Hope College data breach discovered Sept. 27, 2022

Potential Award

$5,000

Proof of Purchase

Account statements, receipts, invoices, police reports, tax documents and other documentation of data breach-related losses

Claim Form

NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.

Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.

Claim Form Deadline

05/07/2024

Case Name

In re: Hope College Data Security Breach Litigation, Case No. 1:22-cv-01224-PLM-PJG, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan

Final Hearing

05/20/2024

Settlement Website

HopeCollegeSettlement.com

Claims Administrator

Hope College Data Security Breach Settlement Administrator
PO Box 3977
Portland, OR 97208-3977
info@HopeCollegeSettlement.com
888-511-1291

Class Counsel

Benjamin F Johns
SHUB & JOHNS LLC

Defense Counsel

Jill H Fertel
CIPRIANI & WERNER PC