Jim Koons Automotive Co. data breach class action settlement

Jim Koons Automotive Co. agreed to a class action settlement to resolve claims it failed to prevent a 2021 data breach.

The settlement benefits consumers who were sent a mailed notification that their personal identifying information such as their Social Security number or driver’s license number was compromised in a June 2021 data breach.

In January 2022, Jim Koons — an automotive dealer with locations around the country — informed consumers their information may have been compromised over six months earlier, in June 2021. 

According to the data breach notification, an unauthorized party gained access to Jim Koons’ computer systems and may have compromised sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers and other identifiers. 

Affected consumers took prompt legal action against Jim Koons Automotive Co., arguing the car dealer had a duty to protect their information through reasonable cybersecurity measures but failed to do so. Plaintiffs in the case also challenged the amount of time between the initial discovery of the breach and the notification of affected consumers.

Jim Koons hasn’t admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to pay an undisclosed sum to resolve these data breach allegations.

Under the terms of the Jim Koons settlement, class members can receive a cash payment for the out-of-pocket expenses and losses they sustained as a result of the data breach. 

Class members can claim up to $500 for out-of-pocket expenses and losses such as bank fees, communication charges, credit expenses, monitoring costs and up to three hours of lost time at a rate of $20 per hour. Individuals who experienced documented identity theft or fraud as a result of the data breach can receive larger payments of $4,500 for their related losses. 

California residents can receive an additional $100 cash benefit from the settlement. 

All class members can receive two years of free credit monitoring through Equifax’s Credit Watch Gold. This service offers daily credit report access, Equifax monitoring, fraud alerts, identity-restoration services and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance coverage. Class members who previously enrolled for credit monitoring offered by Koons will have this two-year benefit added to their current coverage.

The deadline for exclusion and objection is Jan. 24, 2023. 

The final approval hearing for the Jim Koons settlement is scheduled for Feb. 24, 2023. 

In order to receive settlement benefits, class members must submit a valid claim form by Feb. 23, 2023.

Who’s Eligible

Consumers who were sent a mailed notification that their personal identifying information such as their Social Security number or driver’s license number was compromised in a June 2021 data breach

Potential Award

Varies

Proof of Purchase

Proof of purchase may include bank fees, long distance phone charges, cell phone charges (only if charged by the minute), data charges (only if charged based on the amount of data used), postage, or gasoline for local travel, fees for credit reports, credit monitoring, or other identity theft insurance product purchased between January 14, 2022 and the date of the Settlement Agreement.

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

02/23/2023

Case Name

Morelli, et al. v. Jim Koons Management Company, Case No. 8:22-CV-00292, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, Southern Division

Final Hearing

02/24/2023

Settlement Website

KoonSettlement.com

Claims Administrator

Morelli v. Jim Koons Management Co
c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC
PO Box 225391
New York, NY 10150-5391
833-709-0664

Class Counsel

David K Lietz
MILBERG COLEMAN BRYSON PHILLIPS GROSSMAN PLLC

Defense Counsel

Andrew Gendron
LEWIS BRISBOIS BISGAARD & SMITH LLP