Business & Tech

Impacted By Wawa Data Breach? You May Be Eligible For Gift Cards

In 2019, Wawa suffered a massive breach of customer data. Now, a proposed settlement could lead to a $9 million payout to those affected.

In 2019, Wawa suffered a massive breach of customer data. Now, a proposed settlement could lead to a $9 million payout to those affected.
In 2019, Wawa suffered a massive breach of customer data. Now, a proposed settlement could lead to a $9 million payout to those affected. (Shutterstock)

WAWA, PA — A major data breach across Wawa's system could lead to a multi-million-dollar payout to affected customers.

Between March 4, 2019 and Dec. 12, 2019, Wawa's stores and fuel pumps were impacted by a data breach at all of its 850 stores in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Florida and Washington, D.C.

The breach was discovered when the company learned of reports of attempts to sell some customer payment card information potentially involved in the breach.

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Now, a proposed settlement could lead to a payout for affected customers by way of Wawa gift cards and even cash.

According to the firm representing customers, the payout would be capped at $8 million in gift cards and also include cash reimbursements of out-of-pocket costs capped at $1 million.

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The following relief for those who made purchases at Wawa stores during the breach's period includes those who did not suffer attempted or actual fraud on their payment card: those people are eligible to receive a $5 Wawa gift card. Customers who can provide reasonable proof of an actual or attempted fraudulent charge on their card after a Wawa transaction are eligible to receive a $15 Wawa gift card. Customers who can provide reasonable documentary proof of money they lost or spent out-of-pocket in connection with an actual or attempted fraudulent transaction on their payment card are eligible to reimbursement of those costs up to $500.

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Wawa will use a third-party administrator to oversee the cash and gift card disbursements.

This proposal includes all customers who used their payment cards at a Wawa store or fuel pump location during the period of the data security incident.

The settlement also includes at least $35 million worth of data security enhancements to Wawa’s systems.

Affected customers must submit a claim form to be eligible to receive a gift card or monetary relief.

Additional details about the proposed settlement will be included on the settlement website, which will launch once the Court enters an order preliminarily approving the settlement.

In addition to the gift cards and monetary compensation, Wawa has implemented and agreed to further implement significant data security enhancements, collectively valued at no less than $35 million.

"As part of the legal process, we have submitted required documents to the Court and are awaiting approval from the Judge of the notice plan. Once the notice plan is approved, the details about the settlement will be available through a third party settlement administrator and Wawa will issue a press release that will include the administrator’s contact information," Wawa said in a statement to Patch.

Patch has reached out to Wawa for further information and will update the story when additional details are made available.


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