For months, Washington State consumers have been buzzing about a brewing legal fight with Cash App — and now the class action has finally reached a multimillion-dollar settlement. Block Inc., Cash App’s parent company, has agreed to pay $12.5 million to resolve allegations that it blasted out unsolicited spam texts through its “Invite Friends” referral program.
It’s a story that blends Big Tech, aggressive marketing, and Washington’s uniquely strict electronic-communications laws — and nearly 2 million phone numbers may be in line for compensation once the settlement website goes live.
Why Cash App Is Paying Up
The case, Bottoms v. Block Inc., filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, centers on a referral campaign that texted consumers promotional invitations they never asked for.
Washington’s Consumer Electronic Mail Act and Consumer Protection Act are among the toughest state rules in the country when it comes to unwanted messages. And Kimberly Bottoms, the plaintiff who brought the case forward, alleged that Cash App’s referral program crossed the line.
Block denies wrongdoing, but the company opted to settle — likely to avoid a long, expensive litigation battle and a potentially even larger judgment if the case advanced to trial.
How the $12.5 Million Will Be Distributed
The settlement fund will cover:
- Cash payments to Washington consumers who received unsolicited Cash App referral texts
- Administrative costs
- Attorney fees
- A service award to the plaintiff who brought the case
After these deductions, eligible consumers are expected to receive between $88 and $147, though that may shift depending on the final number of valid claims.
Settlement Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Settlement | $12.5 million |
| Estimated Class Size | Up to 2 million phone numbers |
| Expected Individual Payout | ~$88–$147 |
| Eligible Claimants | WA residents with affected texts |
| Claim Process | Not open yet |
| Payment Method | Check, PayPal, Venmo, or electronic transfer |
The settlement administrator will handle payouts once the court gives final approval.
Who’s Eligible?
Eligibility hinges on two factors:
- You had a Washington-area code, and
- You received an unsolicited Cash App referral text between November 14, 2019, and a date still being finalized by the settlement team.
That date will be announced on the official settlement website once it launches. No claim forms exist yet, and any site claiming otherwise should be treated with caution.
How and When You’ll Be Notified
Once the court approves the next procedural steps:
- Emails will go out to identifiable class members.
- Postcards will be mailed to physical addresses.
- Online publication notices will cover anyone the administrator can’t reach directly.
These multimethod outreach efforts make the class action unusually thorough.
Payments can be issued by:
- Check
- Venmo
- PayPal
- Other approved digital methods
Flexible payout systems are becoming more common in tech-related settlements as consumers shift away from paper payments.
Why This Case Matters — Beyond the Money
This lawsuit is part of a larger trend hitting fintech platforms: regulators and courts are pushing back on “growth hacking” strategies that test consumer-protection boundaries.
Cash App has been publicly criticized before:
- In January 2024, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) levied a $175 million fine for weak fraud protections and poor customer service.
- In 2023, Cash App paid $15 million to resolve a data-breach lawsuit affecting stock-trading customers.
The spam-text case adds another layer to ongoing scrutiny over how rapidly-growing payment platforms handle user communication, data, and dispute resolution.
When the Claims Website Will Launch
The settlement website isn’t live yet — and that’s normal. Class actions of this size go through multiple court hearings before claim submission opens.
Consumers can sign up for legal-news alerts or settlement-notification mailing lists, but they should wait for:
- A court-approved website
- A legitimate administrator address
- Notices sent directly to them
Until then, no payments can be requested or processed.
FAQs
1. When can I file a claim?
Not yet — the filing website will launch after preliminary approval.
2. Who qualifies?
Anyone with a Washington-based phone number who received an unsolicited Cash App referral text since Nov. 14, 2019.
3. How much money will I get?
Likely $88–$147, depending on the number of claims.
4. How will I receive payment?
By check, PayPal, Venmo, or another approved digital transfer.
5. Do I need proof?
Usually no — eligibility is matched using phone records and campaign logs.
6. Why is Block settling if it denies wrongdoing?
Settling minimizes legal risk, delays, and costs.
7. How will I know when the site is live?
You’ll get an official email or postcard if you’re in the class.
8. What if I no longer have the Washington phone number?
As long as you received the texts during the class period, you may still qualify.
9. Will the payout be taxed?
Typically no for consumer-class-action settlements — but consult a tax advisor for specifics.
10. Does this impact my Cash App account?
No. Accounts aren’t affected, and participation doesn’t require using Cash App.
How do I go about receiving my cash app settlementcenter
Hello Ulanda,
You can call us at 1 (888) 488-1181, email us at CFPBinquiry@cash.app or contact Cash Support in the app.
How do I get this funds in my cash app account
Hello Cynthia,
You can call us at 1 (888) 488-1181, email us at CFPBinquiry@cash.app or contact Cash Support in the app
Thank you