NEW YORK (AP) — A deadline is looming for millions of businesses who may be entitled to a payout in a $5.5 billion antitrust settlement with Visa and Mastercard.
The settlement stems from a 2005 lawsuit that alleged merchants paid excessive fees to accept Visa and Mastercard credit cards, and that Visa and Mastercard and their member banks acted in violation of antitrust laws.
Any businesses that accepted Visa and/or Mastercard credit or debit cards in the U.S. between January 1, 2004 and January 25, 2019 may be eligible to receive part of the settlement. Eligible owners whose businesses have since closed or went bankrupt can also submit a claim.
Mitch Goldstone, CEO and owner of the film scanning business ScanMyPhotos.com, and lead plaintiff in the lawsuit, said it has been difficult to get the news out to small businesses so they can file a claim in the settlement.
Police investigating shooting outside Drake's mansion that left security guard wounded
Stunning Michigan castle near Detroit hits market for $2.3M
Oracle bone script art exhibition unveiled in South Africa
Prince Harry celebrates Invictus Games in London but won't see his father, King Charles III
At least 40 people die in Kenya after dam collapses
Chinese enterprises keen to expand int'l market: Trade council
Oracle bone script art exhibition unveiled in South Africa
Judge dismisses lawsuit by mother who said school hid teen's gender expression
UN human rights chief condemns killings of women and children in Rafah
Too much water, and not enough: Brazil's flooded south struggles to find basic goods
Arkansas teacher, 26, is charged with sexually assaulting 15