Credit card settlement letter is a legitimate one

Credit card settlement letter is a legitimate one

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Story Published: Dec 13, 2007 at 5:46 PM PDT

Story Updated: Dec 14, 2007 at 12:07 AM PDT

By Shellie Bailey-Shah and KATU Web Staff

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PORTLAND, Ore. - We put out so many consumer alerts telling you to think twice when you get letters saying you've got money coming, but if you recently got a letter about a multi-million dollar credit card settlement, don't throw it away.

The letter is legit and you would have gotten one if you used your credit or debit card outside of the United States.

Six years ago, some card holders noticed that numbers did not add up, so they filed a class action lawsuit against MasterCard, Visa, Diners Club and their partner banks.

The lawsuit accused the companies of tacking on undisclosed fees and, in some cases, inflating the base exchange rate, making those companies $3.5 billion.

The credit card companies deny any wrongdoing, but have agreed to settle out of court.

To be eligible for the class action settlement, you must have traveled outside of the United States between Feb. 1, 1996 and Nov. 8, 2006, and used a MasterCard, Visa or Diners Club card.

You have until May 30 to file a claim. If you did not get a letter, but think you qualify, you can find the claim forms online.

When you get the forms, you will have three options:

  • Option 1 - You get $25 automatically
  • Options 2 and 3 - You get more, but you have to estimate your spending

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