If you received a notice from the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) about a potential compromise of your personal information in a 2021 ransomware attack, you may be eligible to receive up to $7,500 as part of a newly announced $375,000 class action settlement.
The lawsuit, which also names United Healthcare of New England as a co-defendant, alleged that RIPTA failed to adequately protect sensitive personal information, resulting in a breach that affected thousands of individuals.
Who’s Eligible?
To qualify for a payout, individuals must:
- Reside in the United States, and
- Have received a data breach notification from RIPTA referencing the August 5, 2021 ransomware attack.
What Compensation Is Available?
Eligible class members can claim:
- Lost Time:
Up to $60 ($15/hour for up to 4 hours) for time spent dealing with the breach. - Ordinary Losses:
Up to $1,000 for documented, out-of-pocket expenses—such as:- Bank fees
- Postage
- Gas for local travel
- Credit report or monitoring fees
- Identity theft insurance (purchased between Aug. 5, 2021 – Apr. 25, 2025)
- Extraordinary Losses:
Up to $7,500 for documented identity theft or fraud directly related to the breach, provided the loss is:- Unreimbursed
- Not claimed under ordinary losses
- Supported by proof of efforts to recover the funds
- Free Credit Monitoring:
All claimants are eligible for five years of complimentary single-bureau credit monitoring.
How to File a Claim
You can file a claim:
- Online, using the Notice ID and PIN from your mailed notification
- Or by downloading and mailing a paper form
Claim deadline: August 25, 2025
Mail paper claims to:
RIPTA/UHC Claims Administrator
P.O. Box 25226
Santa Ana, CA 92799
If you no longer have your notice, contact the settlement administrator for assistance.
Required Documentation
- Lost Time: Written explanation of time spent and actions taken
- Ordinary Losses: Receipts or third-party documentation (self-created records are not accepted)
- Extraordinary Losses: Proof of loss, unreimbursed status, and attempts to recover funds
Payout Methods
You can choose one of the following payment options:
- PayPal
- Venmo
- Zelle
- Virtual prepaid card
- Paper check
Settlement Fund Breakdown
The $375,000 fund will be used to:
- Cover settlement administration costs (amount TBD)
- Pay service awards of up to $1,500 each to named plaintiffs
- Distribute remaining funds to valid claimants
Note: Attorney fees (up to $237,500) and credit monitoring costs will be paid separately, not deducted from the $375K fund.
Important Dates
- Opt-Out Deadline: July 25, 2025
- Claim Deadline: August 25, 2025
- Final Fairness Hearing: September 23, 2025
- Estimated Payout Date: ~61 days after court approval and resolution of any appeals
Why Was This Lawsuit Filed?
The lawsuit alleged that RIPTA failed to secure files containing personal information, which were later accessed during a ransomware attack discovered on August 5, 2021. Plaintiffs argued this led to increased risk of identity theft and fraud.
Both RIPTA and United Healthcare of New England deny any wrongdoing, but agreed to the settlement to avoid the costs and risks of ongoing litigation.
Now Accepting Claims
Payout Amount: Varies by claim
Deadline: August 25, 2025
Sources:
Please be aware that your claim form will be rejected if it contains fraudulent information. By submitting your information and your sworn statement of its accuracy, you are agreeing to do so under penalty of perjury. Submitting false information not only jeopardizes your claim but also affects others who are genuinely eligible for the settlement. If you are uncertain about your eligibility for this class action settlement, please visit the class action administrator’s website for more information. Note that NoProofClassActions.org participates in the Amazon affiliate advertising program, and this post may include affiliate links, which could result in us earning a commission if you make a purchase through those links.
