Settlement Overview
D.C. & Associates of Central Florida P.A. (DCACF) has agreed to a $550,000 class action settlement after a ransomware attack on April 3, 2023 potentially compromised customers’ personal information. The exposed data may include:
- Names
- Social Security numbers
- Driver’s license numbers
- Bank account information
The company denies wrongdoing but has agreed to settle to resolve the legal claims.
Who Is Eligible?
You may be eligible to file a claim if:
- You reside in the U.S., and
- You received written notification from DCACF on or around July 26, 2023, informing you that your personal data may have been compromised in the breach.
If you received a direct notice by mail or email, you’re likely included in the class.
What Can You Claim?
Eligible class members may receive up to $5,000, depending on the type of loss and documentation provided:
1. Ordinary Expense Reimbursement (Up to $2,000)
Covers out-of-pocket costs directly related to the breach, including:
- Credit monitoring purchased after July 26, 2023
- Credit report or credit freeze fees
- Notary, postage, and mileage
- Up to $80 for lost time ($20/hour for up to 4 hours)
2. Extraordinary Expense Reimbursement (Up to $5,000)
For larger losses that are directly linked to the breach, such as:
- Identity theft or fraud
- Falsified tax returns
- Out-of-pocket costs related to recovery
- Up to $240 for lost time ($30/hour for up to 8 hours)
Requires documentation and a detailed explanation.
3. Alternative Cash Payment
If you don’t claim reimbursement for losses or time, you may still request a flat $50 cash payment.
4. Free Credit Monitoring
All class members can claim two years of credit monitoring, which includes:
- Three-bureau credit monitoring
- Dark web scanning
- Identity theft insurance
- Fraud resolution assistance
How to File a Claim
Claim Deadline: October 15, 2025 (Online or postmarked by this date)
Submit Your Claim:
- Online: Use the portal on the official settlement website
- By Mail: Download and print the claim form, then mail to:
DC & Associates of Central Florida Settlement
Claims Administrator
P.O. Box 25226
Santa Ana, CA 92799
What Documentation Is Required?
- Proof of class membership: Class member ID (from your settlement notice), or your name and address as provided to DCACF.
- Ordinary expenses: Receipts or statements for the claimed expenses.
- Extraordinary expenses: Supporting documents plus a written description of the loss and recovery steps taken.
- Lost time: Statement describing what was done and the time spent.
- Flat $50 payment: Only proof of class membership is required.
Payment Methods
- Electronic: PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, or prepaid debit card (online claims only)
- Paper check: Mailed to your address
How the Settlement Fund Is Used
Funds will cover:
- Attorneys’ fees and costs: Up to $100,000
- Service award to the class representative: $2,500
- Credit monitoring services
- Settlement administration costs (TBD)
- Payments to class members: Remainder of the fund
These legal and administrative costs do not reduce your payout, as they are paid separately.
Key Dates
- Opt-out Deadline: September 15, 2025
- Final Approval Hearing: October 7, 2025
- Claim Deadline: October 15, 2025
When Will Payments Be Issued?
If the court approves the settlement and any appeals are resolved, payments and benefits will be distributed to eligible claimants who filed valid claims.
Why Was There a Lawsuit?
The lawsuit alleged that DCACF failed to properly safeguard consumer data, allowing a ransomware attack to compromise sensitive information. Claims included:
- Negligence
- Breach of implied contract
- Breach of fiduciary duty
- Violations of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act
DCACF denies any liability but chose to settle the case to avoid the burden and cost of litigation.
Sources:
Status: Open for Claims
Award Range: $50 – $5,000
Deadline to File: October 15, 2025
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.
