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The risk of identity theft continues to increase, as each new year brings all-time-high numbers in the amount of victims whose personal information is stolen and used for malicious activity. While common forms of identity theft occur online via means like malware and hacking, the little pieces of paper that seem like an afterthought when you’re shopping can put you at risk: receipts.
Before the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (FACTA) was passed as an amendment to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, computerized receipts that you received when shopping may have included sensitive personal identifying information, such as a full credit card number and expiration date. For some e-commerce sites, that’s all the information a fraudster would need to make large purchases online in your name.
How Do FACTA Receipt Laws Work?
FACTA requires businesses that print out receipts to abide by rules that protect consumer information. For those that fail to comply, dozens, hundreds, thousands or tens of thousands of customers may learn that their rights covered by FACTA have been violated. Cases like these may result in class action lawsuits against a business.
At Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann, we’re often involved in litigation in a wide variety of consumer protection lawsuits. These include FACTA class action lawsuits, where we represent a large number of victims whose personal information has been exposed through machine-printed receipts.
According to FACTA consumer receipt laws, any debit card or credit card transactions where receipts are printed must not display consumer card information on the receipt. Businesses do this by using personal account number truncation, which prevents a full account number and expiration date from being viewable on a receipt. Anyone who has received an improperly printed receipt under FACTA law may file a civil lawsuit, which may entitle plaintiffs to up to $1,000 per violation.
There are standards businesses must follow in how this protection occurs. Stipulations include:
Only the last five digits of a card number may be displayed. All other digits must be hidden from the receipt. Businesses may choose to display less than the last five digits, but no other digits in any other position of the card number may be seen on the receipt.
The entire expiration date must be hidden. This means neither the month nor the year may be displayed on a receipt.
You may not even notice this information if it is printed on a receipt, but if it is, these situations can put you at risk. Dropping or losing a receipt that has this type of identifying information on it gives thieves a starting point to discover your full identity. The more information they have, the easier it is to uncover other identifying factors, including your address and social security number. This can lead to not just making purchases in your name, but even assuming your whole identity and crippling your finances, credit history, reputation and more.
What Should You Do If You Identify a FACTA Violation?
It’s important to note that FACTA receipt laws only apply to machine-produced receipts. Businesses should only be using machines that hide customer information on receipts, but if they don’t, they could be putting thousands of customers’ information at risk.
Businesses that still hand-write receipts are not subject to FACTA laws. Now that you know the risks your receipts may pose, it’s important to carefully store receipts so they don’t get lost or stolen. If you notice that a printed-out receipt contains your personal information, that business has violated FACTA law, and you may be entitled to compensation. This makes checking all your receipts for potential FACTA violations a wise decision, since you speaking up may enable you to not only secure financial compensation, but also to protect other consumers.
When you notice a FACTA violation by a business that puts your personal debit or credit card information on a receipt without complying to the law, you should consult Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann immediately to learn your rights. We have extensive experience helping consumers like yourself to gain the protection and compensation they deserve from unlawful business practices.
It is up to businesses to follow the law and protect their customers. Even if a business is unknowingly breaking FACTA receipt laws, the action of printing out identifying information on unsecure paper receipts contributes to the national identity theft crime problem. The lawyers at Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann can help you in your claim, and potentially file a class action lawsuit that successfully compensates everyone who has been a victim.
Learn more about some of the current class action lawsuits we are involved in here. Give us a call at (205) 322-8880 if you suspect you may have a class action claim to pursue, whether it’s because of FACTA receipt law violation or another serious issue.
What Do Our Clients Say?
Ruth Weakley
I highly recommend this law firm. I was always kept informed of any progress in my case. Any time I called them my concerns were met. Attorney Jon Mann was always very through in his responses. I can't thank this law firm for taking excellent care of my case.
Lee Huffstutler
Outstanding firm! Extremely pleased with the service, consistency & hard work of the firm as a whole and Michael Bradley as my representative.
Without a doubt, I would recommend anyone who is in need of a personal injury attorney to give Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann a call - good people that strive to look after your interests. Thanks for all you have done!
Larry Smith
I have nothing but great things to say about this firm. Initially I mostly spoke to Rebecca & she made me feel very comfortable in a stressful situation. Later many of my calls were with Jon Mann & he also spoke to me with respect & thoughtfulness. Kind of strange but a close bond between lawyers & a client but not only did we discuss the matter at hand but we would discuss our personal lives & the good & bad going on in my life & their concern for my health was comforting. I would definitely recommend this firm! Keep up the great work guys.
Doris M.
I feel very fortunate to have met this firm. During the first conference, my attorney made me feel totally at ease when sharing my situation with him. He has a way about him that makes you feel his sincerity and honesty. Thank you for taking my burden and for the wonderful job that you did to complete my case successfully. I am VERY PLEASED!
Cathye H.
My case was one that was a part of a nationwide claim. I researched and prayed for the appropriate attorney and I found that in Mike Bradley. While my case lasted, Mike and his assistant Karen stayed current and knowledgeable on the status and updates. I never once called or emailed that one of them didn't respond to me immediately. Mike would call to answer an email because he felt it would be more personal and efficient than typing. I highly recommend this firm.
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I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. Jon Mann of Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann. I am so grateful for your knowledge, passion, dedication, and professionalism you have exhibited through this entire ordeal. Mr. Jon Mann took in all the relevant information, analyzed it and created a plan to settle my case. Again, I value the help you've given me. Thank you!!
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I was very pleased with the work that Pittman, Dutton, Hellums, Bradley & Mann did for us. I had been injured in a car accident and was in quite a bit of pain for sometime. They always treated me like a person and not a case—never failed to return a call and kept us apprised of what was going on. I had a time when I had to be totally focused on recovery, they were able to take care of the situation and I didn’t have to worry about it. I owe this firm a lot of thanks.
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