Bura used our newssubmit to tell us that due a recent settlement between the US goverment and the record labels a lot of money is available to consumers. Because the record labels were found guilty of price fixing they have agreed to a settlement in which they had to pay 67.4 million in cash to compensate consumers who overpaid for CDs between 1995 and 2000. But altough this looks like a good opportunity, only a few have used this service, while it's easy. You don't need a coupon or anything else and you will get your money by check.
The settlement's website has been up for a month, and legal notices have been published in TV Guide, Parade and other national magazines, but the response rate has been very low, said Tina Kondo, a senior assistant attorney general in Gregoire's office. "I guess people don't like to read legal notices," Kondo said. |
Gregoire and other officials hope a radio advertising campaign set to launch soon will boost interest in the settlement. Anyone who bought a CD, cassette tape or vinyl record at a retail store between 1995 and 2000 is eligible. The application window closes March 3.
You don't even need a receipt to prove you bought CDs by Hole, Metallica or Shania Twain in 1998. Just click to the settlement's website, answer three questions and fill in your name and address. But don't try to recoup the entire cost of your music collection: Only one claim per customer is permitted.
While 41 states took on the music companies, consumers in all 50 states are eligible for the cash. There is one catch. If more than about 8.8 million people apply, in which case the per-person share would drop below $5, the customer part of the settlement will be canceled. Sending out such small checks is just too expensive.
So make sure you claim your money, but don't tell too many people because else it won't end up in your pocket! Read more in this story on Wired.com
Source: Wired.com
