In 2025, Block Inc. (the parent company of Cash App) agreed to a $12.5 million class action settlement to resolve allegations in the lawsuit Bottoms v. Block Inc. (Case No. 2:23-cv-01969-MJP). The suit claimed Cash App violated Washington state’s privacy and consumer protection laws by sending unauthorized promotional or referral text messages—such as “Invite a friend to Cash App and get $5″—to users without explicit consent. These texts were sent via the app’s “Invite Friends” feature, often to non-users or contacts without permission, between November 14, 2019, and August 7, 2025.
Block Inc. denies any wrongdoing but settled to avoid further litigation. The fund covers claimant compensation, attorney fees, and administrative costs. Eligible individuals can receive an estimated $88 to $147 per claim, depending on the number of valid submissions (payouts are higher with fewer claims). The settlement also requires Block to improve consent practices and transparency for three years.
Important Note on Deadline: As of December 4, 2025, the claim deadline was October 27, 2025 (or November 27 in some reports—confirm on the official site). If you missed it, you may no longer be eligible to file. However, the court granted preliminary approval earlier this year, with final approval expected around December 2, 2025. Payouts are anticipated in late 2025 or early 2026, after claim validation.
Who Qualifies?
Eligibility is limited to Washington state residents affected during the specified period. Here’s a breakdown:
| Criterion | Details |
|---|---|
| Residency | Must have been a resident of Washington state at the time you received the text(s). Non-residents (including those in other U.S. states or countries like India) do not qualify. |
| Message Type | Received at least one unsolicited promotional or referral text from Cash App (e.g., from an unknown number promoting invites or bonuses). Multiple texts count as one claim. |
| Time Period | Texts received between November 14, 2019, and August 7, 2025. |
| Consent | Did not provide prior explicit consent to receive such messages. If you opted in voluntarily, you likely don’t qualify. |
| Exclusions | – Current or former Block Inc. employees, their immediate family, or household members. – Individuals who previously opted out of or settled a related lawsuit. – Those who do not submit (or intend to submit) a claim form. |
| Proof Required | Usually none—your phone number is verified against Cash App’s records. Screenshots or logs are optional but can help if requested. |
Up to 2 million Washington residents may be affected, but only those who file valid claims receive payouts. Even non-Cash App users qualify if they got the texts.
Note: Some sources mention a separate Cash App settlement related to a data breach in Cash App Investing (affecting users nationwide who received breach notices). If your issue involves a data breach rather than spam texts, check eligibility separately via official notices.
How to Claim (If Still Eligible)
Since the deadline has passed as of December 4, 2025, new claims are likely not accepted. However, if you filed before October/November 27, 2025, or believe you qualify for an extension/appeal:
- Visit the Official Site: Go to www.bottomstextsettlement.com (the settlement administrator’s portal). Avoid unofficial sites to prevent scams.
- Check Eligibility: Use the site’s verification tool—enter your phone number and basic info to confirm if you’re in the class.
- Submit a Claim Form:
- Online (Preferred): Fill out the digital form with your name, address, phone number, and confirmation of Washington residency during the period. It takes about 5 minutes.
- By Mail: Download/print the form from the site, complete it, and mail to the administrator (address on the form).
- Track Your Claim: Log in to the portal for status updates. You’ll get notifications about approval and payout.
- If Denied: You can appeal or contact the settlement administrator/class counsel for assistance.
No fees are required to file—it’s free. Claims are reviewed for validity, and opting out or objecting had separate deadlines earlier in 2025.
Payout Details
- Estimated Amount: $88–$147 per valid claim (pro-rated based on total claims filed).
- Distribution Method: Direct deposit, check, or prepaid card (your choice during filing).
- Timeline:
- Claim review: Ongoing through late 2025.
- Payouts: Late 2025 or early 2026, after final court approval and validation.
- Taxes: Payouts may be taxable as income—consult a tax advisor.
Tips to Avoid Scams
- Only use www.bottomstextsettlement.com or links from official court notices.
- Cash App/Block Inc. will not ask for payment or sensitive info to process claims.
- If you receive unsolicited calls/emails about this, report them to the FTC.
For the most up-to-date info, visit the official settlement website or contact class counsel. This settlement highlights growing scrutiny on unsolicited marketing—your claim could contribute to better protections.