Canadians who lost money in alleged Apple gift card scams could be eligible to claim part of a $1.25 million settlement.
The settlement would resolve a class-action lawsuit alleging that Apple could have done more to prevent gift card fraud. However, the company denies any wrongdoing. The proposed settlement is still awaiting court approval.
The allegations
The class-action lawsuit against Apple was brought forward by a Canadian who had purchased iTunes, App Store, or Apple Music gift cards and lost the value of the card in gift card scams “conducted by third-party fraudsters.”
The lawsuit alleges that since the cards are used on Apple platforms, the company had control and “could have held and reversed transfers to fraudsters, and flagged suspicious transactions.”
In addition, Apple allegedly refused to refund customers who lost money after being tricked into sharing redemption codes with scammers.
“Apple, which was not the party that perpetrated the scams, denies that it had any responsibility to provide such refunds and denies all allegations of wrongdoing, and none of the claims were proven in court,” reads the class-action website.
Are you eligible?
Canadians could be eligible to file a claim if they purchased one or more iTunes, App Store, or Apple Music gift cards between Jan. 1, 2016, and the date the settlement is approved, and lost the value of the cards in “ubiquitous gift card scams conducted by third-party fraudsters.” You could also qualify if, after losing the value of the card, you didn’t receive a refund or compensation from Apple or any third party.
How much could you receive?
Apple has agreed to pay a proposed $1.25 million settlement; however, the amount that eligible Canadians could receive has yet to be determined.
What should you do next?
For now, you don’t need to do anything as the settlement amount still needs to be approved. A hearing has been scheduled in the Superior Court of Justice in Toronto for Sept. 15, 2026. The dates for filing claims will be published soon after.
You can keep up with the latest updates by visiting the class-action website.
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