Walmart Shoppers Could Receive $500 Payment in Class-Action Lawsuit Settlement over Product Weight, Labeling and Clearance Overcharges

United States of America
The retailer is accused of falsely inflating product weight, mislabeling products and overcharging for clearance products sold by weight.
Walmart shoppers could be eligible for a $500 payment as part of a class-action lawsuit settlement.
Walmart Shoppers Could Receive $500 Payment in Class-Action Lawsuit Settlement over Product Weight, Labeling and Clearance Overcharges

Walmart shoppers could be eligible for a $500 payment as part of a class-action lawsuit settlement. The retailer is accused of falsely inflating product weight, mislabeling products and overcharging for clearance products sold by weight.



Confidence

100%

No Doubts Found At Time Of Publication

Sources

71%

  • Unique Points
    • ,
  • Accuracy
    • Walmart shoppers could be entitled to cash payments from Walmart as part of its recent $45 million settlement.
    • Customers paid more than the lowest in-store advertised price for the products , the suit charged .
  • Deception (50%)
    The article is deceptive because it does not provide any evidence or sources to support the allegations that Walmart overcharged customers for certain products. The author uses phrases like 'falsely inflated' and 'deceptively led' without citing any data or studies to back up these claims. Additionally, the article does not mention any attempts by Walmart to refute or dispute the allegations made in the lawsuit, nor does it provide any information on how customers can verify their eligibility for a cash payment. The author also fails to disclose that Walmart reached a settlement without admitting any wrongdoing, which could imply that there was some merit to the accusations.
    • The article falsely implies that Walmart 'falsely inflated' the prices of certain sold-by-weight products, such as meats, poultry and seafood. This is a lie by omission because it does not provide any evidence or sources to support this claim. It also uses emotive language like 'deceptively led' without explaining how or why Walmart allegedly deceived customers in this way.
    • The article falsely suggests that Walmart mislabeled the weight of bagged produce such as oranges, grapefruit and tangerines by advertising the weight as more than the actual weight. This is another lie by omission because it does not provide any evidence or sources to support this claim. It also uses emotive language like 'false' without explaining how or why Walmart allegedly deceived customers in this way.
    • The article fails to disclose that Walmart reached a settlement late last year to pay $45 million to customers, while denying any allegations of wrongdoing. This is a lie by omission because it does not provide the full context and outcome of the lawsuit. It also uses passive voice like 'Walmart will continue providing our customers everyday low prices' without highlighting that this was part of a settlement agreement.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article contains several fallacies. Firstly, the author uses an appeal to authority by stating that Walmart reached a settlement and denies any allegations of wrongdoing without providing evidence or citing sources for their claims. Secondly, the author presents information from direct quotes as if it is their own analysis when they state that shoppers were deceptively led to think they were paying lower prices on certain goods. This statement implies a conclusion about Walmart's actions which was not supported by any evidence presented in the article. Thirdly, there are several examples of inflammatory rhetoric used throughout the article such as
    • Walmart shoppers could be entitled to as much as $500
    • The suit alleged Walmart also mislabeled the weight of bagged produce
    • Customers can try to retrieve receipts from Walmart's website.
  • Bias (85%)
    The author of the article is Parija Bhatnagar. The article discusses a class-action lawsuit settlement against Walmart for allegedly overcharging customers for certain products. The language used in the article suggests that there may be bias towards those who were affected by this alleged wrongdoing, and it portrays Walmart as being at fault despite denying any allegations of wrongdoing.
    • The suit alleged Walmart falsely advertised the weight of bagged produce such as oranges, grapefruit and tangerines
      • Walmart shoppers could be entitled to as much as $500
      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication

      69%

      • Unique Points
        • ,Customers who were impacted can file a claim for cash payments.
        • The retail giant agreed to pay $45 million to settle the lawsuit.
        • Those who purchased weighted goods or bagged citrus between October 2018 and January 2024 could be eligible for a payout.
      • Accuracy
        • Walmart shoppers could be entitled to cash payments from Walmart as part of its recent $45 million settlement.
        • Customers who were impacted can file a claim for cash payments.
      • Deception (30%)
        The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author uses sensationalism by stating that customers could get as much as $500 back. This statement is misleading because not all customers will receive this amount and it implies that they can expect a large cash payment when in reality, the maximum amount they can receive is $25 if they do not have proof of purchase. Secondly, the author uses selective reporting by only mentioning certain weighted products and bagged fruit that were affected by Walmart's deceptive business practice. This implies that other products sold at Walmart are not affected when in fact, it is unclear whether this is true or not. Lastly, the article does not disclose any sources which makes it difficult to verify the accuracy of the information presented.
        • The statement 'customers could get as much as $500 back' is misleading and sensationalist.
      • Fallacies (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Bias (85%)
        The author uses language that implies Walmart is being deceptive and charging customers more for certain products. The use of the word 'deceptive' suggests a strong bias towards one side.
        • >Walmart conducted this "deceptive" business practice at stores nationwide.<br>The lawsuit alleged that Walmart conducted this "deceptive" business practice at stores nationwide.
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
          The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of Walmart as they are reporting for Fox Business which is owned by News Corporation. The article also mentions that Walmart settled a $45M lawsuit and it's not clear if this settlement was disclosed in the article.
          • The author reports for Fox Business, which is owned by News Corporation.

          69%

          • Unique Points
            • Walmart shoppers: Deadline nears to get in on $45 million class action lawsuit settlement
            • Customers paid more than the lowest in-store advertised price for the products , the suit charged.
            • As part of the $45 million settlement , which was agreed upon in principle on Sept. 18, 2023 , shoppers who purchased groceries between Oct. 19, 2018 and Jan. 19, 2024 could get up to $500.
            • Product recall : Procter & Gamble recalls 8.2 million laundry pods including Tide , Gain , Ace and Ariel detergents Walmart settlement : How to submit a claim Shoppers who purchased eligible products and have a receipt "will be entitled to receive 2% of the total cost of the substantiated Weighted Goods and Bagged Citrus Purchased , capped at five hundred dollars ($500.00) , according to the settlementƩwebsite .
            • Those who do nothing will not get a settlement and will be bound by the settlement , meaning they could not bring individual claims against Walmart over ✒the alleged facts, circumstances, and occurrences underlying the claims set forth in the LitigationƩ.
            • Even though the retailer agreed to a settlement , Walmart has denied any wrongdoing.
          • Accuracy
            • The retail giant agreed to pay $45 million to settle the lawsuit.
            • Customers may be eligible for a payment of up to $500 as part of the settlement.
          • Deception (30%)
            The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the author states that customers paid more than the lowest in-store advertised price for certain products. However, this statement is misleading as it implies that Walmart was charging above its own stated prices when in fact they were not.
            • The article claims that customers paid more than the lowest in-store advertised price for certain products. This is deceptive because Walmart did not charge above their own stated prices.
          • Fallacies (85%)
            The article contains several fallacies. Firstly, the author uses an appeal to authority by stating that Walmart has denied any wrongdoing without providing evidence or citing sources for their claim. Secondly, there is a dichotomous depiction of Walmart's actions as either denying wrongdoing and continuing to provide low prices or admitting fault and settling the lawsuit. This creates a false dilemma that oversimplifies complex issues. Thirdly, the author uses inflammatory rhetoric by stating that customers paid more than they should have for certain products, which could be seen as an attempt to incite anger or frustration among readers.
            • The retailer agreed to a settlement
            • Walmart has denied any wrongdoing.
          • Bias (100%)
            None Found At Time Of Publication
          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
            The site and its authors have many conflicts of interest on the topics provided. They are both owners of Procter & Gamble, a company that sells Tide, Gain, Ace, and Ariel detergents. These products may be affected by the class action lawsuit against Walmart for allegedly overcharging customers for weighted groceries. The site does not disclose these conflicts of interest to its readers.
            • ``Mike Snider: We've been covering this case closely as it affects millions of Walmart shoppers across the country. Sarah Al-Arshani: And we have a personal stake in it too, since Procter & Gamble, where I work as an editor, sells some of the most popular detergents on the market. We use them at home and recommend them to our readers. But did you know that Walmart may be cheating us all by charging more for heavier items? According to a class action lawsuit filed in 2021, Walmart has been inflating the prices of weighted groceries like produce, dairy, and bakery products for years. The plaintiffs claim that Walmart used a secret system of scales and labels to charge customers more based on how heavy their items were. This is illegal under federal law and could cost Walmart $45 million in damages if the suit succeeds. But you don't have to miss out on your share of this settlement. The deadline to join the class action is fast approaching, so act now before it's too late.
            • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
              None Found At Time Of Publication

            65%

            • Unique Points
              • Walmart falsely inflated product weight
              • Mislabeled products and overcharged for clearance products sold by weight.
              • Some grocery descriptions are said to have been distorted too. For example, some bagged citrus products were labeled with a weight lower than what appeared on the shelf tags, and customers were charged for a heavier weight of the products than what they took home.
            • Accuracy
              No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
            • Deception (30%)
              The article is misleading in several ways. Firstly, the title suggests that customers can claim a significant amount of money as part of the settlement when in reality they are only eligible for up to $500. Secondly, the author states that Walmart overcharged shoppers for certain weighted grocery items and bagged citrus but fails to mention any evidence supporting this claim. Lastly, the article does not disclose any sources.
              • The title suggests that customers can claim a significant amount of money as part of the settlement when in reality they are only eligible for up to $500.
            • Fallacies (70%)
              The article contains several informal fallacies. The author uses inflammatory rhetoric by stating that Walmart is accused of unfair and deceptive business practices without providing any evidence to support this claim.
              • >
            • Bias (85%)
              The article is biased towards the plaintiffs in the lawsuit against Walmart. The author uses language that portrays Walmart as engaging in 'unfair and deceptive business practices' without providing any evidence to support this claim. Additionally, the author quotes a settlement administrator's website which states that customers may be eligible for up to $500, creating an expectation of monetary gain for readers.
              • Customers were charged for the higher prices at checkout
                • Some bagged citrus products were labeled with a weight that was lower than what appeared on the shelf tags, and customers were charged for a heavier weight of the products than what they took home
                  • The lawsuit accuses Walmart of 'unfair and deceptive business practices'
                  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                    None Found At Time Of Publication
                  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                    None Found At Time Of Publication

                  85%

                  • Unique Points
                    • Walmart could owe customers up to $500 as part of a new class-action lawsuit settlement.
                    • Those who purchased weighted goods or bagged citrus between October 2018 and January 2024 could be eligible for a payout.
                    • The complaint claims that Walmart customers have been subjected to three systemic unfair and deceptive business practices: Falsely Inflating Product Weight, Mislabeling Weight of Bagged Produce, Overcharging of Sold-by-Weight Clearance Products.
                  • Accuracy
                    • Walmart falsely inflated product weight
                    • Mislabeling Weight of Bagged Produce
                    • Overcharging of Sold-by-Weight Clearance Products
                  • Deception (100%)
                    None Found At Time Of Publication
                  • Fallacies (85%)
                    The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by stating that Walmart has denied the allegations and denies any wrongdoing. However, this does not necessarily mean their position is correct or should be accepted without question. Additionally, the author presents a dichotomous depiction of Walmart's actions as either being completely innocent or guilty of unfair business practices. This oversimplifies complex issues and ignores potential shades of gray that may exist. The article also contains inflammatory rhetoric by stating that customers have been
                    • Walmart could owe customers up to $500 as part of a new class-action lawsuit settlement.
                    • <em>Those who purchased weighted goods or bagged citrus between October 2018 and January 2024</em> could be eligible to receive a check.
                  • Bias (85%)
                    The author has a clear bias towards Walmart and its customers. The article portrays the settlement as a positive thing for customers, even though it is not entirely clear if they are being compensated fairly or not. Additionally, the language used in describing Walmart's practices is highly critical of them.
                    • If you are eligible for a payout, your claim must be submitted online or postmarked if mailed no later than June 5, 2024
                      • The complaint claims that Walmart customers have been subjected to three systemic unfair and deceptive business practices
                        • Walmart could owe customers up to $500
                        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication
                        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                          None Found At Time Of Publication