Americans who advertised with Google between 2004 and 2012 are on a ticking clock to submit their Google ad settlement claim and grab a slice of a $100 million payout – but you’ve only got days left.
The lawsuit accused the tech giant of overcharging thousands of users through its AdWords platform and misleading advertisers about where and how their ads were displayed. Google didn’t admit wrongdoing but agreed to pay the massive settlement to wrap things up.
Here’s the breakdown: If you or your business paid for ads through Google AdWords between January 1, 2004, and December 13, 2012, you may be owed money. You just need to fill out a simple online form before the July 20, 2025 deadline. The case claims Google charged for clicks that didn’t meet location targeting requirements or were bundled across unrelated websites without proper pricing breakdowns.
There are two types of eligible claimants. The Location Targeting Class covers those who ran ads from January 2004 to March 2011 and got billed for clicks outside their target area. The Search Bundled Clicks Class includes those who ran ads between June 2009 and December 2012, where clicks were bundled from both search results and random websites without a clear price. If this happened to you, you could be due a refund.
Payouts will vary based on how much each claimant spent on ineligible ad clicks. But to file, you’ll need proof – specifically, your Google AdWords Customer ID. That’s what links you to the charges. If you plan to opt out or object to the settlement, that deadline is also July 20.
Payments could start rolling out once all claims are processed, but you’ve got to act now if you want in. And unlike some class actions, this one isn’t giving out random small checks. Since it’s based on what you actually paid, your refund could be worth hundreds depending on your ad spend.
Meanwhile, this isn’t the only settlement cash flying around. Neiman Marcus shoppers impacted by the 2024 data breach have until later this year to claim part of a $3.5 million payout. The retailer was accused of failing to protect customer data, allegedly leading to identity theft and fraud.
And if you ever shared info with Criterion Collection, you might also be eligible for money from a $4.5 million settlement over privacy law violations – and no proof of purchase is even required in that case. Just fill out the form by August 19.
But if your business spent money on Google ads years ago, don’t sleep on this one. Visit the settlement website, enter your info, and get that form in before the clock runs out. Free money from big tech doesn’t happen often – and this window is closing fast.
Leo Cruz brings sharp insights into the world of politics, offering balanced reporting and analysis on the latest policies, elections, and global political events. With years of experience covering campaigns and interviewing world leaders, Leo ensures readers are always informed and engaged.
