Designer Brands Inc. and its subsidiary, DSW Shoe Warehouse Inc., have agreed to a $4.42 million settlement to resolve allegations that they violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) by sending unsolicited marketing text messages to individuals who had previously opted out of such communications.
The TCPA is a federal law designed to protect consumers from unwanted marketing calls and texts by restricting companies from using automated dialing systems without explicit consent. In this case, plaintiffs alleged that DSW continued sending promotional text messages to individuals who had requested to stop receiving them.
Details of the Settlement
As part of the settlement, DSW will pay a total of $4.42 million, which will be distributed among eligible class members who file a valid claim.
Who is Eligible?
The class includes U.S. consumers who:
- Received marketing text messages from Designer Brands or DSW
- Previously opted out of receiving such messages
- Received these texts between September 1, 2018, and September 1, 2024
If you fall under this category, you may be entitled to receive a cash payment from the settlement.
How Much Money Can You Receive?
- Each eligible claimant is expected to receive approximately $70.
- The final payout amount may vary depending on the number of claims submitted.
How to File a Claim?
To receive compensation from the settlement, affected individuals must submit a claim form by June 30, 2025.
You can file a claim online at the official settlement website: 🔗 DSW TCPA Settlement Official Website
Important Information for Filing a Claim:
- No proof of purchase is required, but claimants must provide the phone number that received the unwanted text messages.
- Claims will be verified against the records provided by DSW to confirm eligibility.
What If You Don’t Want to Be Part of the Settlement?
If you do not wish to receive compensation and want to retain your right to sue DSW separately, you must opt out of the settlement.
- Deadline to Exclude Yourself or Object: May 2, 2025
- Final Approval Hearing: July 31, 2025
To exclude yourself or file an objection, visit the official settlement website and follow the provided instructions.
The Impact of TCPA Laws on Businesses
This lawsuit highlights the importance of businesses following TCPA regulations and obtaining proper consent before sending marketing messages. Violations of the TCPA can lead to substantial legal penalties, including multi-million-dollar settlements like this one.
What Can Consumers Do to Protect Themselves?
To avoid receiving unwanted robocalls and text messages, consumers can:
- Register their number with the National Do Not Call Registry: 🔗 Do Not Call Registry
- Report TCPA violations to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC): 🔗 FCC Consumer Complaint Center
- Block spam numbers on their phone or through their wireless provider.
Final Thoughts
If you received unsolicited marketing texts from DSW after opting out, you may be entitled to a cash payment under the $4.42 million settlement. Be sure to submit your claim before June 30, 2025, to secure your compensation.
For more information, visit the DSW TCPA Settlement Official Website and check out government resources on TCPA regulations and consumer rights.
Stay informed, and don’t miss out on your potential compensation!
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A senior at Yale-NUS College with interests in developmental and labour economics, as well as creative non-fiction and poetry. Currently, I’m studying as an Economics major and an Arts and Humanities minor (focusing on Creative Writing) with heavy involvement in the Singaporean journalism scene and involved in research on economic history and educational policy. I’m working as an author for SKC News, Yale-NUS’ student publication, as a writer for Wingspan, Yale-NUS’ alumni magazine, and as a tutor for the NUS Libraries Writer’s Centre. | Linkedin