How to file for a piece of that $117.5 million Yahoo data-breach settlement

Hey, would you look at that? Yahoo accounts finally have some value — but only if you act quickly. 

The deadline is fast approaching to file a claim for a piece of the $117,500,000 settlement following multiple hacks of Yahoo’s systems, spanning 2013 to 2016, that affected 3 billion accounts. And guess what? If you had a Yahoo account between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2016 and live in the U.S. or Israel, then you could have a cash payout coming your way. 

Notably, as was the case with the Equifax settlement, the parties involved are going to try and pawn essentially worthless credit monitoring services off on you. HOWEVER! If you can certify that you already have credit monitoring in place (thank you, Equifax), and plan to keep it for a year, then you can file for monetary compensation. 

Speaking of which, the actual amount possibly coming your way depends on how many people file. The settlement says anywhere from $100 to $358.80 per person, or maybe less, “depending on how many Settlement Class Members participate in the Settlement.”

In other words, this all may shake out to pennies per person. Still, something about making Yahoo mail out scores of 3-cent checks sounds pretty good. 

The deadline to file a claim is Monday, July 20. To do so, fill out the necessary online form — which can be found here — and hit “submit.” The above super catchy video, narrated by what sounds like a robot, provides additional instructions. 

Importantly, the court must decide whether to “finally approve” the settlement — which could take up to a year — but if you don’t file before July 20 you’ll forever be out of luck 

SEE ALSO: Apple owes you for slowing down your old iPhone. Here’s how to collect.

And hey, as the settlement website warns, “This Settlement affects your legal rights even if you do nothing.” So, you know, you might as well do essentially nothing (i.e., fill out an online form) and possibly get some money for your troubles.