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whitetigress's avatar

I got this e-mail about my MacBookPro, do you think its real?

Asked by whitetigress (3129points) November 14th, 2011

How can I verify it without direct contact? (Here is the document body they sent me via e-mail from Administrator@adaptersettlement.vertismail.com)

LEGAL NOTICE

If you are the original owner of certain MacBook or MacBook Pro computers and/or you purchased a standalone 60W or 85W MagSafe power adapter for these computers, you could be entitled to benefits under a class action settlement

The settlement will provide a cash payment if you are the original owner (by purchase or gift) of certain Apple MacBook or MacBook Pro computer models (“Subject Computer”) or separately purchased an Apple 60W or 85W MagSafe “T” Power Adapter (“Adapter”), your Adapter showed signs of Strain Relief Damage, and you purchased an Adapter as a replacement (“Replacement Adapter”) within three years of purchasing the Subject Computer or Adapter. You may also be able to obtain a replacement adapter at no charge from Apple if your Adapter shows signs of Strain Relief Damage now or in the future. The United States District Court for the Northern District of California authorized this notice. The Court will have a hearing to consider whether to approve the settlement, so that the benefits may be paid.

WHO’S AFFECTED?

You’re a “Class Member” if you are a United States resident who purchased in the United States an Apple MacBook or MacBook Pro computer or an Apple 60W or 85W MagSafe MPM-1 (“T”) Power Adapter.

WHAT’S THIS ABOUT?

The lawsuit claimed that the MagSafe “T” Adapter is defective in that it allegedly “dangerously frays, sparks and prematurely fails to work,” and that Apple engaged in misrepresentations regarding the Adapter. Apple denies all allegations and has asserted many defenses. Apple is entering into this settlement to avoid burdensome and costly litigation. The settlement is not an admission of wrongdoing.

WHAT CAN YOU GET FROM THE SETTLEMENT?

Apple has agreed to provide a cash payment to Class Members who purchased a Replacement Adapter for a Subject Computer or Adapter covered by the settlement and who send in a valid claim form. The settlement provides for different cash payments depending on when you purchased a Replacement Adapter.

YEAR REPLACEMENT ADAPTER PURCHASED
CASH PAYMENT AMOUNT
YEAR 1
THE ACTUAL AMOUNT PAID FOR THE REPLACEMENT ADAPTER (EXCLUDING TAX & SHIPPING) UP TO $79
YEAR 2
$50
YEAR 3
$35

There is a limit of three refunds per Subject Computer.

You may also be able to obtain a replacement adapter at no charge from Apple if your Adapter shows signs of Strain Relief Damage now or in the future.

HOW DO YOU GET A PAYMENT?

A detailed notice and claim form package contains everything you need. Just call 1–888-332–0277 or go to www.AdapterSettlement.com to get one.

HOW DO YOU GET A REPLACEMENT ADAPTER?

If your Adapter shows signs of Strain Relief Damage now or in the future, you may claim a replacement under Apple’s Adapter Replacement Program by taking your Adapter and computer to an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider or contacting AppleCare. Strain Relief Damage means fraying, melting, straining, sparking, weakening, discoloration, bubbling, overheating and/or separation of the Adapter’s strain reliefs.

IMPORTANT DEADLINES

To claim a cash payment, you must mail the claim form postmarked on or before March 21, 2012. To obtain a Replacement Adapter, you must contact Apple within three years from the date you purchased a Subject Computer or standalone Adapter, or May 21, 2012, whichever is later; no claim form is required. If you do not claim a cash payment or Replacement Adapter within these time periods, you will lose your right to obtain these benefits.

WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS?

If you don’t want to make a claim and you don’t want to be legally bound by the settlement, you must postmark your request to exclude yourself by January 6, 2012, or you won’t be able to sue, or continue to sue, Apple about the legal claims in this case. If you exclude yourself, you will not be eligible to receive a payment from this settlement.

If you stay in the Class, you may object to the settlement. Objections must be received by January 6, 2012. The detailed notice describes how to exclude yourself or object. The Court will hold a hearing in this case (In re MagSafe Power Adapter Litigation, Case No. C09–01911-JW) on February 27, 2012, at 9:00 a.m. to consider whether to approve (1) the settlement and (2) attorneys’ fees and expenses of up to $3.1 million and service payments to Plaintiffs of $5,000 each (not to exceed $30,000). You may appear at the hearing, but you don’t have to. To obtain a full notice and claim form, go to www.AdapterSettlement.com or call toll free 1–888-332–0277. For more details, go to www.AdapterSettlement.com or contact Helen Zeldes, Esq., Zeldes & Haeggquist, LLP, 625 Broadway, Suite 906, San Diego, CA 92101, 619–342-8000 or contact Steven A. Skalet, Esq., Mehri & Skalet, PLLC, 1250 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20036, 202–822-5100.

Please do not reply to this email.

Observing members: 0 Composing members: 0

8 Answers

HungryGuy's avatar

Smells like a scam to me!

If you really want to get to the bottom of this, go to the manufacturer of the gizmo in question and contact them. DO NOT click on any links contained in the email. You’ll get a virus faster than you can say Dewey, Screwem, and Howe, Attorney’s at Law, LLC.

wonderingwhy's avatar

Apple seems to think it’s legit.

Dog's avatar

I was about to post the link that @wonderingwhy did. It appears to be legit. Apple even refers you to the www.AdapterSettlement.com web site.

HungryGuy's avatar

Okay then, forget what I said…

john65pennington's avatar

If they emailed you, then they know how to contact you. At the bottom of the email, it states not to respond to their email(the one you received).

Just sit tight and see what happens. You were not asked to send them money and actually not to do anything, unless you object to the monetary awards.

dappled_leaves's avatar

If you’re concerned/interested, call Apple. If there is really a class action suit, they will know about it and know how you should proceed. I would not act in direct response to an unsolicited email like that – but if you request such a thing from Apple, you should be safe.

AshlynM's avatar

That must be a form letter because I got one similar concerning a medical lawsuit against a certain drug and a cell phone company.

Maybe this site will clear things up.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-27076_3-57321061-248/apple-settles-split-cord-magsafe-lawsuit/

varunkrish's avatar

Strangely enough Its LEGIT .. here is a apple support page article lol

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS4127

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