If you received a data breach notice from the Washington State Auditor’s Office (SAO), you could be eligible for cash payments up to $5,000 as part of a $3.09 million class action settlement.
This settlement resolves claims that the SAO failed to protect personal data during a December 2020 cybersecurity incident that may have exposed sensitive information belonging to Washington residents.
Why is there a lawsuit?
In December 2020, cybercriminals allegedly accessed files from the Washington State Auditor’s Office through a vulnerability in Accellion’s file transfer system. Those files reportedly contained private information of Washington residents.
Plaintiffs in Stone et al. v. Accellion USA LLC, et al. accused the SAO of not using reasonable cybersecurity measures to safeguard this data, leaving individuals at risk for identity theft and fraud.
While the SAO denies wrongdoing, it agreed to a $3,085,152.73 settlement to resolve the claims.
Who qualifies?
You may be part of this settlement if:
You live in the U.S., and
You received a notice from the Washington State Auditor’s Office (or its representative) about the December 2020 data security incident.
If you didn’t receive that notice, you’re not included in this settlement.
How much can people get?
Class members can claim two types of compensation:
Documented Out-of-Pocket Losses:
Up to $5,000 for expenses related to the breach, such as:Identity theft or fraud losses
Bank or credit card fees
Postage or communication costs
Professional or legal fees
Travel or mileage costs for resolving issues
Lost Time:
Up to three hours at $30/hour (max $90 total) for time spent dealing with breach-related issues.Alternative Payment (Optional):
Instead of submitting receipts, you can choose a flat cash payment based on the number of valid claims filed after other payments are distributed.
Proof Required:
Documentation is needed for out-of-pocket loss claims (e.g., receipts, bank records). No proof is required for the lost-time claim.
What Are Your Options?
| Option | What It Means | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Submit a Claim Form | The only way to receive payment for your losses or time spent. | October 24, 2025 |
| Exclude Yourself (Opt Out) | Get no payment, but keep your right to sue SAO separately. | September 24, 2025 |
| Object | Tell the Court why you disagree with the settlement (you can also attend the hearing). | September 24, 2025 |
| Do Nothing | No payment. You’ll still be bound by the settlement terms. | No deadline |
How to File a Claim
You can file online at SAOFTASettlement.com or request a paper claim form by mail:
SAO Claims Administrator
P.O. Box 911
Baton Rouge, LA 70821
844-978-4141
When filing, make sure to:
Include supporting documents for any claimed losses
Certify your claim truthfully under penalty of perjury
Filing is free, fast, and secure—no lawyer required.
Don’t miss your chance to claim compensation for your time or losses from the Washington State Auditor data breach.
