Save Mart Seeks to Settle Credit Card Suit

MODESTO, Calif. — Customers of Save Mart Supermarkets who used a credit card to make purchases between July 2003 and July 2004 have until today to submit legal forms that could make them eligible for free $20 gift cards from the chain as part of a proposed legal settlement of a class-action suit, according to local news reports.

The suit, filed five years ago, charged that the chain asked customers filling out credit card forms to include their telephone numbers — a violation of California civil law aimed at curtailing identity theft. Save Mart reportedly was unaware of the law, the Modesto Bee said; and while the chain acknowledged the violation, it denied any wrongdoing and contended no member of the class was injured.

However, Save Mart decided it was best to settle the suit quickly, the newspaper reported. Chain officials could not be reached for comment. A Superior Court judge is scheduled to make a decision on the proposed settlement June 24.

Under the settlement, Save Mart will give away $20 gift cards up to a total of $3.5 million to customers who indicate they used a credit card to purchase merchandise from a Save Mart store between the applicable dates, without the need to supply receipts or any other proof. Those forms must be submitted by today.

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