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HelloFresh fined millions for misleading customers over subscriptions

Deborah McCahery — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 10:02:20 +0000

HelloFresh – the world’s biggest meal kit company – has been ordered to pay $7.5 million after a US court found it made subscriptions hard to cancel.

The penalty follows a lawsuit in California, where prosecutors accused HelloFresh of misleading customers into auto-renewing meal plans and putting barriers in the way of cancelling. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the case was a warning shot for all companies who charge unfair subscription practices.

HelloFresh, which controls about three-quarters of the US meal kit market, denied wrongdoing but said it had worked with prosecutors to resolve the case.

Why this matters for UK consumers

Subscription traps aren’t just an American problem. UK regulators have long warned about companies that make it easy to sign up but far harder to cancel.

According to the government website, nearly 10 million active subscriptions in the UK are unwanted. Costing consumers £14 per month per subscription, and a staggering £1.6 billion annually.

The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 has now banned subscription traps, with penalties of up to 10% of a company’s global turnover for offenders. The government is also consulting on new rules to make cancellation genuinely simple, ensure clear reminders before renewals, and extend cooling-off rights to auto-renewed contracts.

The message is clear: whether it’s meal kits, streaming services, or gym memberships, businesses must treat customers fairly. And those that don’t could face serious consequences.

Stay informed

Join the Claim keeps a close eye on cases like this. If group action opportunities open up in the UK, we’ll make sure you hear about them first.

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15.8 million PayPal accounts at risk: what you need to do now

Deborah McCahery — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 09:05:09 +0000

A hacker is reportedly selling a huge batch of PayPal account details online, putting as many as 15.8 million users at risk.

The stolen file, said to contain passwords in plain text, is being sold for just $750 on an underground forum. Security experts believe the data wasn’t hacked directly from PayPal (since the company doesn’t store passwords in this way) but was most likely stolen from users through malware or phishing attacks.

While the authenticity of the full dataset hasn’t been confirmed, early checks suggest at least some of the details are real. PayPal has not yet issued an official statement.

What PayPal users should do immediately

If you have a PayPal account, take these steps now to help protect yourself:

Change your PayPal password straight away. And do the same for any other accounts where you’ve used the same login details.
Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.

Check your recent transactions and account settings for anything suspicious.

Be alert to phishing emails or texts pretending to be from PayPal.

Don’t wait until it’s too late

Cybercriminals often sell stolen logins cheaply and quickly. Meaning accounts can be compromised before companies even issue a warning. If you’ve ever reused a PayPal password, your wider digital footprint could be at risk too.

We’ve put together a practical guide to help you stay safe after a breach. From spotting fraud to securing your accounts, it explains the steps you can take right now to protect your personal information.

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Could you be missing out on your share of more than £134 billion in class actions?

Deborah McCahery — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 09:11:41 +0000

Class action claims in the UK are booming. By the end of 2024, more than 655 million people had been included in cases at the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT). To put that in perspective, that’s the equivalent of over 10 separate claims for every single person in the UK.

Together, these claims are now worth more than £134 billion. And the number of cases already in motion are bigger, cover more industries, and could mean real money back in the pockets of everyday consumers.

What is the CAT?

The Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) is a specialist UK court that handles cases where businesses are accused of breaking competition law – things like overcharging, fixing prices, or abusing their market power. It’s also where many class action claims are run. That means if a big company has treated customers unfairly, the CAT is often the place that decides whether consumers should get compensation.

Right now, the biggest industries facing claims at the CAT are:

Energy & natural resources

Big Tech –

Financial products

That means everything from water companies and train operators, to global tech giants and high street banks, are being challenged for the way they treat customers.

CAT claims aren’t the only ones you could join

Class actions are designed to make it easier for people to stand up to powerful companies. Instead of fighting a case alone, you join thousands – sometimes millions – of others with the same complaint.

Some claims you actively have to opt in to join. Others are opt out, which means you’re automatically included unless you say otherwise. Either way, these cases are giving consumers a stronger voice against unfair practices.

And, while the CAT handles a huge share of competition-related cases, it’s not the only route to compensation. Consumers across the UK are also joining other types of group actions, including:

Data breach claims: When your personal information has been exposed or mishandled.

Employment claims: if you’ve been underpaid, unfairly treated, or misclassified at work.

Health and medical claims: Such as harmful products, unsafe treatments, or misleading health advice.

Why does this matter for you?

When claims settle, we’re talking hundreds of millions – sometimes billions – of pounds on the table. But unless you’re signed up, in some cases you could miss out completely.

At Join the Claim, our job is to make this process simple. We explain what’s going on in plain English, keep you up to date on the cases that matter, and connect you with trusted UK law firms running the claims.

Don’t let your share slip away

With so many class actions happening at once, it’s easy to lose track of which ones you might qualify for. But with billions at stake, it’s worth checking. Check out claims on our website and use our quick online checker today to see if you’re eligible.

The post Could you be missing out on your share of more than £134 billion in class actions? appeared first on Join the Claim.

Final ruling ends £1.3bn BT landline claim

Deborah McCahery — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 09:36:10 +0000

The Court of Appeal has shut the door on a landmark collective action against BT, ending hopes of £1.3 billion in compensation for millions of landline customers.

What was the case about?

The case, launched by consumer advocate Justin Le Patourel, alleged that BT abused its market power between 2015 and 2018 by charging “excessive and unfair” prices.

The claim covered:

1.5 million landline-only customers, many of them older or vulnerable, who were said to have overpaid by up to £84 a year.
2 million “split purchase” customers, who took BT landline and broadband separately and faced higher combined costs.

An earlier decision, made by the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) accepted that BT’s prices were persistently high, but said they weren’t “unfair”. According to the CAT, customers were still getting something worthwhile for their money.

Following that ruling, Le Patourel wanted the Court of Appeal to overturn the decision, but permission to appeal was declined.

What this means for consumers

For more than 3.7 million BT customers, the ruling confirms there will be no compensation — previously estimated at £300–£400 per person.

Le Patourel expressed disappointment, arguing the decision sets a worrying precedent for how dominant firms may justify high prices. Still, he vowed to continue using collective actions to challenge unfair treatment in future.

Why the case was important

This was the first UK “opt-out” collective action under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 to go all the way to trial. In opt-out cases, those eligible are automatically included unless they choose to opt out.

This ruling shows how tough it can be to hold powerful companies to account, even with regulators raising concerns. For now, BT landline customers won’t see compensation. But the wider fight for fairer treatment, transparency, and stronger consumer rights is far from over.

If you’ve been let down by a big company, we shine a spotlight on major consumer injustices and connect you with UK law firms taking action.

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Frequently asked questions about group action claims

Deborah McCahery — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 09:33:56 +0000

At Join the Claim, we hear a lot of questions from people thinking about joining a group action. It’s completely normal to have concerns. After all, legal action can feel daunting if you’ve never been involved before. Here’s a straightforward guide to some of the most common queries we get

“What happens if I join, will anyone know who I am?”

Privacy is one of the biggest worries for potential claimants. In some group actions, the names of claimants can appear on a public court document, especially if the case is managed under a Group Litigation Order (GLO) (a court order that brings similar claims together into a single legal action).

However, your personal details aren’t splashed across the internet or the news just because you join. In many situations, only the court, your legal team, and the defendant will know you are part of the claim. If public listing is a possibility, your solicitor will explain exactly what that means.

“If I miss the deadline, can I still join a class action?”

Unfortunately, missing the deadline often means you can’t take part. Group actions have strict cut-off dates to make sure the case can move forward fairly. That’s why we always say: if you think you might have a claim, act sooner rather than later.

That said, there are rare exceptions. If a new phase of the case opens, or if another related claim is launched, you might still have a chance. The safest bet is to check your eligibility right away rather than risk losing out.

“What if I’m still employed by the company I’m suing? Could that lead to retaliation?”

This is a common concern. The good news is that the law protects employees from retaliation for taking legal action, whether individually or as part of a group. It’s illegal for an employer to sack you, demote you, or treat you unfairly because you’re involved in a claim.

That said, we know the worry is real — especially if your workplace is small. If you believe your employer is penalising you for joining a claim, it’s worth discussing it with an employment law solicitor, who can advise on steps to protect yourself and your job.

“If the case is won, how soon do I get paid. Will I still be waiting months later?”

Winning a case is just the start of the final stage. The timeline for distributing compensation can vary depending on how the defendant pays, how many claimants there are, and whether there are any disputes over amounts owed.

It’s not unusual for payouts to take several months after a settlement or court win, especially in complex cases. While delays can be frustrating, your legal team should keep you updated on progress and explain what’s happening behind the scenes.

“What does ‘no-win, no-fee’ really mean?”

Most group actions run on a no-win, no-fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything upfront, and if the case is unsuccessful, you won’t owe your solicitor for their legal work. If the case wins, your solicitor’s fees are usually deducted from your compensation.

However, T&Cs do apply, so it’s important to read the funding agreement carefully to ensure you understand exactly what will be deducted and when.

When you register with a law firm via Join the Claim, we explain these terms clearly before you sign up, so there are no surprises later.

Want to know more?

If you’re thinking about joining a group action, it’s better to get clear answers upfront than to guess. At Join the Claim, we’re here to make the process as transparent, straightforward, and stress-free as possible.

If you’d like help understanding some of the legal terms you might come across, take a look at our group litigation jargon buster. It’s a simple guide to help you cut through the complexity.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Joining a group action is a legal process, and your eligibility, potential risks, and possible outcomes will depend on your individual circumstances.

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Legal ruling gives new hope to data breach victims

Deborah McCahery — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 09:20:00 +0000

The Court of Appeal has overturned an earlier ruling that made it harder for people to bring claims after their personal data was exposed. In a significant win for consumers, the latest judgment confirms victims don’t need to prove their data was actually read by a third party, or that they suffered distress, in order to have a valid claim.

What was the case about?

The case involved hundreds of current and former police officers. Their pension scheme manager, Equiniti, accidentally sent confidential benefit statements to old addresses. The letters included sensitive details such as names, dates of birth, National Insurance numbers, salary, and pension information.

While Equiniti apologised and paid for fraud protection services, many officers were left anxious about the risk of identity theft.

Why this ruling matters

Until now, the High Court had restricted these claims, saying only people who could show their letters were opened by strangers had a case.

The Court of Appeal disagreed. Lord Justice Warby said:

Victims don’t need to prove their data was read to have a valid claim. It’s enough to show a reasonable basis for fearing misuse
There is no “threshold of seriousness” under UK data protection law
Claims should not be dismissed simply because the potential compensation may be small.

In short: organisations can’t dodge responsibility just because victims can’t prove exactly what happened to their data after a breach.

What this means for consumers

This ruling is a big step forward for data breach victims across the UK. It makes clear that:

Unlawful processing of personal data alone can give rise to a claim
Lower-value claims still matter and deserve to be heard

Anxiety and fear of misuse – when based on real risk – are enough to bring a case.

Data breaches are becoming more common, and this ruling strengthens the rights of consumers to hold organisations accountable.

If your personal information has been exposed in a breach, you could be entitled to compensation. We can help you check your eligibility and connect you with a regulated UK law firm ready to act on your behalf.

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Temu faces mounting lawsuits over privacy concerns

Deborah McCahery — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 09:57:38 +0000

Online marketplace Temu has seen explosive growth thanks to its extremely low prices and flashy marketing. But in the United States, claims are mounting over data privacy red flags.

In July 2025, the Kentucky Attorney General filed a lawsuit alleging Temu can “infect Kentuckians’ devices with malware, steal their personal data and send it directly to the Chinese government”.

And this isn’t the first legal action against Temu. In June 2024, the Arkansas Attorney General sued, claiming the app as being “purposefully designed to gain unrestricted access” to users’ phones. According to the complaint, Temu could bypass privacy settings, reconfigure itself after installation, and harvest everything from contacts and text messages to biometric data like fingerprints.

Security researchers have gone further, claiming the app contains tools to act as malware and spyware. If true, this could give Temu the potential to access literally everything on a device once installed. Although these claims have not been proven.

Why this matters for UK shoppers

Millions of UK consumers have downloaded Temu to snap up bargains. But while the platform promotes itself as a discount shopping hub, allegations like these suggest the real cost could be your personal data.

UK law, including the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR, offers protection against misuse of personal information. Companies can face heavy penalties for unlawful practices. But regulation is often reactive, meaning consumers could be exposed long before action is taken.

Protecting yourself online

With so much of our shopping, banking and everyday life now happening on our phones, keeping control of your personal data is more important than ever. While you can’t always stop companies from behaving badly, you can take practical steps to reduce your risk and spot warning signs early.

Here are a few simple ways to protect yourself.

Think before you download: Ask if an app really needs access to your contacts, location, or camera.

Stay updated: Install the latest security patches and app updates to reduce risks.

Know your rights: If a company misuses your data, you may be able to join a group claim.

Stay alert: Be cautious of apps repeatedly linked with data and privacy concerns.

Register your interest

The Temu lawsuits may be happening in the US, but UK regulators are watching closely. If similar concerns emerge here, affected consumers could have the right to seek compensation.

Want to stay in the loop? Register your interest with Join the Claim and we’ll keep you informed of any UK investigations or group claims linked to Temu. That way, you’ll be first to know your options.

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Shein hit with more lawsuits over allegations of shady practices

Deborah McCahery — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 09:57:21 +0000

The legal pressure on fast fashion giant Shein is piling up. In the United States, the ultra-cheap retailer has been hit with a new class action lawsuit after it allegedly sent unsolicited marketing text messages to someone on the Do-Not-Call Registry. Meanwhile in the UK, Shein faces a separate legal battle over tax evasion claims that lawyers believe are worth £5.8 million.

What’s happening in the US?

The latest lawsuit, filed in Indiana, alleges Shein broke federal consumer protection law by spamming a claimant with unsolicited texts. The plaintiff says they had registered their number with the Do Not Call Registry in April, yet received multiple marketing messages in June. Attorneys are seeking damages, claiming an invasion of privacy and nuisance.

What’s happening in the UK?

Closer to home, Shein is being sued over allegations that the company manipulated import declarations to avoid paying VAT on goods shipped into the UK. In other words, tax evasion.

Custom agents who worked with Shein argue that the retailer’s behaviour put them “under pressure and reputational risk”. The case is seeking damages of £5.8 million. Shein has denied the allegations, calling them “completely unfounded.”

Why this matters for UK consumers

Shein has grown into one of the biggest fast-fashion platforms in the world, offering ultra-cheap clothes delivered straight from China. But behind the bargains are potentially serious and mounting concerns – as other cases against Shein cover copyright infringement, misleading advertising, and questionable labour and environmental practices.

If the allegations are found to be true, shoppers could be at risk of:

Data breaches: Unwanted marketing messages or misuse of personal data.
Misleading advertising: Overstated sustainability claims could leave shoppers making choices based on false promises.
Poor quality: Garments that wear out quickly add to waste and force repeat spending.

For UK businesses, unfair practices could mean:

Lost revenue: Tax evasion allegations suggest Shein may have avoided paying millions in VAT, giving it an artificial advantage over retailers who play by the rules.
Distorted competition: Smaller UK brands and shops struggle to compete on price if rivals are dodging regulations.

If you want to stand up against poor business practices and help ensure companies operate in fairly, legally, and responsibly, you should:

Be cautious when giving apps or retailers your personal data
Challenge marketing messages you didn’t sign up for as they may breach data protection laws
Choose brands that are transparent about their pricing, taxes, labour conditions, and environmental impact

Follow regulatory developments. If wrongdoing is confirmed, you may have the option to join a group claim for compensation.

Register your interest

If UK investigations or group claims emerge against Shein, Join the Claim will keep you informed. Register your interest today to be the first to know about your rights and options.

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Newcastle University forced to pay over £2.4m to students after strike disruption

Mahder Desta — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 15:54:07 +0000

After months of walkouts, Newcastle University has paid out £2.4 million to students whose education was disrupted by industrial action.

The payments come in response to four months of strikes by university staff, with more than 12,000 students identified as eligible for compensation. In total, the university recorded 2,752 separate incidents of missed or disrupted teaching between March and June 2025.

Students affected by the disruption have been offered compensation based on their fee status and how many modules they missed. Home students can claim up to £600, while international students may be eligible for as much as £1,200. A university spokesperson confirmed that funds for the compensation were redirected from salaries not paid during the strikes.

According to a representative from the University and College Union (UCU), the payout ‘sets precedent’ and has “put other universities on alert”.

Did a strike spoil your university experience?

If you missed out on your education because of university strikes, you may be entitled to more than a goodwill payment.

UK universities are legally bound to provide the service you pay for. If teaching is cancelled, not replaced, or falls short of what was promised, it could amount to a breach of contract.

At Join the Claim, we connect students with specialist lawyers who are investigating group legal action against universities across the country. Our goal is to make the process simple, transparent, and fair, so students aren’t left footing the bill for a service they didn’t receive.

Compensation for Covid lockdowns

As well as breaches of contract due to industrial action, lawyers are also leading claims for campus shutdowns during the Covid lockdowns. They believe that this disruption led to:

A diminished educational experience. Students paid for in-person tuition but received online classes instead. This shift resulted in less engagement with professors and peers. Many extracurricular activities, networking events, and social interactions that are integral to the university experience were cancelled or moved online, limiting students’ overall development and networking opportunities.
Restricted access to facilities. Universities closed essential facilities like libraries, labs, and study spaces. Students missed out on valuable resources critical for their academic success and research projects.

Degree devaluation. Despite the reduced services, universities did not offer refunds. Students ended up paying the same fees for a subpar experience, straining their finances without receiving the expected value. Many students feel their degrees aren’t worth the cost, leaving them at a disadvantage when job hunting.

Career setbacks. Strikes and online learning disrupted coursework and exams, delaying graduations for some. Additionally, many students lost out on internships and job opportunities, affecting their career prospects and earning potential.

Mental health impact. The uncertainty and stress from the sudden changes, coupled with isolation during lockdowns, took a toll on students’ mental health. The lack of in-person support services exacerbated these issues.

Think your university broke its contract due to strikes?

If you missed out due to strikes, it’s worth checking if you’ve got a case.

Lawyers are already helping thousands of students explore potential group action against their universities. It’s free to check and only takes a few minutes. If you’re eligible, we’ll connect you with a trusted UK law firm ready to champion your case.

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Scam alert update: August 2025

Deborah McCahery — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 08:52:52 +0000

A new month brings fresh scam warnings. And the numbers show just how costly it can be to get caught out. A recent survey found that 4 in 10 UK scam victims recovered nothing after losing an average of £765. That’s money most households simply can’t afford to lose.

From fake compensation calls to phoney celebrity-backed investments, fraudsters are working harder than ever to part people from their cash. Here’s our August round-up so you can stay one step ahead.

Car finance scams: fraudsters cash in on compensation confusion

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has warned about fraudsters posing as lenders and offering fake payouts linked to the recent headlines around the car finance scandal.

The FCA plans to set up a redress scheme for drivers charged unfair commission under now-banned Discretionary Commission Arrangements (DCAs). But the scheme hasn’t launched yet. So any cold calls, texts, or emails claiming to offer you compensation now are scams.

Watch out for

Requests for bank details, NI numbers, or security codes.

Urgent demands to “claim now” or “verify your account”.

The FCA will never ask for your PIN, password, or bank login. Hang up, delete the message, and don’t click links.

Quantum AI: the investment scam making a comeback

The notorious Quantum AI scam is back on social media, using fake endorsements from celebrities like Elon Musk, Martin Lewis, and Deborah Meaden to push a dodgy investment scheme.

Scammers create fake news articles and high-pressure ads promising huge daily returns if you invest. Victims are then hounded with calls and emails – and rarely see their money again.

The FCA has warned that Quantum AI is unlicensed and should be avoided entirely.

Nixol diet pill scam: fake Dragons’ Den endorsements

Which? has uncovered 62 Facebook and Instagram ads falsely claiming Nixol weight-loss pills were backed on Dragons’ Den. Some even use AI-generated images of the Dragons holding the product. Many ads link to fake Daily Mail articles and lead to a subscription trap costing £55 a month – often with no refunds. You can find out more about the Which? investigation here.

Fake diet pills can contain dangerous substances. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) warns against buying weight-loss products outside of pharmacies or via your GP.

Be phishing-aware after recent data breaches

A wave of recent data breaches means more personal details are in the hands of scammers. That often leads to tailored phishing attacks – emails, texts, or calls that look genuine because they use your real information.

Whether it’s a leaked email address, stolen passwords, or worse, a data breach can leave you exposed to scams, ID fraud, and credit damage.

But if you have fallen victim to a data breach, you’re not powerless. Our handy guide shows you what to check, how to protect yourself, and what steps to take right now to stay one step ahead.

“Want to earn £200 a day from your phone?” The task scams that cost you money

Scammers are offering “easy” jobs like liking TikTok posts or reviewing films on IMDb for big money. They’ll often show you fake “earnings” before asking for deposits to unlock more tasks. These scam jobs are flooding platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram and TikTok.

Once you pay, the scammers vanish, and may use your details to target you again.

Signs of a task scam include:

Contact out of the blue.

No experience required but huge promised returns.

Requests for payment at any stage.

Fake DfT fine texts

The Department for Transport has warned of scam texts claiming you owe fines for outstanding traffic tickets. The DfT never issues fines via text and will never ask for payment through a link. Report messages to report@phishing.gov.uk or forward to 7726 for free.

Stay one step ahead

Sign up for Join the Claim’s newsletter for the latest scam alerts, prevention tips, and consumer rights updates – straight to your inbox. And while you’re here, don’t miss our new guide on how to spot app scams before it’s too late.

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