If you stayed at a Starwood-branded hotel between 2014 and 2018, you may be part of a major class action settlement. Marriott International recently reached an agreement to resolve claims involving a significant data breach that affected the Starwood guest reservation database. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions on how to determine your eligibility and file a claim for compensation. Many individuals are entitled to cash payments or free credit monitoring services, but you must act before the court-ordered deadline to receive these benefits. Understanding the process is the first step toward protecting your rights and recovering any losses you may have experienced as a result of the incident.
Understanding the Data Breach Background
In November 2018, it was announced that a massive data breach had occurred within the Starwood guest reservation database. The breach, which began as early as 2014, exposed the personal information of hundreds of millions of guests. Because Marriott had acquired Starwood in 2016, the company became responsible for the security of that legacy system. The information compromised in this incident included names, mailing addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, passport numbers, and in some cases, encrypted payment card information. This led to multiple lawsuits that have now been consolidated into a settlement agreement intended to compensate affected individuals.
Who is Eligible for the Settlement?
Eligibility for the settlement is generally based on whether you stayed at a Starwood property during a specific timeframe. You are likely a “Class Member” if you were a resident of the United States, its territories, or Canada and you stayed at a Starwood-branded hotel between July 7, 2014, and September 10, 2018. It is important to note that this breach specifically affected the Starwood reservation system, not the primary Marriott reservation system. Therefore, stays at legacy Marriott brands during this time might not qualify unless the property was part of the Starwood portfolio.
List of Affected Starwood Brands
To help you determine if your past travels make you eligible, consider whether you stayed at any of the following hotel brands during the eligible period:
- Westin
- Sheraton
- The St. Regis
- W Hotels
- Aloft
- Element
- Four Points by Sheraton
- Le Méridien
- The Luxury Collection
- Tribute Portfolio
- Design Hotels
If you received a notice via email or traditional mail regarding this settlement, you are almost certainly a Class Member. These notices often contain a unique Class Member ID that simplifies the filing process.
What Benefits Can You Claim?
The settlement offers several types of benefits depending on how the breach affected you. You do not necessarily need to have experienced identity theft to receive a benefit, although those who did may be eligible for higher compensation. The primary categories of benefits include credit monitoring, cash payments for lost time, and reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses.
Free Credit Monitoring Services
One of the most valuable benefits is the offer of multi-year credit monitoring services. This service helps you keep an eye on your credit report for any suspicious activity. If you already have credit monitoring, you may be able to opt for a smaller cash payment instead, though this is subject to the total funds available in the settlement pool.
Compensation for Lost Time
If you spent time dealing with the aftermath of the breach—such as monitoring your accounts, calling your bank, or resolving fraudulent charges—you can claim compensation for that time. Typically, you can claim a set number of hours at a designated hourly rate. For small amounts of time, you may only need to provide a brief description of what you did. For more extensive time claims, additional documentation may be required.
Reimbursement for Out-of-Pocket Expenses
If the breach caused you to lose money directly, you can file a claim for reimbursement. This includes costs such as:
- Unreimbursed fraudulent charges on your credit or debit cards.
- Fees paid for credit reports, credit freezes, or credit monitoring.
- Professional fees paid to accountants or attorneys to resolve identity theft.
- Postage, mileage, and phone charges related to resolving issues caused by the breach.
How to File Your Claim Online
Filing a claim is a straightforward process that can be completed through the official settlement administrator’s website. Following these steps will ensure your claim is submitted correctly.
Step 1: Locate Your Unique ID
Check your email or physical mail for a notice about the settlement. This notice should contain a Unique Class Member ID. Entering this ID on the settlement website will pre-populate some of your information and verify your eligibility instantly. If you cannot find an ID, you can still file a claim by providing your personal details manually.
Step 2: Choose Your Benefits
The online form will ask which benefits you would like to receive. You will need to decide between credit monitoring or a potential cash alternative. You will also be asked if you wish to claim compensation for lost time or out-of-pocket expenses. Be honest and accurate in your selections.
Step 3: Provide Supporting Documentation
If you are claiming out-of-pocket expenses, you will need to upload digital copies of your receipts or statements. Ensure these documents clearly show the date and the nature of the expense. For lost time claims, be prepared to provide a narrative of the actions you took to protect your identity.
Step 4: Review and Submit
Before submitting, review all the information you have provided. Ensure your contact information is current, as this is how you will receive your payment or credit monitoring activation code. Once you submit, you should receive a confirmation number. Save this number for your records.
Important Deadlines to Remember
Class action settlements always have strict deadlines. If you miss the deadline to file a claim, you will lose your right to receive any benefits and your right to sue the company individually regarding this specific issue in the future. The deadline is usually set several months after the settlement receives preliminary approval from the court. Always check the official settlement portal for the most current dates, as deadlines can sometimes be extended by the court.
Protecting Your Data in the Future
While settlements provide a way to recover from past breaches, it is equally important to protect your information moving forward. Data breaches have become increasingly common, and staying vigilant is the best defense. Consider implementing the following security measures:
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Always use MFA on your email, banking, and travel accounts. This adds a second layer of security beyond just your password.
- Use a Password Manager: Avoid using the same password across multiple sites. A password manager helps you create and store complex, unique passwords for every service you use.
- Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions. Many apps allow you to set up real-time alerts for every purchase made.
- Freeze Your Credit: If you are concerned about identity theft, freezing your credit with the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) is a highly effective way to prevent unauthorized accounts from being opened in your name.
Conclusion
The Marriott data breach settlement is a significant opportunity for affected guests to receive compensation for the exposure of their personal information. By determining your eligibility, gathering your documentation, and filing your claim through the official administrator’s portal, you can take advantage of the benefits offered. Remember to keep a copy of your confirmation number and stay informed about any updates from the settlement administrator. If you found this guide helpful, we encourage you to explore our other articles on consumer rights, online security, and navigating class action settlements to stay informed and protected in the digital age.