If you have ever used Global Tel Link (GTL) to stay in touch with a loved one in a correctional facility, you may be eligible for a payment from a recent class action settlement. This legal agreement addresses concerns regarding how the company handled account balances and service fees. Understanding your rights and the steps required to file a claim is essential for receiving the compensation you may be owed.
Understanding the Global Tel Link Settlement
Global Tel Link, which now often operates under the brand name ViaPath Technologies, is one of the largest providers of communication services for prisons and jails. For years, users have raised concerns about the company’s billing practices, particularly regarding inactive accounts. The class action lawsuit alleged that GTL improperly retained funds from accounts that had not been used for a specific period, effectively seizing the balances of many consumers.
Rather than continuing a lengthy court battle, the parties involved reached a settlement agreement. This settlement provides a fund intended to reimburse eligible individuals who lost money due to these practices. It is important to note that a settlement is not an admission of guilt by the company, but rather a way to resolve the dispute and provide relief to affected customers.
Who is Eligible for a Payment?
Eligibility for a class action settlement is usually defined by a specific “Class Period.” For the GTL settlement, you are generally considered a class member if you had an AdvancePay account with Global Tel Link during the timeframe specified in the legal documents. This typically covers several years of service across various states and facilities.
You may be eligible if you meet the following criteria:
- Account Ownership: You established an AdvancePay account to receive calls from an individual in a correctional facility.
- Inactive Balance: Your account was deemed inactive according to GTL’s policies, and the remaining balance was not refunded to you.
- Specific Dates: Your account activity fell within the dates defined by the settlement agreement.
If you received a notice via mail or email regarding this settlement, it is a strong indicator that you are an eligible class member. These notices often contain a unique Class Member ID that simplifies the claim process.
How Much Money Can You Receive?
The amount each person receives depends on several factors, including the total amount of the settlement fund and the number of people who submit valid claims. In many class action cases, the payout is a percentage of the funds that were originally lost or seized from your account.
If the settlement involves specific fees, you might receive a flat rate for each fee charged. However, because the GTL settlement primarily focuses on unreturned balances, your payment will likely be tied directly to the amount of money that was left in your account when it became inactive. It is important to manage expectations, as the final amount may be adjusted after the settlement administrator calculates all valid submissions.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Claim
Filing a claim is the only way to receive a payment from the settlement. The process is designed to be straightforward so that as many people as possible can participate. Follow these steps to ensure your claim is submitted correctly.
1. Locate Your Notice or Account Information
If you received an official notice, keep it handy. It contains your Unique ID and PIN, which will allow you to log into the settlement website and pre-fill much of your information. If you did not receive a notice but believe you are eligible, you can still file a “generic” claim by providing your contact information and details about your GTL account.
2. Visit the Official Settlement Website
The settlement is managed by a third-party administrator who hosts a dedicated website for the case. This site is the only place where you should enter your personal information. Be cautious of third-party sites that ask for a fee to file your claim; legitimate settlement claims are always free to submit.
3. Complete the Claim Form
The form will ask for your current mailing address, phone number, and email. You will also need to verify that you are the person who owned the account. You may be asked to choose your preferred payment method, such as a paper check, a digital payment via PayPal, or a direct deposit.
4. Submit Before the Deadline
Every class action settlement has a strict deadline for claim submissions. If you miss this date, you will lose your right to receive a payment and your right to sue the company individually for these specific issues in the future. Make sure to submit your form online or mail it with a postmark before the cutoff date.
What Happens After You File?
After the claim deadline passes, the settlement administrator must review every submission for validity. This process can take several months. The court must also hold a “Final Fairness Hearing” to officially approve the settlement and address any objections that were raised.
Once the court grants final approval and any potential appeals are resolved, the administrator will begin distributing payments. This can often take six months to a year after the filing deadline. Patience is necessary during this stage, as the legal system moves slowly to ensure every claim is handled fairly.
Common Questions About the GTL Settlement
What if I no longer have my account number?
If you do not have your account number, you can still file a claim using the name and phone number associated with the account. The settlement administrator will attempt to match your information with GTL’s internal records to verify your eligibility.
Can I opt out of the settlement?
Yes, most settlements allow you to “exclude” yourself. By doing this, you give up your right to a payment from this fund, but you retain the right to sue Global Tel Link on your own regarding these specific legal issues. This is usually only recommended if you intend to hire your own lawyer and pursue a separate case.
Is my information safe when I file?
The settlement administrator is a professional firm hired specifically to handle sensitive data. They use secure encryption to protect your personal and financial information. Your details are used only for the purpose of verifying your claim and issuing your payment.
Tips for a Successful Claim Submission
To ensure your claim is not rejected, double-check all the information you provide. Accuracy is the most important factor in getting your payment processed quickly.
- Use a permanent address: Since payments may take a long time to arrive, use a mailing address where you are certain you will still be living in a year.
- Keep a copy: After submitting your online form, save a PDF copy or print the confirmation page. This is your proof that you filed on time.
- Update your info: If you move after filing, contact the settlement administrator to update your mailing address so your check doesn’t get lost.
Conclusion
Participating in the Global Tel Link settlement is a simple way to reclaim funds that may have been unfairly taken from your account. By following the official claim process and meeting the necessary deadlines, you can ensure that you receive your fair share of the settlement fund. These legal actions serve as an important check on corporate practices, ensuring that service providers treat their customers with transparency and fairness.
If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring our other articles on consumer rights and navigating online services. Staying informed is the best way to protect your finances and make the most of the services you use every day.