CLAY COUNTY, Florida — In July, the Ask Anthony team told you about checks that people started receiving in the mail as part of an Apple settlement that alleged software updates were hurting performance in iPhones.
When one Clay County woman tried to cash her check, it bounced. She contacted Anthony Austin for help.
"I was surprised my credit union sent it back to me," Desiree McNeil said.
When Desiree McNeil came to Anthony for help, she told him about Apple's “batterygate” settlement back in 2020.
It was the result of a class action lawsuit that alleged Apple issued software updates that slowed down the battery performance of iPhones. While Apple did not admit liability or wrongdoing as part of the settlement, the company did agree to pay up to $500 million to customers.
McNeil was one of the claimants. She received a check for $92.17. She cashed her check on April 1st.
"By April 3rd, my credit union returned a check for insufficient funds. They said that the litigants didn't pay it," McNeil explained.
The check was issued by Huntington Bank, with corporate offices in Columbus, Ohio. Anthony was able to find contact information for corporate executives. He emailed all of them.
Anthony heard back from a representative with Huntington Bank, who was able to get him in contact with the administrator of the account. This week, McNeil received another check.
"I went off to the bank and I physically cashed the check," McNeil added.
Anthony received a statement from the administrator of the account. It reads in part:
"Our records indicate the check Ms. McNeil attempted to cash was voided by our office per our normal policies and procedures because of some inconsistencies around the address for Ms. McNeil. Once a reissued payment is in process, the original check is automatically voided and cannot be cashed even if it contains an otherwise valid void date."
McNeil says her address never changed. But, she has no complaints now that she has received her money.
"I thank you Anthony, and your group, for a job well done. I am totally satisfied," McNeil said.