That envelope sitting on your counter—the one from a law firm you’ve never heard of—might actually be worth opening. I nearly threw away my Aseltine v Bana class settlement notice in 2019, thinking it was junk mail. That mistake almost cost me $94.50.
Decoding That Mysterious Letter
If you received a notice about the Aseltine v Bana class settlement, you weren’t alone. Thousands of consumers with cellular phone numbers linked to Banco Popular accounts got the same letter. Your first thought was probably: “Is this a scam?”
Here’s what made it legitimate: a specific case number (Case No. 1:16-cv-20837), real attorneys from established firms, and multiple verification methods. The letter explained you were part of a class action because Banco Popular allegedly violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act by making unauthorized marketing calls to your cell phone.
Maria Gonzalez from Chicago recalls: “I thought it was absolutely a scam. Banks don’t just send you money, right? But I Googled the case number, found the actual court documents, and realized this was legitimate.”
What That Letter Offered You
Between 2012 and 2017, Banco Popular allegedly used automated dialing systems to blast marketing calls to cell phones without permission. The bank agreed to pay $6.8 million to settle these claims. Your letter outlined three choices:
File a claim: Receive $25 to $125, depending on participation rates.
Do nothing: Be bound by the settlement but receive no money.
Opt out: Keep your right to sue separately, but forfeit settlement payment.
The Numbers Behind Your Payment
The Federal Trade Commission reports consumers filed 5.2 million unwanted call complaints in 2019 alone—one every six seconds. The Aseltine v Bana class settlement addressed a fraction of this problem but set an important precedent.
Class action settlements typically see response rates between 5-20%. Many people left money unclaimed. David Chen filed his claim immediately: “I kept records of every Banco Popular call—dates, times, what they were selling. I received $94.50 five months later. My friend ignored his letter and got nothing.”
Payment amounts varied based on total participation. The $6.8 million was divided among all valid claimants—more participants meant smaller individual payments.
The Timeline That Mattered
Notice letters went out in spring 2019. The claim deadline arrived approximately 90 days later—a tight window many people missed. After the deadline, administrators calculated payments based on valid claims filed. By early 2020, checks started arriving, taking four to seven months depending on processing times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still file a claim for the Aseltine v Bana class settlement?
No. The deadline passed in 2019, and payments were distributed in 2020. However, documenting current unwanted calls could help you participate in future settlements.
How do I verify if future settlement letters are legitimate?
Look for a court case number you can verify online, contact information for class counsel, a claim deadline, and opt-out instructions. Never call phone numbers in suspicious letters—research the case independently through official court databases.
Why did payment amounts differ?
The $6.8 million fund was divided among all valid claimants. If 100,000 people filed, payments were smaller than if only 50,000 filed.
What happened to unclaimed money?
Unclaimed funds went to cy pres recipients—organizations supporting consumer protection causes.
Why This Settlement Mattered
The Aseltine v Bana class settlement wasn’t just a corporate payout. It represented years of litigation over a fundamental right: controlling who contacts you. The TCPA, passed in 1991, protects consumers against unwanted calls, but enforcement relies on lawsuits like this one.
According to U.S. Court data, TCPA class actions resulted in over $1.4 billion in settlements between 2010 and 2020. The $6.8 million Banco Popular paid wasn’t just compensation—it was a deterrent showing that violations carry real costs.
The Human Story
Thomas Bradley, a plaintiff, shared: “I’d be in meetings and my phone would ring. I’d be having dinner with my family and my phone would ring. After asking them to stop ten times and still receiving calls, I felt powerless. This settlement wasn’t about money—it was about being heard.”
Jennifer Williams participated in three TCPA settlements by keeping detailed records: “I note the date, time, and caller for every unwanted marketing call. Those notes have earned me over $400 in settlements. It takes thirty seconds but makes a real difference.”
Protecting Yourself Going Forward
Whether you participated in the Aseltine v Bana class settlement or not, future opportunities may arise. Document unwanted calls with dates, times, and details. Register with the National Do Not Call Registry to strengthen your legal position. Never ignore settlement notices without verifying them—a two-minute online search could prevent missing legitimate compensation.
That letter about the Aseltine v Bana class settlement represented more than potential money. It proved the legal system sometimes works for ordinary people, that corporations face consequences for violating rights, and that your action mattered. The next time an official-looking envelope arrives from a law firm, don’t assume it’s junk mail. Read carefully, verify legitimacy, and remember: justice sometimes arrives in your mailbox.