MAPCO to Pay $1.9M to Settle Data Breach Claims

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — MAPCO Express Inc. will pay $1.9 million in a settlement over data security breaches at multiple stores, according to media reports. A Tennessee federal judge approved the settlement on Jan. 10, noting that the deal puts class members first.

Winsouth Credit Union and First National Community Bank claimed in 2014 that MAPCO cost them money when customers' payment card data was compromised following a breach of the retailer's computer systems in May 2013. They accused the company of having inadequate security systems.

The class-action lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee in August 2014, and alleged negligence on MAPCO's part for failing to prevent the breach.

The settlement agreement was first announced in November 2016. To qualify, individuals had to reside in the United States; have their personal or financial data stolen from MAPCO's systems; and be damaged by the data breach. Those who used a credit or debit card at a store owned and operated by MAPCO Express between March 1, 2013 and April 30, 2013 were potentially affected.

According to the settlement terms, claimants will be paid up to $500 for documented out-of-pocket losses, unreimbursed charges or time spent dealing with the data breach, up to five hours at $15 per hour.

The deadline to submit a claim in the settlement is Jan. 26.

MAPCO has 340-plus corporate stores operating primarily in Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia, with additional presence in Arkansas, Virginia, Kentucky and Mississippi. MAPCO operates company stores under the banners MAPCO Express, MAPCO Mart, East Coast, Fast Food and Fuel, Favorite Markets, Delta Express and Discount Food Mart.