What the Cash App Spam Text Lawsuit Settlement Means for Users

A major class-action over unsolicited promotional messages has reached a resolution. In Bottoms v. Block, Inc., Cash App agreed to a $12.5 million settlement after Washington state residents sued over referral-style SMS messages they said arrived without proper consent. The case centers on whether those texts violated federal and state rules that protect people from unwanted marketing on their phones.

Why the case started

The dispute began when people in Washington noticed Cash App’s “Invite Friends” messages landing on their phones. Plaintiffs said many recipients never gave “clear and affirmative” permission to receive promotional texts. Under the federal Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and Washington’s Commercial Electronic Mail Act (CEMA), companies must secure explicit consent before sending marketing SMS. The lawsuit argued Cash App’s referral program fell short of that standard.

Who is eligible and what they can get

Not everyone gets a payout. To qualify, you had to be a Washington state resident who received one of the Cash App referral texts between November 14, 2019, and August 7, 2025. Claimants who meet those criteria may receive a payment estimated between $88 and $147, depending on how many valid claims are filed and administrative costs.

The deadline to file a claim is October 27, 2025. After the court’s final approval at a hearing scheduled for December 2, 2025, administrators will process payments in a step that can take weeks or months.

What Cash App says

Block, Inc. the parent company of Cash App did not admit wrongdoing. The company settled to avoid litigation costs and uncertainty. Part of the practical outcome may be changes in how referral messages are sent and how consent is collected, though the settlement documents focus mainly on compensation and claims handling.

How to claim and what to watch out for

If you think you qualify, use only the official settlement website or court-appointed claim portal listed in the public notice. Scammers often exploit high-profile settlements by sending fake emails or links that try to steal personal data. Key safety tips:

• Do not respond to unsolicited emails claiming to be from the settlement.
  
• Visit only the official claim page linked from reputable legal-notice sites or court records.
  
• File before October 27, 2025, and keep a copy of your submission confirmation.
  
• Expect that payments will only be distributed after final court approval and processing.
  

Why the settlement matters

This agreement is more than a payout. It highlights how growing consumer protections apply to fintech and referral marketing. Apps that rely on viral growth tactics now face clearer limits on when and how they may contact people by text. For consumers, the case is a reminder that legal rules exist to curb intrusive marketing and that compensation is possible when companies cross the line.

Practical impact for users and companies

For users, the settlement offers a modest financial remedy and, potentially, stronger controls over who can send them promo messages. For companies, it signals the importance of audited consent practices: logging user permissions, offering clear opt-in choices, and keeping accurate records of when consent was granted.

Final things to remember

• The settlement applies only to Washington residents who received the specific referral texts in the stated date range.
  
• Payouts are estimated and depend on the number of valid claims.
  
• File only through the official portal and beware of phishing attempts.
  
• Even after settlement, companies commonly update their messaging policies so expect changes in how referrals and promos are handled going forward.
  

If you received unexpected Cash App referral texts and lived in Washington during the covered period, it’s worth checking the official claim site and the court notices. The process is straightforward, and filing before the October deadline preserves your right to a share of the settlement.

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