Typosquatting (Lookalike Settlement Sites)

Typosquatting is the practice of registering a domain name that closely resembles a legitimate website address, often by changing, adding, or removing a character or using a different domain ending. As ICANN explains, these lookalike domains are designed to catch people who mistype the address of the site they intended to visit.

In the class action settlement context, a typosquatted domain may imitate an official settlement website or claims administrator. A copycat page might reuse case names, logos, colors, or language from a real notice while trying to collect personal or financial information, charge a supposed processing fee, display misleading advertisements, or redirect visitors elsewhere.

The safest check is the full domain name in the browser’s address bar. Compare it character for character with the address printed in the court-approved notice or listed in official court documents. HTTPS protects the connection to a website, but it does not prove the website itself is legitimate. Google Chrome’s security guidance likewise advises users to confirm the site name even when the connection is secure.

Before entering information, open the settlement site from a verified notice or court record rather than relying on an unsolicited email, text, or advertisement. Be cautious if a page asks for an upfront fee to file a settlement claim, requests information that does not appear relevant, or provides contact details that cannot be matched to the official notice. If a supposed settlement check comes with instructions to send part of the money elsewhere, do not do it; the Federal Trade Commission identifies that as a fake-check scam pattern. When uncertain, contact the administrator using the phone number or mailing address in the verified court-approved notice.