Is this class-action settlement email a scam?

It can be. Real class-action settlements exist, which is exactly why scammers copy them. A scam “you're entitled to a payment” email pushes you to a look-alike claims site and asks for your Social Security number, bank account, or a “processing fee” to release your payout — none of which a legitimate settlement collects that way, and legitimate settlements never charge you to receive money.

Genuine settlement notices come from a court-approved claims administrator, link to an official settlement website (often ending in the case name), and ask only for basic claim details — never an upfront fee. You can verify a settlement by searching the case name plus “claims administrator” and checking the official site. Don't pay anything or hand over your SSN from an email link; paste the link into a scam check and confirm the settlement is real first.