This Check is Real
More than 1 million Oregonians received settlement checks from a class action lawsuit. However, a large percentage of check recipients are in low income and rural areas whose population is under and unbanked. Beneficial State Bank was asked to support Oregon Consumer Justice (OCJ) to provide check cashing services for settlement checks at our Oregon branches, particularly for those who do not have a bank account or would endure significant service fees or hardship if forced to seek an alternative check cashing service.
THE PROJECT
More than 1 million Oregonians who used a debit card to buy gas at Oregon ARCO and am/pm stations were unfairly and illegally charged a debit card fee. As a result of a class action lawsuit, they will receive a settlement check for $94.42.
However, according to Oregon Consumer Justice (OCJ), a nonprofit organization committed to advancing the rights of consumers, while 1.7 million settlement checks were cut and distributed in 2019, 27% of the checks were NOT cashed. To stop this from happening again and to assure recipients that the settlement checks are valid, OCJ launched an English and Spanish public awareness campaign and website at ThisCheckisReal.org / EsteCheckqueEsReal.org.
Along with public awareness, OCJ recognized that a large percentage of check recipients are in low income and rural areas where under and unbanked populations are relatively high. For many of these Portland residents, they may have had to pay fees to access their money, or potentially not access it at all. To increase access, OCJ partnered with Beneficial State Bank to offer convenient and free check cashing services at the Bank’s Portland branches. Check recipients did not need to open an account to cash their settlement checks.
OUR IMPACT
During the course of the campaign, approximately 80 non-customers cashed their checks with us and 270 customers deposited their checks. Our branch staff shared extremely positive and appreciative responses from customers and non-customers who were able to cash their checks at our branches.
MOVING FORWARD
We will continue to leverage our role as a financial institution to continue to serve our communities, especially those underserved, through mission-aligned opportunities such as This Check is Real.
Other Related Content
Community Economic Development
Capital Magnet Fund
CMF was created to spur investment in affordable housing and related economic development efforts that serve low-income families and communities.
Community Economic Development
Employee-led Pandemic Relief Group
We established an employee-led COVID-19 Response Fund to distribute funds to support community-based organizations that have been hardest hit.
Education
Money Smart Program
FDIC's financial education program is helping people of all ages enhance their financial skills and create positive banking relationships.