Class Calls Memphis Utility Receipts Illegal

(CN) — The City of Memphis' utility provider violates federal law by printing more than the last five digits of customers' credit-card numbers on their receipts, according to a class-action lawsuit.

Lead plaintiff Autumn Everett claims in court that the Memphis Light, Gas and Water Division, or MLGW, violates the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act by how it issues receipts to customers. She sued the utility in Shelby County Circuit Court on Thursday.

"Defendant, at the point of a sale or transaction with plaintiff, provided plaintiff with one or more electronically printed receipts on each of which defendant printed in excess of the last five digits of her credit or debit card number," the 10-page complaint states. "Indeed, defendant printed the first six digits and the last four digits for a total of 10 digits of plaintiff's card number."

Everett says MLGW exposed her to "at least an increased risk of identity theft and credit and/or debit card fraud."

The proposed class includes all Tennessee consumers who were given a MLGW receipt in the past two years that contained more than five digits of their card number.

Everett seeks punitive damages. She is represented by Brian Herrington of Ridgeland, Miss.

MLGW did not immediately respond to a request for comment emailed Friday afternoon.

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